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[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
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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, 2010
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@syncodeindex tp cp
25
26@c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27@c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
28@syncodeindex vr cp
29@syncodeindex fn cp
30
31@c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32@c This is updated by GNU Press.
33@set EDITION Ninth
34
35@c !!set GDB edit command default editor
36@set EDITOR /bin/ex
37
38@c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
39
40@c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
41@c manuals to an info tree.
42@dircategory Software development
43@direntry
44* Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
45@end direntry
46
47@copying
48Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
491998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
50Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
54any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
58
59(a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
60this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62@end copying
63
64@ifnottex
65This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
68@value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
69@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
70@value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
71@end ifset
72Version @value{GDBVN}.
73
74@insertcopying
75@end ifnottex
76
77@titlepage
78@title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79@subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
80@sp 1
81@subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
83@sp 1
84@subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
85@end ifset
86@author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
87@page
88@tex
89{\parskip=0pt
90\hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
91\hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
92\hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
93}
94@end tex
95
96@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
97Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
9851 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102@insertcopying
103@page
104This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106software in general. We will miss him.
107@end titlepage
108@page
109
110@ifnottex
111@node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113@top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119@value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120@end ifset
121Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127software in general. We will miss him.
128
129@menu
130* Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131* Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133* Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134* Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135* Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136* Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137* Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138* Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139* Stack:: Examining the stack
140* Source:: Examining source files
141* Data:: Examining data
142* Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143* Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144* Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145* Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147* Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149* Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150* Altering:: Altering execution
151* GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152* Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153* Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154* Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155* Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156* Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157* Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158* TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159* Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160* GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161* Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162* JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163
164* GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166* Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
167* Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
168* Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
169* Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
170* Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
171* Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
172* Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
173* Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
174 @value{GDBN}
175* Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
176 the operating system
177* Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
178* Copying:: GNU General Public License says
179 how you can copy and share GDB
180* GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
181* Index:: Index
182@end menu
183
184@end ifnottex
185
186@contents
187
188@node Summary
189@unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
190
191The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
192going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
193program was doing at the moment it crashed.
194
195@value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
196these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
197
198@itemize @bullet
199@item
200Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
201
202@item
203Make your program stop on specified conditions.
204
205@item
206Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
207
208@item
209Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
210effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
211@end itemize
212
213You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
214For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
215For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
216
217@cindex Modula-2
218Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
219@ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
220
221@cindex Pascal
222Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
223nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
224entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
225syntax.
226
227@cindex Fortran
228@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
229it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
230underscore.
231
232@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
233using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
234
235@menu
236* Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
237* Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
238@end menu
239
240@node Free Software
241@unnumberedsec Free Software
242
243@value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
244General Public License
245(GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
246program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
247freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
248the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
249Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
250Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
251
252Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
253you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
254from anyone else.
255
256@unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
257
258The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
259the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
260include with the free software. Many of our most important
261programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
262texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
263when an important free software package does not come with a free
264manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
265gaps today.
266
267Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
268normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
269authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
270copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
271them from the free software world.
272
273That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
274from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
275manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
276only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
277contract to make it non-free.
278
279Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
280price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
281charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
282Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
283problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
284are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
285modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
286
287The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
288free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
289commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
290accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
291
292Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
293When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
294are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
295provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
296manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
297a changed version of the program is not really available to our
298community.
299
300Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
301acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
302author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
303authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
304to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
305may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
306with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
307are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
308of the manual.
309
310However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
311content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
312media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
313obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
314manual to replace it.
315
316Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
317lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
318free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
319the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
320realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
321the free software community.
322
323If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
324the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
325license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
326don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
327will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
328option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
329what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
330try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
331is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
332
333You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
334manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
335copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
336improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
337at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
338and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
339Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
340have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
341
342The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
343published by other publishers, at
344@url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
345
346@node Contributors
347@unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
348
349Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
350other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
351development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
352of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
353to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
354file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
355blow-by-blow account.
356
357Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
358
359@quotation
360@emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
361or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
362omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
363@end quotation
364
365So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
366particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
367releases:
368Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
369Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
370Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
371Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
372Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
373Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
374John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
375Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
376and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
377
378Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
379Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
380
381Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
382in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
383Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
384demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
385much general update work leading to release 3.0).
386
387@value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
388object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
389Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
390
391David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
392the original support for encapsulated COFF.
393
394Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
395
396Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
397Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
398support.
399Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
400Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
401Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
402David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
403Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
404Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
405Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
406Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
407Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
408Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
409Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
410Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
411Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
412Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
413Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
414Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
415
416Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
417
418Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
419libraries.
420
421Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
422about several machine instruction sets.
423
424Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
425remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
426contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
427and RDI targets, respectively.
428
429Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
430command-line editing and command history.
431
432Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
433Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
434
435Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
436He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
437symbols.
438
439Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
440H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
441
442NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
443
444Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
445processors.
446
447Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
448
449Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
450
451Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
452
453Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
454watchpoints.
455
456Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
457
458Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
459
460Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
461nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
462
463The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
464support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
465(narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
466compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
467Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
468Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
469provided HP-specific information in this manual.
470
471DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
472Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
473
474Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
475development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
476fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
477Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
478Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
479Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
480Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
481addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
482JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
483Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
484Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
485Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
486Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
487Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
488Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
489
490Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
491Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
492
493Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
494Hat.
495
496Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
497people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
498Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
499Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
500Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
501with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
502
503Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
504unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
505frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
506Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
507libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
508trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
509complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
510Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
511Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
512Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
513Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
514Weigand.
515
516Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
517Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
518who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
519Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
520
521Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
522Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
523
524@node Sample Session
525@chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
526
527You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
528However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
529debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
530
531@iftex
532In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
533to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
534@end iftex
535
536@c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
537@c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
538
539One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
540processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
541quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
542definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
543session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
544then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
545same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
546@code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
547procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
548
549@smallexample
550$ @b{cd gnu/m4}
551$ @b{./m4}
552@b{define(foo,0000)}
553
554@b{foo}
5550000
556@b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
557
558@b{bar}
5590000
560@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
561
562@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
563@b{baz}
564@b{Ctrl-d}
565m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
566@end smallexample
567
568@noindent
569Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
570
571@smallexample
572$ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
573@c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
574@c FIXME... format to come out better.
575@value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
576 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
577 the conditions.
578There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
579 for details.
580
581@value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
582(@value{GDBP})
583@end smallexample
584
585@noindent
586@value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
587rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
588We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
589that examples fit in this manual.
590
591@smallexample
592(@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
593@end smallexample
594
595@noindent
596We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
597Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
598@code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
599@code{break} command.
600
601@smallexample
602(@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
603Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
604@end smallexample
605
606@noindent
607Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
608control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
609subroutine, the program runs as usual:
610
611@smallexample
612(@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
613Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
614@b{define(foo,0000)}
615
616@b{foo}
6170000
618@end smallexample
619
620@noindent
621To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
622suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
623context where it stops.
624
625@smallexample
626@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
627
628Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
629 at builtin.c:879
630879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
631@end smallexample
632
633@noindent
634Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
635the next line of the current function.
636
637@smallexample
638(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
639882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
640 : nil,
641@end smallexample
642
643@noindent
644@code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
645by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
646@code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
647subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
648
649@smallexample
650(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
651set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
652 at input.c:530
653530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
654@end smallexample
655
656@noindent
657The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
658suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
659shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
660command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
661in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
662stack frame for each active subroutine.
663
664@smallexample
665(@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
666#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
667 at input.c:530
668#1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
669 at builtin.c:882
670#2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
671#3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
672 at macro.c:71
673#4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
674#5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
675@end smallexample
676
677@noindent
678We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
679times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
680falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
681
682@smallexample
683(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6840x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
685(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6860x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
687def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
688(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
689536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
690 : xstrdup(rq);
691(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
692538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
693@end smallexample
694
695@noindent
696The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
697@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
698and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
699(@code{print}) to see their values.
700
701@smallexample
702(@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
703$1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
704(@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
705$2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
706@end smallexample
707
708@noindent
709@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
710To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
711surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
712
713@smallexample
714(@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
715533 xfree(rquote);
716534
717535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
718 : xstrdup (lq);
719536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
720 : xstrdup (rq);
721537
722538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
723539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
724540 @}
725541
726542 void
727@end smallexample
728
729@noindent
730Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
731@code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
732
733@smallexample
734(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
735539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
736(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
737540 @}
738(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
739$3 = 9
740(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
741$4 = 7
742@end smallexample
743
744@noindent
745That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
746@code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
747@code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
748the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
749any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
750assignments.
751
752@smallexample
753(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
754$5 = 7
755(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
756$6 = 9
757@end smallexample
758
759@noindent
760Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
761@code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
762executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
763example that caused trouble initially:
764
765@smallexample
766(@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
767Continuing.
768
769@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
770
771baz
7720000
773@end smallexample
774
775@noindent
776Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
777problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
778lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
779
780@smallexample
781@b{Ctrl-d}
782Program exited normally.
783@end smallexample
784
785@noindent
786The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
787indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
788session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
789
790@smallexample
791(@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
792@end smallexample
793
794@node Invocation
795@chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
796
797This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
798The essentials are:
799@itemize @bullet
800@item
801type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
802@item
803type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
804@end itemize
805
806@menu
807* Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
808* Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
809* Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
810* Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
811@end menu
812
813@node Invoking GDB
814@section Invoking @value{GDBN}
815
816Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
817@value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
818
819You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
820to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
821
822The command-line options described here are designed
823to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
824options may effectively be unavailable.
825
826The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
827specifying an executable program:
828
829@smallexample
830@value{GDBP} @var{program}
831@end smallexample
832
833@noindent
834You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
835specified:
836
837@smallexample
838@value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
839@end smallexample
840
841You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
842to debug a running process:
843
844@smallexample
845@value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
846@end smallexample
847
848@noindent
849would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
850named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
851
852Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
853complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
854debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
855``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
856will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
857
858You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
859executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
860option processing.
861@smallexample
862@value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
863@end smallexample
864This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
865@code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
866
867You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
868@value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
869
870@smallexample
871@value{GDBP} -silent
872@end smallexample
873
874@noindent
875You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
876options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
877
878@noindent
879Type
880
881@smallexample
882@value{GDBP} -help
883@end smallexample
884
885@noindent
886to display all available options and briefly describe their use
887(@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
888
889All options and command line arguments you give are processed
890in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
891@samp{-x} option is used.
892
893
894@menu
895* File Options:: Choosing files
896* Mode Options:: Choosing modes
897* Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
898@end menu
899
900@node File Options
901@subsection Choosing Files
902
903When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
904specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
905the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
906@samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
907first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
908equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
909second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
910equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
911If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
912first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
913to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
914a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
915prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
916
917If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
918such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
919argument and ignore it.
920
921Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
922following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
923them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
924(If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
925than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
926
927@c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
928@c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
929@c it.
930
931@table @code
932@item -symbols @var{file}
933@itemx -s @var{file}
934@cindex @code{--symbols}
935@cindex @code{-s}
936Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
937
938@item -exec @var{file}
939@itemx -e @var{file}
940@cindex @code{--exec}
941@cindex @code{-e}
942Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
943and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
944
945@item -se @var{file}
946@cindex @code{--se}
947Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
948file.
949
950@item -core @var{file}
951@itemx -c @var{file}
952@cindex @code{--core}
953@cindex @code{-c}
954Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
955
956@item -pid @var{number}
957@itemx -p @var{number}
958@cindex @code{--pid}
959@cindex @code{-p}
960Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
961
962@item -command @var{file}
963@itemx -x @var{file}
964@cindex @code{--command}
965@cindex @code{-x}
966Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
967evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
968@xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
969
970@item -eval-command @var{command}
971@itemx -ex @var{command}
972@cindex @code{--eval-command}
973@cindex @code{-ex}
974Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
975
976This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
977also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
978
979@smallexample
980@value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
981 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
982@end smallexample
983
984@item -directory @var{directory}
985@itemx -d @var{directory}
986@cindex @code{--directory}
987@cindex @code{-d}
988Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
989
990@item -r
991@itemx -readnow
992@cindex @code{--readnow}
993@cindex @code{-r}
994Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
995the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
996This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
997
998@end table
999
1000@node Mode Options
1001@subsection Choosing Modes
1002
1003You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1004batch mode or quiet mode.
1005
1006@table @code
1007@item -nx
1008@itemx -n
1009@cindex @code{--nx}
1010@cindex @code{-n}
1011Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1012@value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1013options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1014Files}.
1015
1016@item -quiet
1017@itemx -silent
1018@itemx -q
1019@cindex @code{--quiet}
1020@cindex @code{--silent}
1021@cindex @code{-q}
1022``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1023messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1024
1025@item -batch
1026@cindex @code{--batch}
1027Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1028command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1029initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1030nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1031in the command files.
1032
1033Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1034example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1035make this more useful, the message
1036
1037@smallexample
1038Program exited normally.
1039@end smallexample
1040
1041@noindent
1042(which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1043@value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1044mode.
1045
1046@item -batch-silent
1047@cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1048Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1049@value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1050unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1051for an interactive session.
1052
1053This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1054messages, for example.
1055
1056Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1057writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1058
1059@item -return-child-result
1060@cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1061The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1062process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1063
1064@itemize @bullet
1065@item
1066@value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1067internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1068without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1069@item
1070The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1071@item
1072The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1073the exit code will be -1.
1074@end itemize
1075
1076This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1077when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1078interface.
1079
1080@item -nowindows
1081@itemx -nw
1082@cindex @code{--nowindows}
1083@cindex @code{-nw}
1084``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1085(GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1086interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1087
1088@item -windows
1089@itemx -w
1090@cindex @code{--windows}
1091@cindex @code{-w}
1092If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1093used if possible.
1094
1095@item -cd @var{directory}
1096@cindex @code{--cd}
1097Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1098instead of the current directory.
1099
1100@item -fullname
1101@itemx -f
1102@cindex @code{--fullname}
1103@cindex @code{-f}
1104@sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1105subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1106number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1107displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1108recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1109the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1110and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1111@samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1112frame.
1113
1114@item -epoch
1115@cindex @code{--epoch}
1116The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1117@value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1118routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1119separate window.
1120
1121@item -annotate @var{level}
1122@cindex @code{--annotate}
1123This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1124effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1125(@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1126information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1127expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1128normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1129@sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1130that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1131
1132The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1133(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1134
1135@item --args
1136@cindex @code{--args}
1137Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1138executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1139This option stops option processing.
1140
1141@item -baud @var{bps}
1142@itemx -b @var{bps}
1143@cindex @code{--baud}
1144@cindex @code{-b}
1145Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1146interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1147
1148@item -l @var{timeout}
1149@cindex @code{-l}
1150Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1151for remote debugging.
1152
1153@item -tty @var{device}
1154@itemx -t @var{device}
1155@cindex @code{--tty}
1156@cindex @code{-t}
1157Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1158@c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1159
1160@c resolve the situation of these eventually
1161@item -tui
1162@cindex @code{--tui}
1163Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1164Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1165source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1166(@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1167Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1168@samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1169Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1170
1171@c @item -xdb
1172@c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1173@c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1174@c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1175@c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1176@c systems.
1177
1178@item -interpreter @var{interp}
1179@cindex @code{--interpreter}
1180Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1181program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1182communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1183@xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1184
1185@samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1186@value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1187The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1188previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1189selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1190@sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1191
1192@item -write
1193@cindex @code{--write}
1194Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1195is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1196(@pxref{Patching}).
1197
1198@item -statistics
1199@cindex @code{--statistics}
1200This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1201memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1202
1203@item -version
1204@cindex @code{--version}
1205This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1206no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1207
1208@end table
1209
1210@node Startup
1211@subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1212@cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1213
1214Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1215
1216@enumerate
1217@item
1218Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1219(@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1220
1221@item
1222@cindex init file
1223Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1224used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1225 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1226that file.
1227
1228@item
1229Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1230DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1231@code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1232that file.
1233
1234@item
1235Processes command line options and operands.
1236
1237@item
1238Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1239working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1240different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1241init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1242to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1243@value{GDBN}.
1244
1245@item
1246Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1247Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1248
1249@item
1250Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1251@xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1252files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1253@end enumerate
1254
1255Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1256Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1257file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1258complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1259and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1260option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1261
1262To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1263can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1264
1265@cindex init file name
1266@cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1267@cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1268The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1269The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1270the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1271ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1272@file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1273the file to the standard name.
1274
1275
1276@node Quitting GDB
1277@section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1278@cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1279@cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1280
1281@table @code
1282@kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1283@kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1284@item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1285@itemx q
1286To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1287@code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1288do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1289otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1290error code.
1291@end table
1292
1293@cindex interrupt
1294An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1295terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1296returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1297character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1298until a time when it is safe.
1299
1300If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1301device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1302(@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1303
1304@node Shell Commands
1305@section Shell Commands
1306
1307If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1308debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1309just use the @code{shell} command.
1310
1311@table @code
1312@kindex shell
1313@cindex shell escape
1314@item shell @var{command string}
1315Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1316If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1317shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1318(@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1319@end table
1320
1321The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1322You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1323@value{GDBN}:
1324
1325@table @code
1326@kindex make
1327@cindex calling make
1328@item make @var{make-args}
1329Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1330arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1331@end table
1332
1333@node Logging Output
1334@section Logging Output
1335@cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1336@cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1337
1338You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1339There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1340
1341@table @code
1342@kindex set logging
1343@item set logging on
1344Enable logging.
1345@item set logging off
1346Disable logging.
1347@cindex logging file name
1348@item set logging file @var{file}
1349Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1350@item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1351By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1352you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1353@item set logging redirect [on|off]
1354By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1355Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1356@kindex show logging
1357@item show logging
1358Show the current values of the logging settings.
1359@end table
1360
1361@node Commands
1362@chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1363
1364You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1365name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1366@value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1367key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1368show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1369
1370@menu
1371* Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1372* Completion:: Command completion
1373* Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1374@end menu
1375
1376@node Command Syntax
1377@section Command Syntax
1378
1379A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1380how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1381arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1382command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1383step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1384with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1385
1386@cindex abbreviation
1387@value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1388unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1389documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1390abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1391equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1392names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1393arguments to the @code{help} command.
1394
1395@cindex repeating commands
1396@kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1397A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1398repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1399will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1400repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1401repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1402@ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1403
1404The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1405@key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1406exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1407
1408@value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1409output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1410(@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1411@key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1412repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1413
1414@kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1415@cindex comment
1416Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1417nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1418Files,,Command Files}).
1419
1420@cindex repeating command sequences
1421@kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1422The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1423commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1424then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1425for editing.
1426
1427@node Completion
1428@section Command Completion
1429
1430@cindex completion
1431@cindex word completion
1432@value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1433only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1434are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1435commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1436
1437Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1438of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1439word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1440enter it). For example, if you type
1441
1442@c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1443@c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1444@c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1445@c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1446@smallexample
1447(@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1448@end smallexample
1449
1450@noindent
1451@value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1452the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1453
1454@smallexample
1455(@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1456@end smallexample
1457
1458@noindent
1459You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1460breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1461@samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1462were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1463might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1464to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1465
1466If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1467@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1468characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1469@value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1470example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1471begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1472just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1473function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1474example:
1475
1476@smallexample
1477(@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1478@exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1479make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1480make_abs_section make_function_type
1481make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1482make_cleanup make_reference_type
1483make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1484(@value{GDBP}) b make_
1485@end smallexample
1486
1487@noindent
1488After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1489partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1490command.
1491
1492If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1493can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1494means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1495key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1496one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1497
1498@cindex quotes in commands
1499@cindex completion of quoted strings
1500Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1501parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1502its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1503situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1504@value{GDBN} commands.
1505
1506The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1507name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1508overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1509by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1510may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1511that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1512that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1513word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1514@code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1515@value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1516when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1517
1518@smallexample
1519(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1520bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1521(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1522@end smallexample
1523
1524In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1525quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1526completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1527place:
1528
1529@smallexample
1530(@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1531@exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1532(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1533@end smallexample
1534
1535@noindent
1536In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1537you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1538completion on an overloaded symbol.
1539
1540For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1541Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1542overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1543see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1544
1545@cindex completion of structure field names
1546@cindex structure field name completion
1547@cindex completion of union field names
1548@cindex union field name completion
1549When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1550structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1551confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1552examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1553limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1554left-hand-side:
1555
1556@smallexample
1557(@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1558magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1559to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1560@end smallexample
1561
1562@noindent
1563This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1564@code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1565follows:
1566
1567@smallexample
1568struct ui_file
1569@{
1570 int *magic;
1571 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1572 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1573 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1574 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1575 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1576 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1577 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1578 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1579 void *to_data;
1580@}
1581@end smallexample
1582
1583
1584@node Help
1585@section Getting Help
1586@cindex online documentation
1587@kindex help
1588
1589You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1590using the command @code{help}.
1591
1592@table @code
1593@kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1594@item help
1595@itemx h
1596You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1597display a short list of named classes of commands:
1598
1599@smallexample
1600(@value{GDBP}) help
1601List of classes of commands:
1602
1603aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1604breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1605data -- Examining data
1606files -- Specifying and examining files
1607internals -- Maintenance commands
1608obscure -- Obscure features
1609running -- Running the program
1610stack -- Examining the stack
1611status -- Status inquiries
1612support -- Support facilities
1613tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1614 stopping the program
1615user-defined -- User-defined commands
1616
1617Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1618commands in that class.
1619Type "help" followed by command name for full
1620documentation.
1621Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1622(@value{GDBP})
1623@end smallexample
1624@c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1625
1626@item help @var{class}
1627Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1628list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1629help display for the class @code{status}:
1630
1631@smallexample
1632(@value{GDBP}) help status
1633Status inquiries.
1634
1635List of commands:
1636
1637@c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1638@c to fit in smallbook page size.
1639info -- Generic command for showing things
1640 about the program being debugged
1641show -- Generic command for showing things
1642 about the debugger
1643
1644Type "help" followed by command name for full
1645documentation.
1646Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1647(@value{GDBP})
1648@end smallexample
1649
1650@item help @var{command}
1651With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1652short paragraph on how to use that command.
1653
1654@kindex apropos
1655@item apropos @var{args}
1656The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1657commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1658@var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1659
1660@smallexample
1661apropos reload
1662@end smallexample
1663
1664@noindent
1665results in:
1666
1667@smallexample
1668@c @group
1669set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1670 multiple times in one run
1671show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1672 multiple times in one run
1673@c @end group
1674@end smallexample
1675
1676@kindex complete
1677@item complete @var{args}
1678The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1679for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1680command you want completed. For example:
1681
1682@smallexample
1683complete i
1684@end smallexample
1685
1686@noindent results in:
1687
1688@smallexample
1689@group
1690if
1691ignore
1692info
1693inspect
1694@end group
1695@end smallexample
1696
1697@noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1698@end table
1699
1700In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1701and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1702of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1703manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1704under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1705all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1706
1707@c @group
1708@table @code
1709@kindex info
1710@kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1711@item info
1712This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1713program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1714with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1715registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1716You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1717@w{@code{help info}}.
1718
1719@kindex set
1720@item set
1721You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1722@code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1723@code{set prompt $}.
1724
1725@kindex show
1726@item show
1727In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1728@value{GDBN} itself.
1729You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1730related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1731system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1732which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1733
1734@kindex info set
1735To display all the settable parameters and their current
1736values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1737@code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1738@c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1739@c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1740@c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1741@end table
1742@c @end group
1743
1744Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1745exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1746
1747@table @code
1748@kindex show version
1749@cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1750@item show version
1751Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1752information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1753@value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1754version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1755commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1756system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1757variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1758The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1759@value{GDBN}.
1760
1761@kindex show copying
1762@kindex info copying
1763@cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1764@item show copying
1765@itemx info copying
1766Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1767
1768@kindex show warranty
1769@kindex info warranty
1770@item show warranty
1771@itemx info warranty
1772Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1773if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1774
1775@end table
1776
1777@node Running
1778@chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1779
1780When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1781debugging information when you compile it.
1782
1783You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1784of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1785your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1786kill a child process.
1787
1788@menu
1789* Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1790* Starting:: Starting your program
1791* Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1792* Environment:: Your program's environment
1793
1794* Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1795* Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1796* Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1797* Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1798
1799* Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1800* Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1801* Forks:: Debugging forks
1802* Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1803@end menu
1804
1805@node Compilation
1806@section Compiling for Debugging
1807
1808In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1809debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1810is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1811variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1812and addresses in the executable code.
1813
1814To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1815the compiler.
1816
1817Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1818optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1819compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1820together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1821executables containing debugging information.
1822
1823@value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1824without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1825recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1826program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1827in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1828
1829Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1830@w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1831format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1832
1833@value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1834expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1835about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1836the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1837Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1838provides macro information if you specify the options
1839@option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1840debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1841``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1842ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1843@option{-g} alone.
1844
1845@need 2000
1846@node Starting
1847@section Starting your Program
1848@cindex starting
1849@cindex running
1850
1851@table @code
1852@kindex run
1853@kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1854@item run
1855@itemx r
1856Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1857You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1858argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1859@value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1860(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1861
1862@end table
1863
1864If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1865supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1866that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1867@code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1868like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1869message like this one:
1870
1871@smallexample
1872The "remote" target does not support "run".
1873Try "help target" or "continue".
1874@end smallexample
1875
1876@noindent
1877then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1878first (@pxref{load}).
1879
1880The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1881receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1882information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1883can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1884your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1885divided into four categories:
1886
1887@table @asis
1888@item The @emph{arguments.}
1889Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1890@code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1891is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1892(such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1893the arguments.
1894In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1895@code{SHELL} environment variable.
1896@xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1897
1898@item The @emph{environment.}
1899Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1900use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1901environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1902your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1903
1904@item The @emph{working directory.}
1905Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1906the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1907@xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1908
1909@item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1910Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1911standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1912in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1913set a different device for your program.
1914@xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1915
1916@cindex pipes
1917@emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1918pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1919program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1920wrong program.
1921@end table
1922
1923When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1924immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1925of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1926stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1927or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1928
1929If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1930time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1931table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1932your current breakpoints.
1933
1934@table @code
1935@kindex start
1936@item start
1937@cindex run to main procedure
1938The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1939With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1940other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1941main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1942execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1943procedure, depending on the language used.
1944
1945The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1946breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1947the @samp{run} command.
1948
1949@cindex elaboration phase
1950Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1951executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1952languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1953constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1954@code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1955before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1956will remain to halt execution.
1957
1958Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1959@samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1960underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1961reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1962@samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1963
1964It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1965these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1966your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1967elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1968elaboration code before running your program.
1969
1970@kindex set exec-wrapper
1971@item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1972@itemx show exec-wrapper
1973@itemx unset exec-wrapper
1974When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1975launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1976with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1977@var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1978arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1979appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1980your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1981
1982You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1983its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1984this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1985with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1986
1987For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1988the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1989environment:
1990
1991@smallexample
1992(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1993(@value{GDBP}) run
1994@end smallexample
1995
1996This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
1997@sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
1998
1999@kindex set disable-randomization
2000@item set disable-randomization
2001@itemx set disable-randomization on
2002This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2003randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2004is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2005reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2006
2007This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2008behavior using
2009
2010@smallexample
2011(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2012@end smallexample
2013
2014@item set disable-randomization off
2015Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2016ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2017disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2018@value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2019as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2020disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2021
2022The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2023It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2024cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2025code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2026a code at its expected addresses.
2027
2028Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2029makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2030having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2031library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2032misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2033random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2034startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2035a randomly chosen address.
2036
2037Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2038similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2039a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2040already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2041executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2042
2043Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2044(as long as the randomization is enabled).
2045
2046@item show disable-randomization
2047Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2048the virtual address space of the started program.
2049
2050@end table
2051
2052@node Arguments
2053@section Your Program's Arguments
2054
2055@cindex arguments (to your program)
2056The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2057@code{run} command.
2058They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2059performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2060@code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2061@value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2062the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2063
2064On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2065@value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2066calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2067the program, not by the shell.
2068
2069@code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2070@code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2071
2072@table @code
2073@kindex set args
2074@item set args
2075Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2076@code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2077with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2078using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2079it again without arguments.
2080
2081@kindex show args
2082@item show args
2083Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2084@end table
2085
2086@node Environment
2087@section Your Program's Environment
2088
2089@cindex environment (of your program)
2090The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2091their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2092your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2093path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2094the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2095debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2096environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2097
2098@table @code
2099@kindex path
2100@item path @var{directory}
2101Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2102(the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2103The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2104You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2105system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2106MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2107is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2108
2109You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2110working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2111use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2112@code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2113@var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2114@var{directory} to the search path.
2115@c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2116@c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2117
2118@kindex show paths
2119@item show paths
2120Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2121environment variable).
2122
2123@kindex show environment
2124@item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2125Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2126your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2127print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2128your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2129
2130@kindex set environment
2131@item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2132Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2133changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2134be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2135any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2136parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2137null value.
2138@c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2139@c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2140
2141For example, this command:
2142
2143@smallexample
2144set env USER = foo
2145@end smallexample
2146
2147@noindent
2148tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2149@samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2150are not actually required.)
2151
2152@kindex unset environment
2153@item unset environment @var{varname}
2154Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2155program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2156@code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2157rather than assigning it an empty value.
2158@end table
2159
2160@emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2161the shell indicated
2162by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2163@code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2164that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2165@file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2166your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2167files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2168@file{.profile}.
2169
2170@node Working Directory
2171@section Your Program's Working Directory
2172
2173@cindex working directory (of your program)
2174Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2175working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2176The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2177from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2178working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2179
2180The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2181that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2182Specify Files}.
2183
2184@table @code
2185@kindex cd
2186@cindex change working directory
2187@item cd @var{directory}
2188Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2189
2190@kindex pwd
2191@item pwd
2192Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2193@end table
2194
2195It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2196the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2197during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2198configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2199proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2200current working directory of the debuggee.
2201
2202@node Input/Output
2203@section Your Program's Input and Output
2204
2205@cindex redirection
2206@cindex i/o
2207@cindex terminal
2208By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2209the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2210to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2211modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2212running your program.
2213
2214@table @code
2215@kindex info terminal
2216@item info terminal
2217Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2218program is using.
2219@end table
2220
2221You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2222redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2223
2224@smallexample
2225run > outfile
2226@end smallexample
2227
2228@noindent
2229starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2230
2231@kindex tty
2232@cindex controlling terminal
2233Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2234with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2235argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2236commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2237process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2238
2239@smallexample
2240tty /dev/ttyb
2241@end smallexample
2242
2243@noindent
2244directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2245default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2246that as their controlling terminal.
2247
2248An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2249effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2250terminal.
2251
2252When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2253command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2254for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2255for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2256
2257@cindex inferior tty
2258@cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2259You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2260display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2261program.
2262
2263@table @code
2264@item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2265@kindex set inferior-tty
2266Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2267
2268@item show inferior-tty
2269@kindex show inferior-tty
2270Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2271@end table
2272
2273@node Attach
2274@section Debugging an Already-running Process
2275@kindex attach
2276@cindex attach
2277
2278@table @code
2279@item attach @var{process-id}
2280This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2281outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2282targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2283find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2284or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2285
2286@code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2287executing the command.
2288@end table
2289
2290To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2291which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2292programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2293also have permission to send the process a signal.
2294
2295When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2296the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2297the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2298(@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2299the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2300Specify Files}.
2301
2302The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2303process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2304with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2305you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2306can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2307process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2308attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2309
2310@table @code
2311@kindex detach
2312@item detach
2313When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2314@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2315the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2316that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2317are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2318@code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2319executing the command.
2320@end table
2321
2322If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2323that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2324By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2325things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2326@code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2327Messages}).
2328
2329@node Kill Process
2330@section Killing the Child Process
2331
2332@table @code
2333@kindex kill
2334@item kill
2335Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2336@end table
2337
2338This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2339running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2340is running.
2341
2342On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2343while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2344@code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2345outside the debugger.
2346
2347The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2348relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2349executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2350next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2351reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2352breakpoint settings).
2353
2354@node Inferiors and Programs
2355@section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2356
2357@value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2358session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2359several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2360before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2361multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2362from multiple executables.
2363
2364@cindex inferior
2365@value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2366object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2367a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2368have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2369may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2370identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2371inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2372embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2373of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2374threads running in it.
2375
2376To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2377inferiors}}:
2378
2379@table @code
2380@kindex info inferiors
2381@item info inferiors
2382Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2383
2384@value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2385
2386@enumerate
2387@item
2388the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2389
2390@item
2391the target system's inferior identifier
2392
2393@item
2394the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2395
2396@end enumerate
2397
2398@noindent
2399An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2400indicates the current inferior.
2401
2402For example,
2403@end table
2404@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2405
2406@smallexample
2407(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2408 Num Description Executable
2409 2 process 2307 hello
2410* 1 process 3401 goodbye
2411@end smallexample
2412
2413To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2414
2415@table @code
2416@kindex inferior @var{infno}
2417@item inferior @var{infno}
2418Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2419@var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2420in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2421@end table
2422
2423
2424You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2425@code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2426systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2427automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2428remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2429@w{@code{remove-inferior}} command.
2430
2431@table @code
2432@kindex add-inferior
2433@item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2434Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2435executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2436the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2437change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2438@code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2439
2440@kindex clone-inferior
2441@item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2442Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2443@var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2444number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2445want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2446
2447@smallexample
2448(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2449 Num Description Executable
2450* 1 process 29964 helloworld
2451(@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2452Added inferior 2.
24531 inferiors added.
2454(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2455 Num Description Executable
2456 2 <null> helloworld
2457* 1 process 29964 helloworld
2458@end smallexample
2459
2460You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2461
2462@kindex remove-inferior
2463@item remove-inferior @var{infno}
2464Removes the inferior @var{infno}. It is not possible to remove an
2465inferior that is running with this command. For those, use the
2466@code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2467
2468@end table
2469
2470To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2471inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2472inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2473using the @w{@code{kill inferior}} command:
2474
2475@table @code
2476@kindex detach inferior @var{infno}
2477@item detach inferior @var{infno}
2478Detach from the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2479@var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2480
2481@kindex kill inferior @var{infno}
2482@item kill inferior @var{infno}
2483Kill the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2484@var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2485@end table
2486
2487After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2488@code{detach inferior}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferior}, or after
2489a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2490@code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2491
2492
2493To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2494control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2495
2496@table @code
2497@kindex set print inferior-events
2498@cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2499@item set print inferior-events
2500@itemx set print inferior-events on
2501@itemx set print inferior-events off
2502The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2503disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2504inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2505detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2506
2507@kindex show print inferior-events
2508@item show print inferior-events
2509Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2510inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2511@end table
2512
2513Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2514single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2515value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2516
2517
2518Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2519get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2520spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2521info program-spaces}} command.
2522
2523@table @code
2524@kindex maint info program-spaces
2525@item maint info program-spaces
2526Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2527@value{GDBN}.
2528
2529@value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2530
2531@enumerate
2532@item
2533the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2534
2535@item
2536the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2537the @code{file} command.
2538
2539@end enumerate
2540
2541@noindent
2542An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2543indicates the current program space.
2544
2545In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2546information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2547example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2548
2549@smallexample
2550(@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2551 Id Executable
2552 2 goodbye
2553 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2554* 1 hello
2555@end smallexample
2556
2557Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2558while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2559some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2560same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2561the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2562
2563@smallexample
2564(@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2565 Id Executable
2566* 1 vfork-test
2567 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2568@end smallexample
2569
2570Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2571space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2572@end table
2573
2574@node Threads
2575@section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2576
2577@cindex threads of execution
2578@cindex multiple threads
2579@cindex switching threads
2580In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2581may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2582of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2583the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2584that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2585modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2586registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2587
2588@value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2589programs:
2590
2591@itemize @bullet
2592@item automatic notification of new threads
2593@item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2594@item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2595@item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2596a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2597@item thread-specific breakpoints
2598@item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2599messages on thread start and exit.
2600@item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2601the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2602isn't compatible with the program.
2603@end itemize
2604
2605@quotation
2606@emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2607@value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2608If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2609effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2610from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2611like this:
2612
2613@smallexample
2614(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2615(@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2616Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2617see the IDs of currently known threads.
2618@end smallexample
2619@c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2620@c doesn't support threads"?
2621@end quotation
2622
2623@cindex focus of debugging
2624@cindex current thread
2625The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2626threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2627control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2628This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2629program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2630
2631@cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2632@cindex thread identifier (system)
2633@c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2634@c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2635@c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2636Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2637the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2638form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2639whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2640@sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2641
2642@smallexample
2643[New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2644@end smallexample
2645
2646@noindent
2647when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2648the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2649further qualifier.
2650
2651@c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2652@c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2653@c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2654@c program?
2655@c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2656@c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2657@c threads ab initio?
2658
2659@cindex thread number
2660@cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2661For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2662number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2663
2664@table @code
2665@kindex info threads
2666@item info threads
2667Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2668program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2669
2670@enumerate
2671@item
2672the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2673
2674@item
2675the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2676
2677@item
2678the current stack frame summary for that thread
2679@end enumerate
2680
2681@noindent
2682An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2683indicates the current thread.
2684
2685For example,
2686@end table
2687@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2688
2689@smallexample
2690(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2691 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2692 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2693* 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2694 at threadtest.c:68
2695@end smallexample
2696
2697On HP-UX systems:
2698
2699@cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2700@cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2701For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2702number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2703thread in your program.
2704
2705@cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2706@cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2707@c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2708@c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2709@c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2710Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2711both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2712form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2713whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2714HP-UX, you see
2715
2716@smallexample
2717[New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2718@end smallexample
2719
2720@noindent
2721when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2722
2723@table @code
2724@kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2725@item info threads
2726Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2727program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2728
2729@enumerate
2730@item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2731
2732@item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2733
2734@item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2735@end enumerate
2736
2737@noindent
2738An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2739indicates the current thread.
2740
2741For example,
2742@end table
2743@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2744
2745@smallexample
2746(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2747 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2748 at quicksort.c:137
2749 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2750 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2751 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2752 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2753@end smallexample
2754
2755On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2756Solaris-specific command:
2757
2758@table @code
2759@item maint info sol-threads
2760@kindex maint info sol-threads
2761@cindex thread info (Solaris)
2762Display info on Solaris user threads.
2763@end table
2764
2765@table @code
2766@kindex thread @var{threadno}
2767@item thread @var{threadno}
2768Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2769argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2770shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2771@value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2772you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2773
2774@smallexample
2775@c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2776(@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2777[Switching to process 35 thread 23]
27780x34e5 in sigpause ()
2779@end smallexample
2780
2781@noindent
2782As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2783@samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2784threads.
2785
2786@kindex thread apply
2787@cindex apply command to several threads
2788@item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2789The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2790@var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2791threads that you want affected with the command argument
2792@var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2793shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2794could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2795command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2796
2797@kindex set print thread-events
2798@cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2799@item set print thread-events
2800@itemx set print thread-events on
2801@itemx set print thread-events off
2802The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2803disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2804started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2805be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2806Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2807
2808@kindex show print thread-events
2809@item show print thread-events
2810Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2811have started and exited.
2812@end table
2813
2814@xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2815more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2816programs with multiple threads.
2817
2818@xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2819watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2820
2821@table @code
2822@kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2823@cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2824@item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2825If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2826directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2827If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2828an empty list.
2829
2830On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2831@code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2832inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2833to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2834with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2835from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2836
2837For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2838@value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2839If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2840mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2841will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2842If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2843@value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2844
2845Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2846only on some platforms.
2847
2848@kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2849@item show libthread-db-search-path
2850Display current libthread_db search path.
2851@end table
2852
2853@node Forks
2854@section Debugging Forks
2855
2856@cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2857@cindex multiple processes
2858@cindex processes, multiple
2859On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2860programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2861function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2862parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2863set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2864will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2865will cause it to terminate.
2866
2867However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2868which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2869the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2870only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2871so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2872on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2873get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2874@value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2875the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2876the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2877
2878On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2879create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2880Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2881only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2882
2883By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2884the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2885
2886If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2887use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2888
2889@table @code
2890@kindex set follow-fork-mode
2891@item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2892Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2893@code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2894process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2895
2896@table @code
2897@item parent
2898The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2899unimpeded. This is the default.
2900
2901@item child
2902The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2903unimpeded.
2904
2905@end table
2906
2907@kindex show follow-fork-mode
2908@item show follow-fork-mode
2909Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2910@end table
2911
2912@cindex debugging multiple processes
2913On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2914command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2915
2916@table @code
2917@kindex set detach-on-fork
2918@item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2919Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2920retain debugger control over them both.
2921
2922@table @code
2923@item on
2924The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2925@code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2926independently. This is the default.
2927
2928@item off
2929Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2930One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2931@code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2932is held suspended.
2933
2934@end table
2935
2936@kindex show detach-on-fork
2937@item show detach-on-fork
2938Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2939@end table
2940
2941If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2942will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2943You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2944using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2945to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2946Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2947
2948To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2949from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it
2950to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}}
2951command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2952and Programs}.
2953
2954If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2955@code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2956breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2957@code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2958the child process's @code{main}.
2959
2960On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
2961cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2962
2963If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2964call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
2965process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
2966as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
2967@value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
2968You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
2969command.
2970
2971@table @code
2972@kindex set follow-exec-mode
2973@item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
2974
2975Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
2976@code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
2977
2978@code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
2979
2980@table @code
2981@item new
2982@value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
2983new inferior. The program the process was running before the
2984@code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
2985original inferior.
2986
2987For example:
2988
2989@smallexample
2990(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2991(gdb) info inferior
2992 Id Description Executable
2993* 1 <null> prog1
2994(@value{GDBP}) run
2995process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
2996Program exited normally.
2997(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2998 Id Description Executable
2999* 2 <null> prog2
3000 1 <null> prog1
3001@end smallexample
3002
3003@item same
3004@value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3005executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3006inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3007e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3008running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3009
3010For example:
3011
3012@smallexample
3013(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3014 Id Description Executable
3015* 1 <null> prog1
3016(@value{GDBP}) run
3017process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3018Program exited normally.
3019(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3020 Id Description Executable
3021* 1 <null> prog2
3022@end smallexample
3023
3024@end table
3025@end table
3026
3027You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3028a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3029Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3030
3031@node Checkpoint/Restart
3032@section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3033
3034@cindex checkpoint
3035@cindex restart
3036@cindex bookmark
3037@cindex snapshot of a process
3038@cindex rewind program state
3039
3040On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3041@sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3042program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3043later.
3044
3045Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3046happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3047includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3048system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3049moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3050
3051Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3052getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3053a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3054the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3055from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3056start again from there.
3057
3058This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3059steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3060
3061To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3062
3063@table @code
3064@kindex checkpoint
3065@item checkpoint
3066Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3067The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3068is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3069
3070@kindex info checkpoints
3071@item info checkpoints
3072List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3073session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3074listed:
3075
3076@table @code
3077@item Checkpoint ID
3078@item Process ID
3079@item Code Address
3080@item Source line, or label
3081@end table
3082
3083@kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3084@item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3085Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3086@var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3087etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3088was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3089in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3090
3091Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3092are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3093only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3094the debugger.
3095
3096@kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3097@item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3098Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3099
3100@end table
3101
3102Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3103of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3104(OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3105a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3106so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3107opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3108previously read data can be read again.
3109
3110Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3111external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3112from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3113but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3114be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3115been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3116
3117However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3118program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3119again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3120different execution path this time.
3121
3122@cindex checkpoints and process id
3123Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3124different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3125id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3126and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3127If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3128potentially pose a problem.
3129
3130@subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3131
3132On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3133is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3134difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3135absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3136absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3137next.
3138
3139A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3140Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3141and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3142process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3143your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3144
3145@node Stopping
3146@chapter Stopping and Continuing
3147
3148The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3149program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3150trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3151
3152Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3153such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3154@value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3155change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3156continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3157ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3158explicitly request this information at any time.
3159
3160@table @code
3161@kindex info program
3162@item info program
3163Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3164running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3165@end table
3166
3167@menu
3168* Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3169* Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3170* Signals:: Signals
3171* Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3172@end menu
3173
3174@node Breakpoints
3175@section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3176
3177@cindex breakpoints
3178A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3179the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3180control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3181breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3182Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3183should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3184program.
3185
3186On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3187the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3188you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3189in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3190(for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3191call).
3192
3193@cindex watchpoints
3194@cindex data breakpoints
3195@cindex memory tracing
3196@cindex breakpoint on memory address
3197@cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3198A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3199when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3200of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3201combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3202@dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3203watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3204from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3205enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3206same commands.
3207
3208You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3209whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3210Automatic Display}.
3211
3212@cindex catchpoints
3213@cindex breakpoint on events
3214A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3215when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3216exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3217different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3218Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3219other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3220@code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3221
3222@cindex breakpoint numbers
3223@cindex numbers for breakpoints
3224@value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3225catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3226starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3227features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3228breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3229@dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3230enable it again.
3231
3232@cindex breakpoint ranges
3233@cindex ranges of breakpoints
3234Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3235operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3236@samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3237hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3238all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3239
3240@menu
3241* Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3242* Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3243* Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3244* Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3245* Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3246* Conditions:: Break conditions
3247* Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3248* Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3249* Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3250@end menu
3251
3252@node Set Breaks
3253@subsection Setting Breakpoints
3254
3255@c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3256@c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3257@c
3258@c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3259
3260@kindex break
3261@kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3262@vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3263@cindex latest breakpoint
3264Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3265@code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3266number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3267Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3268convenience variables.
3269
3270@table @code
3271@item break @var{location}
3272Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3273function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3274(@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3275specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3276before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3277
3278When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3279C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3280@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3281that situation.
3282
3283It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3284only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3285or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3286
3287@item break
3288When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3289the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3290(@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3291innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3292returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3293@code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3294that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3295@code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3296the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3297inside loops.
3298
3299@value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3300least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3301would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3302breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3303existed when your program stopped.
3304
3305@item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3306Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3307@var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3308value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3309@samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3310above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3311,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3312
3313@kindex tbreak
3314@item tbreak @var{args}
3315Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3316same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3317way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3318program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3319
3320@kindex hbreak
3321@cindex hardware breakpoints
3322@item hbreak @var{args}
3323Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3324@code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3325breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3326have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3327debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3328changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3329provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3330will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3331address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3332breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3333example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3334@value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3335or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3336(@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3337@xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3338For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3339breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3340hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3341
3342@kindex thbreak
3343@item thbreak @var{args}
3344Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3345are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3346the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3347the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3348first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3349command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3350may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3351See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3352
3353@kindex rbreak
3354@cindex regular expression
3355@cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3356@cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3357@item rbreak @var{regex}
3358Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3359@var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3360matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3361breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3362the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3363them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3364
3365The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3366like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3367shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3368an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3369@code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3370match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3371
3372@cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3373When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3374breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3375classes.
3376
3377@cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3378The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3379@strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3380
3381@smallexample
3382(@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3383@end smallexample
3384
3385@kindex info breakpoints
3386@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3387@item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3388@itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3389@itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3390Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3391not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3392about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3393each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3394
3395@table @emph
3396@item Breakpoint Numbers
3397@item Type
3398Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3399@item Disposition
3400Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3401@item Enabled or Disabled
3402Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3403that are not enabled.
3404@item Address
3405Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3406pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3407contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3408library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3409See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3410have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3411@item What
3412Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3413line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3414the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3415the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3416@end table
3417
3418@noindent
3419If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3420the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3421are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3422specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3423library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3424valid location.
3425
3426@noindent
3427@code{info break} with a breakpoint
3428number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3429convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3430the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3431listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3432
3433@noindent
3434@code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3435has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3436@code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3437hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3438was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3439will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3440@end table
3441
3442@value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3443your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3444the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3445(@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3446
3447@cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3448@cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3449It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3450in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3451
3452@itemize @bullet
3453@item
3454For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3455instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3456
3457@item
3458For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3459correspond to any number of instantiations.
3460
3461@item
3462For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3463several places where that function is inlined.
3464@end itemize
3465
3466In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3467the relevant locations@footnote{
3468As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3469line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3470will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3471info with line numbers for them.}.
3472
3473A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3474table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3475each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3476address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3477addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3478locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3479@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3480
3481For example:
3482
3483@smallexample
3484Num Type Disp Enb Address What
34851 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3486 stop only if i==1
3487 breakpoint already hit 1 time
34881.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
34891.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3490@end smallexample
3491
3492Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3493@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3494@code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3495delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3496entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3497the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3498the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3499the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3500that belong to that breakpoint.
3501
3502@cindex pending breakpoints
3503It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3504Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3505and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3506this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3507any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3508set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3509debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3510symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3511breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3512a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3513is not yet resolved.
3514
3515After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3516@value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3517shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3518pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3519ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3520that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3521
3522This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3523example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3524a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3525a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3526
3527Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3528differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3529enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3530
3531@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3532happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3533address specification to an address:
3534
3535@kindex set breakpoint pending
3536@kindex show breakpoint pending
3537@table @code
3538@item set breakpoint pending auto
3539This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3540location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3541
3542@item set breakpoint pending on
3543This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3544result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3545
3546@item set breakpoint pending off
3547This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3548unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3549not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3550
3551@item show breakpoint pending
3552Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3553@end table
3554
3555The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3556variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3557as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3558
3559@cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3560For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3561software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3562breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3563breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3564breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3565breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3566breakpoints.
3567
3568You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3569
3570@kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3571@kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3572@table @code
3573@item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3574This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3575will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3576breakpoint must be used.
3577
3578@item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3579This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3580type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3581trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3582@end table
3583
3584@value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3585at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3586executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3587code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3588the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3589behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3590target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3591targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3592This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3593
3594@kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3595@kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3596@table @code
3597@item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3598All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3599the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3600removed from the target when it stops.
3601
3602@item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3603Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3604the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3605breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3606removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3607
3608@cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3609@item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3610This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3611in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3612@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3613controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3614@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3615@end table
3616
3617@cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3618@cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3619@value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3620special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3621programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3622starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3623You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3624@samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3625
3626
3627@node Set Watchpoints
3628@subsection Setting Watchpoints
3629
3630@cindex setting watchpoints
3631You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3632expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3633this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3634The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3635as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3636
3637@itemize @bullet
3638@item
3639A reference to the value of a single variable.
3640
3641@item
3642An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3643@samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3644address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3645
3646@item
3647An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3648expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3649language (@pxref{Languages}).
3650@end itemize
3651
3652You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3653not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3654@samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3655@value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3656the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3657valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3658pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3659@code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3660the expression changes.
3661
3662@cindex software watchpoints
3663@cindex hardware watchpoints
3664Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3665hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3666program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3667times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3668catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3669culprit.)
3670
3671On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3672x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3673watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3674
3675@table @code
3676@kindex watch
3677@item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3678Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3679expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3680changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3681to watch the value of a single variable:
3682
3683@smallexample
3684(@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3685@end smallexample
3686
3687If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3688clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3689@var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3690change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3691that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3692with Hardware Watchpoints.
3693
3694@kindex rwatch
3695@item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3696Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3697by the program.
3698
3699@kindex awatch
3700@item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3701Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3702or written into by the program.
3703
3704@kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3705@item info watchpoints
3706This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3707it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3708@end table
3709
3710@value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3711watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3712value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3713cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3714executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3715@emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3716
3717@cindex use only software watchpoints
3718You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3719@kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3720zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3721the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3722watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3723@code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3724mechanism of watching expression values.)
3725
3726@table @code
3727@item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3728@kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3729Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3730
3731@item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3732@kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3733Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3734@end table
3735
3736For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3737watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3738hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3739
3740When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3741
3742@smallexample
3743Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3744@end smallexample
3745
3746@noindent
3747if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3748
3749Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3750hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3751value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3752every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3753that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3754hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3755will print a message like this:
3756
3757@smallexample
3758Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3759@end smallexample
3760
3761Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3762data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3763watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3764can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3765cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3766double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3767wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3768into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3769
3770If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3771to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3772Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3773time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3774able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3775warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3776
3777@smallexample
3778Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3779@end smallexample
3780
3781@noindent
3782If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3783
3784Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3785exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3786That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3787expression with separately allocated resources.
3788
3789If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3790any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3791kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3792
3793@value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3794(automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3795they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3796which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3797being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3798and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3799rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3800way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3801@code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3802
3803@cindex watchpoints and threads
3804@cindex threads and watchpoints
3805In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3806watched expression from every thread.
3807
3808@quotation
3809@emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3810have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3811watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3812single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3813change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3814confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3815software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3816when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3817watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3818@end quotation
3819
3820@xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3821
3822@node Set Catchpoints
3823@subsection Setting Catchpoints
3824@cindex catchpoints, setting
3825@cindex exception handlers
3826@cindex event handling
3827
3828You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3829kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3830shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3831
3832@table @code
3833@kindex catch
3834@item catch @var{event}
3835Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3836@table @code
3837@item throw
3838@cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3839The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3840
3841@item catch
3842The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3843
3844@item exception
3845@cindex Ada exception catching
3846@cindex catch Ada exceptions
3847An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3848at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3849the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3850Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3851
3852When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3853name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3854fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3855@value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3856rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3857called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3858the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3859Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3860
3861@item exception unhandled
3862An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3863
3864@item assert
3865A failed Ada assertion.
3866
3867@item exec
3868@cindex break on fork/exec
3869A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3870and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3871
3872@item syscall
3873@itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @r{...}
3874@cindex break on a system call.
3875A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3876syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3877from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3878@value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3879debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3880argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3881will be caught.
3882
3883@var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3884underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3885GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3886names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3887
3888@c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3889@c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3890@c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3891@c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3892
3893Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3894each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3895facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3896available choices.
3897
3898You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3899number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
3900identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
3901name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
3902into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
3903may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
3904list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
3905behind the OS upgrades).
3906
3907The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
3908arguments to it:
3909
3910@smallexample
3911(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3912Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
3913(@value{GDBP}) r
3914Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3915
3916Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
3917 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3918(@value{GDBP}) c
3919Continuing.
3920
3921Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
3922 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3923(@value{GDBP})
3924@end smallexample
3925
3926Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
3927
3928@smallexample
3929(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
3930Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
3931(@value{GDBP}) r
3932Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3933
3934Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
3935 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3936(@value{GDBP}) c
3937Continuing.
3938
3939Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
3940 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3941(@value{GDBP})
3942@end smallexample
3943
3944An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
3945below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
3946file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
3947
3948@smallexample
3949(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
3950Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
3951(@value{GDBP}) r
3952Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3953
3954Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
3955 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3956(@value{GDBP}) c
3957Continuing.
3958
3959Program exited normally.
3960(@value{GDBP})
3961@end smallexample
3962
3963However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
3964in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
3965a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
3966but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
3967
3968@smallexample
3969(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
3970warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
3971Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
3972(@value{GDBP})
3973@end smallexample
3974
3975If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
3976it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
3977architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
3978you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
3979notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
3980name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
3981
3982@smallexample
3983(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3984warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
3985warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
3986GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
3987Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
3988(@value{GDBP})
3989@end smallexample
3990
3991Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
3992
3993Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
3994number. In this case, you would see something like:
3995
3996@smallexample
3997(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
3998Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
3999@end smallexample
4000
4001Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4002
4003@item fork
4004A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4005and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4006
4007@item vfork
4008A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4009and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4010
4011@end table
4012
4013@item tcatch @var{event}
4014Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4015automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4016
4017@end table
4018
4019Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4020
4021There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4022(@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4023
4024@itemize @bullet
4025@item
4026If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4027control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4028raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4029returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4030simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4031that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4032you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4033disabled within interactive calls.
4034
4035@item
4036You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4037
4038@item
4039You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4040@end itemize
4041
4042@cindex raise exceptions
4043Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4044if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4045stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4046can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4047breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4048out where the exception was raised.
4049
4050To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4051knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4052raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4053which has the following ANSI C interface:
4054
4055@smallexample
4056 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4057 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4058 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4059@end smallexample
4060
4061@noindent
4062To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4063unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4064(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4065
4066With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4067that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4068a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4069breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4070raised.
4071
4072
4073@node Delete Breaks
4074@subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4075
4076@cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4077@cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4078It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4079catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4080to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4081breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4082
4083With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4084where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4085delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4086their breakpoint numbers.
4087
4088It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4089automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4090when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4091
4092@table @code
4093@kindex clear
4094@item clear
4095Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4096selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4097the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4098breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4099
4100@item clear @var{location}
4101Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4102@xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4103most useful ones are listed below:
4104
4105@table @code
4106@item clear @var{function}
4107@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4108Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4109
4110@item clear @var{linenum}
4111@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4112Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4113@var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4114@end table
4115
4116@cindex delete breakpoints
4117@kindex delete
4118@kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4119@item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4120Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4121ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4122breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4123confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4124@end table
4125
4126@node Disabling
4127@subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4128
4129@cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4130Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4131prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4132it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4133that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4134
4135You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4136the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
4137or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
4138@code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
4139catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
4140
4141Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4142affects all of its locations.
4143
4144A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4145states of enablement:
4146
4147@itemize @bullet
4148@item
4149Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4150with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4151@item
4152Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4153@item
4154Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4155disabled.
4156@item
4157Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4158immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4159set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4160@end itemize
4161
4162You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4163watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4164
4165@table @code
4166@kindex disable
4167@kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4168@item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4169Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4170listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4171options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4172case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4173@code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4174
4175@kindex enable
4176@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4177Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4178become effective once again in stopping your program.
4179
4180@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4181Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4182of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4183
4184@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4185Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4186deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4187Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4188@end table
4189
4190@c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4191@c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4192Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4193,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4194subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4195the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4196breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4197breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4198Stepping}.)
4199
4200@node Conditions
4201@subsection Break Conditions
4202@cindex conditional breakpoints
4203@cindex breakpoint conditions
4204
4205@c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4206@c in particular for a watchpoint?
4207The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4208specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4209breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4210programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4211a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4212and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4213
4214This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4215situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4216when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4217by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4218@samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4219
4220Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4221since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4222it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4223and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4224one.
4225
4226Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4227your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4228that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4229format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4230unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4231that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4232program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4233breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4234conditions for the
4235purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4236(@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4237
4238Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4239@samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4240Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4241with the @code{condition} command.
4242
4243You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4244The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4245@code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4246catchpoint.
4247
4248@table @code
4249@kindex condition
4250@item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4251Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4252watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4253breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4254@var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4255@code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4256syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4257referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4258symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4259prints an error message:
4260
4261@smallexample
4262No symbol "foo" in current context.
4263@end smallexample
4264
4265@noindent
4266@value{GDBN} does
4267not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4268command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4269@code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4270
4271@item condition @var{bnum}
4272Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4273an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4274@end table
4275
4276@cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4277A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4278breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4279useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4280count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4281is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4282therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4283ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4284the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4285value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4286your program reaches it.
4287
4288@table @code
4289@kindex ignore
4290@item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4291Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4292The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4293execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4294takes no action.
4295
4296To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4297a count of zero.
4298
4299When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4300breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4301@code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4302Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4303
4304If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4305condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4306@value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4307
4308You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4309as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4310is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4311Variables}.
4312@end table
4313
4314Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4315
4316
4317@node Break Commands
4318@subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4319
4320@cindex breakpoint commands
4321You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4322commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4323example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4324enable other breakpoints.
4325
4326@table @code
4327@kindex commands
4328@kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4329@item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
4330@itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4331@itemx end
4332Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
4333themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4334@code{end} to terminate the commands.
4335
4336To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4337follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4338
4339With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
4340breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
4341recently encountered).
4342@end table
4343
4344Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4345disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4346
4347You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4348use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4349that resumes execution.
4350
4351Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4352execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4353(even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4354another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4355ambiguities about which list to execute.
4356
4357@kindex silent
4358If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4359usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4360be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4361then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4362see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4363meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4364
4365The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4366print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4367breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4368
4369For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4370value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4371
4372@smallexample
4373break foo if x>0
4374commands
4375silent
4376printf "x is %d\n",x
4377cont
4378end
4379@end smallexample
4380
4381One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4382you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4383of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4384erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4385to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4386so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4387command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4388
4389@smallexample
4390break 403
4391commands
4392silent
4393set x = y + 4
4394cont
4395end
4396@end smallexample
4397
4398@c @ifclear BARETARGET
4399@node Error in Breakpoints
4400@subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4401
4402If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4403watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4404
4405@c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4406@c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4407@smallexample
4408Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4409You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4410@end smallexample
4411
4412@noindent
4413This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4414only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4415watchpoints it needs to insert.
4416
4417When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4418hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4419
4420@node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4421@subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4422@cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4423
4424Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4425which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4426@value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4427with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4428
4429One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4430a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4431bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4432constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4433bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4434honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4435first in the bundle.
4436
4437It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4438instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4439a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4440another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4441breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4442printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4443is hit.
4444
4445A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4446that's been subject to address adjustment:
4447
4448@smallexample
4449warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4450@end smallexample
4451
4452Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4453internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4454verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4455desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4456other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4457E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4458instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4459cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4460
4461@value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4462adjusted breakpoints:
4463
4464@smallexample
4465warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4466to 0x00010410.
4467@end smallexample
4468
4469When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4470action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4471frequently than expected.
4472
4473@node Continuing and Stepping
4474@section Continuing and Stepping
4475
4476@cindex stepping
4477@cindex continuing
4478@cindex resuming execution
4479@dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4480completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4481one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4482line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4483particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4484your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4485it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4486@samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4487
4488@table @code
4489@kindex continue
4490@kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4491@kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4492@item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4493@itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4494@itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4495Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4496any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4497@var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4498ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4499@code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4500
4501The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4502stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4503@code{continue} is ignored.
4504
4505The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4506debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4507purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4508@code{continue}.
4509@end table
4510
4511To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4512(@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4513calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4514Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4515
4516A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4517(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4518beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4519is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4520and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4521interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4522
4523@table @code
4524@kindex step
4525@kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4526@item step
4527Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4528line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4529abbreviated @code{s}.
4530
4531@quotation
4532@c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4533@c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4534@c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4535@c distinction here.
4536@emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4537within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4538execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4539debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4540is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4541without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4542below.
4543@end quotation
4544
4545The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4546line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4547@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4548to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4549the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4550called within the line.
4551
4552Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4553number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4554@code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4555on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4556was any debugging information about the routine.
4557
4558@item step @var{count}
4559Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4560breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4561@var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4562
4563@kindex next
4564@kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4565@item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4566Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4567This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4568the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4569control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4570that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4571is abbreviated @code{n}.
4572
4573An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4574
4575
4576@c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4577@c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4578@c
4579@c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4580@c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4581@c function are executed without stopping.
4582
4583The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4584source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4585@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4586
4587@kindex set step-mode
4588@item set step-mode
4589@cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4590@cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4591@itemx set step-mode on
4592The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4593stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4594information rather than stepping over it.
4595
4596This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4597machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4598want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4599
4600@item set step-mode off
4601Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4602debug information. This is the default.
4603
4604@item show step-mode
4605Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4606source line debug information.
4607
4608@kindex finish
4609@kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4610@item finish
4611Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4612returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4613abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4614
4615Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4616,Returning from a Function}).
4617
4618@kindex until
4619@kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4620@cindex run until specified location
4621@item until
4622@itemx u
4623Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4624current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4625stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4626command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4627automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4628than the address of the jump.
4629
4630This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4631though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4632exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4633simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4634through the next iteration.
4635
4636@code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4637stack frame.
4638
4639@code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4640of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4641example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4642(@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4643@code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4644
4645@smallexample
4646(@value{GDBP}) f
4647#0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4648206 expand_input();
4649(@value{GDBP}) until
4650195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4651@end smallexample
4652
4653This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4654generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4655start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4656written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4657to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4658expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4659statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4660
4661@code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4662instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4663argument.
4664
4665@item until @var{location}
4666@itemx u @var{location}
4667Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4668reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4669the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4670This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4671hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4672location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4673implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4674invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4675line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4676line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4677invocations have returned.
4678
4679@smallexample
468094 int factorial (int value)
468195 @{
468296 if (value > 1) @{
468397 value *= factorial (value - 1);
468498 @}
468599 return (value);
4686100 @}
4687@end smallexample
4688
4689
4690@kindex advance @var{location}
4691@itemx advance @var{location}
4692Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4693required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4694@ref{Specify Location}.
4695Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4696frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4697not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4698have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4699
4700
4701@kindex stepi
4702@kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4703@item stepi
4704@itemx stepi @var{arg}
4705@itemx si
4706Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4707
4708It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4709instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4710instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4711Display,, Automatic Display}.
4712
4713An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4714
4715@need 750
4716@kindex nexti
4717@kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4718@item nexti
4719@itemx nexti @var{arg}
4720@itemx ni
4721Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4722proceed until the function returns.
4723
4724An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4725@end table
4726
4727@node Signals
4728@section Signals
4729@cindex signals
4730
4731A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4732operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4733kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4734signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4735@code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4736memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4737the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4738requested an alarm).
4739
4740@cindex fatal signals
4741Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4742functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4743errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4744program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4745@code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4746fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4747
4748@value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4749program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4750signal.
4751
4752@cindex handling signals
4753Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4754@code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4755(so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4756but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4757You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4758
4759@table @code
4760@kindex info signals
4761@kindex info handle
4762@item info signals
4763@itemx info handle
4764Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4765handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4766the defined types of signals.
4767
4768@item info signals @var{sig}
4769Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4770
4771@code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4772
4773@kindex handle
4774@item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4775Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4776can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4777@samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4778@samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4779known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4780say what change to make.
4781@end table
4782
4783@c @group
4784The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4785Their full names are:
4786
4787@table @code
4788@item nostop
4789@value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4790still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4791
4792@item stop
4793@value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4794the @code{print} keyword as well.
4795
4796@item print
4797@value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4798
4799@item noprint
4800@value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4801implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4802
4803@item pass
4804@itemx noignore
4805@value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4806can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4807and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4808
4809@item nopass
4810@itemx ignore
4811@value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4812@code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4813@end table
4814@c @end group
4815
4816When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4817program until you
4818continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4819effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4820after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4821command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4822program sees that signal when you continue.
4823
4824The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4825non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4826@code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4827erroneous signals.
4828
4829You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4830seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4831or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4832due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4833values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4834execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4835a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4836you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4837Program a Signal}.
4838
4839@cindex extra signal information
4840@anchor{extra signal information}
4841
4842On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4843associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4844delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4845by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4846that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4847receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4848target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4849$_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4850standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4851system header.
4852
4853Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4854referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4855
4856@smallexample
4857@group
4858(@value{GDBP}) continue
4859Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
48600x0000000000400766 in main ()
486169 *(int *)p = 0;
4862(@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4863type = struct @{
4864 int si_signo;
4865 int si_errno;
4866 int si_code;
4867 union @{
4868 int _pad[28];
4869 struct @{...@} _kill;
4870 struct @{...@} _timer;
4871 struct @{...@} _rt;
4872 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4873 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4874 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4875 @} _sifields;
4876@}
4877(@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4878type = struct @{
4879 void *si_addr;
4880@}
4881(@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4882$1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4883@end group
4884@end smallexample
4885
4886Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4887
4888@node Thread Stops
4889@section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4890
4891@cindex stopped threads
4892@cindex threads, stopped
4893
4894@cindex continuing threads
4895@cindex threads, continuing
4896
4897@value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4898(@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4899are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4900debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4901when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4902or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4903@value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4904@dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4905you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4906
4907@menu
4908* All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4909* Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4910* Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4911* Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4912* Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4913@end menu
4914
4915@node All-Stop Mode
4916@subsection All-Stop Mode
4917
4918@cindex all-stop mode
4919
4920In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4921@emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4922allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4923switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4924underfoot.
4925
4926Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4927executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4928like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4929
4930In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4931Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4932system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4933execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4934single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4935statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4936stops.
4937
4938You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4939continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4940thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4941first thread completes whatever you requested.
4942
4943@cindex automatic thread selection
4944@cindex switching threads automatically
4945@cindex threads, automatic switching
4946Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4947signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4948signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4949message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4950thread.
4951
4952On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4953locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4954
4955@table @code
4956@item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4957@cindex scheduler locking mode
4958@cindex lock scheduler
4959Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4960locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4961current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4962mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4963from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4964the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4965Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4966when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4967function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4968like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4969thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4970the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4971
4972@item show scheduler-locking
4973Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4974@end table
4975
4976@cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
4977By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
4978@code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
4979threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
4980is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
4981@code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
4982inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
4983forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
4984it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
4985situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
4986of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
4987to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
4988you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
4989inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
4990
4991@table @code
4992@kindex set schedule-multiple
4993@item set schedule-multiple
4994Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
4995when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
4996all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
4997of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
4998@code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
4999or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5000
5001@item show schedule-multiple
5002Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5003multiple processes.
5004@end table
5005
5006@node Non-Stop Mode
5007@subsection Non-Stop Mode
5008
5009@cindex non-stop mode
5010
5011@c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5012@c with more details.
5013
5014For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5015mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5016the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5017minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5018where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5019respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5020
5021In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5022@emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5023threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5024execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5025only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5026in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5027ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5028one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5029one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5030independently and simultaneously.
5031
5032To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5033or attach to your program:
5034
5035@smallexample
5036# Enable the async interface.
5037set target-async 1
5038
5039# If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5040set pagination off
5041
5042# Finally, turn it on!
5043set non-stop on
5044@end smallexample
5045
5046You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5047
5048@table @code
5049@kindex set non-stop
5050@item set non-stop on
5051Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5052@item set non-stop off
5053Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5054@kindex show non-stop
5055@item show non-stop
5056Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5057@end table
5058
5059Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5060not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5061In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5062@value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5063not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5064since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5065non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5066default.
5067
5068In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5069by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5070To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5071
5072You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5073(@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5074while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5075The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5076always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5077
5078Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5079running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5080In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5081but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5082To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5083
5084Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5085
5086In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5087that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5088thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5089command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5090changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5091previously current thread.
5092
5093@node Background Execution
5094@subsection Background Execution
5095
5096@cindex foreground execution
5097@cindex background execution
5098@cindex asynchronous execution
5099@cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5100
5101@value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5102foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5103(asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5104the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5105another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5106a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5107
5108You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5109background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5110manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5111
5112@table @code
5113@kindex set target-async
5114@item set target-async on
5115Enable asynchronous mode.
5116@item set target-async off
5117Disable asynchronous mode.
5118@kindex show target-async
5119@item show target-async
5120Show the current target-async setting.
5121@end table
5122
5123If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5124message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5125
5126To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5127the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5128just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5129are:
5130
5131@table @code
5132@kindex run&
5133@item run
5134@xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5135
5136@item attach
5137@kindex attach&
5138@xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5139
5140@item step
5141@kindex step&
5142@xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5143
5144@item stepi
5145@kindex stepi&
5146@xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5147
5148@item next
5149@kindex next&
5150@xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5151
5152@item nexti
5153@kindex nexti&
5154@xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5155
5156@item continue
5157@kindex continue&
5158@xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5159
5160@item finish
5161@kindex finish&
5162@xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5163
5164@item until
5165@kindex until&
5166@xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5167
5168@end table
5169
5170Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5171mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5172However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5173the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5174previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5175mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5176
5177You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5178using the @code{interrupt} command.
5179
5180@table @code
5181@kindex interrupt
5182@item interrupt
5183@itemx interrupt -a
5184
5185Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5186@code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5187only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5188use @code{interrupt -a}.
5189@end table
5190
5191@node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5192@subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5193
5194When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5195Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5196breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5197
5198@table @code
5199@cindex breakpoints and threads
5200@cindex thread breakpoints
5201@kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5202@item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5203@itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5204@var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5205writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5206specify some source line.
5207
5208Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5209to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5210particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5211numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5212column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5213
5214If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5215breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5216program.
5217
5218You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5219well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5220after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5221
5222@smallexample
5223(@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5224@end smallexample
5225
5226@end table
5227
5228@node Interrupted System Calls
5229@subsection Interrupted System Calls
5230
5231@cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5232@cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5233@cindex premature return from system calls
5234There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5235multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5236breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5237system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5238consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5239that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5240stop execution.
5241
5242To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5243each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5244style anyways.
5245
5246For example, do not write code like this:
5247
5248@smallexample
5249 sleep (10);
5250@end smallexample
5251
5252The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5253at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5254
5255Instead, write this:
5256
5257@smallexample
5258 int unslept = 10;
5259 while (unslept > 0)
5260 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5261@end smallexample
5262
5263A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5264conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5265multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5266@value{GDBN}.
5267
5268Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5269monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5270When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5271prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5272
5273
5274@node Reverse Execution
5275@chapter Running programs backward
5276@cindex reverse execution
5277@cindex running programs backward
5278
5279When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5280you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5281If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5282``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5283
5284A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5285to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5286program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5287revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5288deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5289all target environments can support reverse execution.
5290
5291When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5292have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5293order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5294thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5295the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5296instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5297a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5298should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5299prior values@footnote{
5300Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5301memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5302targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5303
5304The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5305requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5306@value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5307results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5308@value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5309assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5310consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5311}.
5312
5313If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5314reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5315
5316@table @code
5317@kindex reverse-continue
5318@kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5319@item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5320@itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5321Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5322in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5323exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5324asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5325
5326@kindex reverse-step
5327@kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5328@item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5329Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5330different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5331
5332Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5333at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5334executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5335debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5336the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5337statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5338
5339Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5340called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5341
5342@kindex reverse-stepi
5343@kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5344@item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5345Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5346to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5347counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5348if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5349back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5350
5351@kindex reverse-next
5352@kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5353@item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5354Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5355the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5356calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5357the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5358to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5359just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5360line of a function back to its return to its caller
5361@footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5362
5363@kindex reverse-nexti
5364@kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5365@item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5366Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5367in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5368That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5369another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5370in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5371frame) is reached.
5372
5373@kindex reverse-finish
5374@item reverse-finish
5375Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5376current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5377where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5378function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5379
5380@kindex set exec-direction
5381@item set exec-direction
5382Set the direction of target execution.
5383@itemx set exec-direction reverse
5384@cindex execute forward or backward in time
5385@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5386exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5387@code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5388command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5389@item set exec-direction forward
5390@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5391This is the default.
5392@end table
5393
5394
5395@node Process Record and Replay
5396@chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5397@cindex process record and replay
5398@cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5399
5400On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5401and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5402replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5403
5404@cindex replay mode
5405When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5406for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5407mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5408instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5409code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5410really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5411program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5412changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5413execution log.
5414
5415@cindex record mode
5416If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5417@value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5418inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5419for future replay.
5420
5421The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5422(@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5423inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5424this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5425log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5426support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5427
5428When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5429replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5430previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5431platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5432
5433For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5434@value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5435
5436@table @code
5437@kindex target record
5438@kindex record
5439@kindex rec
5440@item target record
5441This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5442record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5443running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5444@kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5445the @kbd{target record} command.
5446
5447Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5448
5449@cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5450Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5451will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5452is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5453doesn't support displaced stepping.
5454
5455@cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5456@cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5457If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5458the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5459process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5460support these two modes.
5461
5462@kindex record stop
5463@kindex rec s
5464@item record stop
5465Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5466replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5467inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5468
5469When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5470the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5471next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5472you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5473will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5474
5475On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5476while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5477but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5478at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5479usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5480
5481When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5482process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5483
5484@kindex set record insn-number-max
5485@item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5486Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5487
5488If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5489deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5490instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5491instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5492instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5493(Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5494lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5495the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5496
5497If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5498instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5499instructions is unlimited in this case.
5500
5501@kindex show record insn-number-max
5502@item show record insn-number-max
5503Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5504
5505@kindex set record stop-at-limit
5506@item set record stop-at-limit
5507Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5508the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5509is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5510inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5511you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5512cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5513
5514If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5515oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5516
5517@kindex show record stop-at-limit
5518@item show record stop-at-limit
5519Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5520
5521@kindex info record
5522@item info record
5523Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5524in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5525
5526@itemize @bullet
5527@item
5528Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5529@item
5530Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5531@item
5532Highest recorded instruction number.
5533@item
5534Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5535@item
5536Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5537@item
5538Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5539@end itemize
5540
5541@kindex record delete
5542@kindex rec del
5543@item record delete
5544When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5545subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5546from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5547recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5548@end table
5549
5550
5551@node Stack
5552@chapter Examining the Stack
5553
5554When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5555stopped and how it got there.
5556
5557@cindex call stack
5558Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5559is generated.
5560That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5561the arguments of the call,
5562and the local variables of the function being called.
5563The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5564The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5565stack}.
5566
5567When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5568stack allow you to see all of this information.
5569
5570@cindex selected frame
5571One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5572@value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5573particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5574your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5575special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5576interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5577
5578When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5579currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5580@code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5581
5582@menu
5583* Frames:: Stack frames
5584* Backtrace:: Backtraces
5585* Selection:: Selecting a frame
5586* Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5587
5588@end menu
5589
5590@node Frames
5591@section Stack Frames
5592
5593@cindex frame, definition
5594@cindex stack frame
5595The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5596frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5597with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5598to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5599which the function is executing.
5600
5601@cindex initial frame
5602@cindex outermost frame
5603@cindex innermost frame
5604When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5605function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5606@dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5607made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5608is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5609the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5610actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5611recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5612
5613@cindex frame pointer
5614Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5615stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5616kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5617address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5618in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5619(@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5620
5621@cindex frame number
5622@value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5623zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5624and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5625they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5626frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5627
5628@c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5629@c underflow problems.
5630@cindex frameless execution
5631Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5632without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5633@smallexample
5634@samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5635@end smallexample
5636generates functions without a frame.)
5637This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5638the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5639with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5640has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5641it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5642correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5643no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5644
5645@table @code
5646@kindex frame@r{, command}
5647@cindex current stack frame
5648@item frame @var{args}
5649The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5650and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5651address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5652@code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5653
5654@kindex select-frame
5655@cindex selecting frame silently
5656@item select-frame
5657The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5658to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5659@code{frame}.
5660@end table
5661
5662@node Backtrace
5663@section Backtraces
5664
5665@cindex traceback
5666@cindex call stack traces
5667A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5668line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5669frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5670stack.
5671
5672@table @code
5673@kindex backtrace
5674@kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5675@item backtrace
5676@itemx bt
5677Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5678frames in the stack.
5679
5680You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5681character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5682
5683@item backtrace @var{n}
5684@itemx bt @var{n}
5685Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5686
5687@item backtrace -@var{n}
5688@itemx bt -@var{n}
5689Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5690
5691@item backtrace full
5692@itemx bt full
5693@itemx bt full @var{n}
5694@itemx bt full -@var{n}
5695Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5696number of frames to print, as described above.
5697@end table
5698
5699@kindex where
5700@kindex info stack
5701The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5702are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5703
5704@cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5705In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5706backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5707several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5708(@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5709apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5710the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5711multi-threaded program.
5712
5713Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5714The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5715print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5716line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5717counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5718line number.
5719
5720Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5721@samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5722
5723@smallexample
5724@group
5725#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5726 at builtin.c:993
5727#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5728#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5729 at macro.c:71
5730(More stack frames follow...)
5731@end group
5732@end smallexample
5733
5734@noindent
5735The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5736value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5737code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5738
5739@noindent
5740The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5741@code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5742only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5743@kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5744on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5745
5746@cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5747@cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5748If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5749optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5750never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5751passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5752in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5753arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5754such a backtrace might look like:
5755
5756@smallexample
5757@group
5758#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5759 at builtin.c:993
5760#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5761#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5762 at macro.c:71
5763(More stack frames follow...)
5764@end group
5765@end smallexample
5766
5767@noindent
5768The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5769shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5770
5771If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5772either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5773you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5774
5775@cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5776@cindex program entry point
5777@cindex startup code, and backtrace
5778Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5779libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5780@code{main}@footnote{
5781Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5782environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5783entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5784When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5785it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5786system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5787
5788If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5789in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5790
5791@table @code
5792@item set backtrace past-main
5793@itemx set backtrace past-main on
5794@kindex set backtrace
5795Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5796
5797@item set backtrace past-main off
5798Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5799default.
5800
5801@item show backtrace past-main
5802@kindex show backtrace
5803Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5804
5805@item set backtrace past-entry
5806@itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5807Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5808This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5809and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5810
5811@item set backtrace past-entry off
5812Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5813application. This is the default.
5814
5815@item show backtrace past-entry
5816Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5817
5818@item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5819@itemx set backtrace limit 0
5820@cindex backtrace limit
5821Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5822unlimited.
5823
5824@item show backtrace limit
5825Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5826@end table
5827
5828@node Selection
5829@section Selecting a Frame
5830
5831Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5832whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5833selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5834of the stack frame just selected.
5835
5836@table @code
5837@kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5838@kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5839@item frame @var{n}
5840@itemx f @var{n}
5841Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5842(currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5843innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5844@code{main}.
5845
5846@item frame @var{addr}
5847@itemx f @var{addr}
5848Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5849chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5850impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5851addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5852switches between them.
5853
5854On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5855select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5856
5857On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5858pointer and a program counter.
5859
5860On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5861pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5862
5863@kindex up
5864@item up @var{n}
5865Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5866advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5867that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5868
5869@kindex down
5870@kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5871@item down @var{n}
5872Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5873advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5874that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5875abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5876@end table
5877
5878All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5879frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5880arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5881frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5882
5883@need 1000
5884For example:
5885
5886@smallexample
5887@group
5888(@value{GDBP}) up
5889#1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5890 at env.c:10
589110 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5892@end group
5893@end smallexample
5894
5895After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5896prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5897You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5898editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5899@xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5900for details.
5901
5902@table @code
5903@kindex down-silently
5904@kindex up-silently
5905@item up-silently @var{n}
5906@itemx down-silently @var{n}
5907These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5908respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5909causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5910in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5911distracting.
5912@end table
5913
5914@node Frame Info
5915@section Information About a Frame
5916
5917There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5918stack frame.
5919
5920@table @code
5921@item frame
5922@itemx f
5923When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5924frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5925selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5926argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5927@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5928
5929@kindex info frame
5930@kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5931@item info frame
5932@itemx info f
5933This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5934including:
5935
5936@itemize @bullet
5937@item
5938the address of the frame
5939@item
5940the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5941@item
5942the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5943@item
5944the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5945@item
5946the address of the frame's arguments
5947@item
5948the address of the frame's local variables
5949@item
5950the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5951@item
5952which registers were saved in the frame
5953@end itemize
5954
5955@noindent The verbose description is useful when
5956something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5957the usual conventions.
5958
5959@item info frame @var{addr}
5960@itemx info f @var{addr}
5961Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5962selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5963command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5964architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5965@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5966
5967@kindex info args
5968@item info args
5969Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5970
5971@item info locals
5972@kindex info locals
5973Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5974line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5975accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5976
5977@kindex info catch
5978@cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5979@cindex exception handlers, how to list
5980@item info catch
5981Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5982current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5983exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5984@code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5985@xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5986
5987@end table
5988
5989
5990@node Source
5991@chapter Examining Source Files
5992
5993@value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5994information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5995used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5996the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5997(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5998execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5999source files by explicit command.
6000
6001If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6002prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6003@value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6004
6005@menu
6006* List:: Printing source lines
6007* Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6008* Edit:: Editing source files
6009* Search:: Searching source files
6010* Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6011* Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6012@end menu
6013
6014@node List
6015@section Printing Source Lines
6016
6017@kindex list
6018@kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6019To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6020(abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6021There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6022print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6023
6024Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6025
6026@table @code
6027@item list @var{linenum}
6028Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6029current source file.
6030
6031@item list @var{function}
6032Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6033@var{function}.
6034
6035@item list
6036Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6037@code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6038printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6039as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6040Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6041
6042@item list -
6043Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6044@end table
6045
6046@cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6047By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6048the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6049
6050@table @code
6051@kindex set listsize
6052@item set listsize @var{count}
6053Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6054the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6055
6056@kindex show listsize
6057@item show listsize
6058Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6059@end table
6060
6061Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6062so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6063than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6064argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6065each repetition moves up in the source file.
6066
6067In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6068@dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6069of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6070to specify some source line.
6071
6072Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6073
6074@table @code
6075@item list @var{linespec}
6076Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6077
6078@item list @var{first},@var{last}
6079Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6080linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6081source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6082the same source file as the first linespec.
6083
6084@item list ,@var{last}
6085Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6086
6087@item list @var{first},
6088Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6089
6090@item list +
6091Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6092
6093@item list -
6094Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6095
6096@item list
6097As described in the preceding table.
6098@end table
6099
6100@node Specify Location
6101@section Specifying a Location
6102@cindex specifying location
6103@cindex linespec
6104
6105Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6106of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6107debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6108for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6109
6110Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6111@value{GDBN} understands:
6112
6113@table @code
6114@item @var{linenum}
6115Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6116
6117@item -@var{offset}
6118@itemx +@var{offset}
6119Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6120line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6121printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6122execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6123(@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6124used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6125this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6126linespec.
6127
6128@item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6129Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6130
6131@item @var{function}
6132Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6133For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6134
6135@item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6136Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6137in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6138function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6139functions in different source files.
6140
6141@item *@var{address}
6142Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6143commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6144line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6145breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6146parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6147source files.
6148
6149Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6150language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6151address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6152semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6153that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6154of @var{address}:
6155
6156@table @code
6157@item @var{expression}
6158Any expression valid in the current working language.
6159
6160@item @var{funcaddr}
6161An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6162C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6163simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6164of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6165@code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6166(although the Pascal form also works).
6167
6168This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6169before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6170
6171@item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6172Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6173file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6174specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6175functions with identical names in different source files.
6176@end table
6177
6178@end table
6179
6180
6181@node Edit
6182@section Editing Source Files
6183@cindex editing source files
6184
6185@kindex edit
6186@kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6187To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6188The editing program of your choice
6189is invoked with the current line set to
6190the active line in the program.
6191Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6192want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6193
6194@table @code
6195@item edit @var{location}
6196Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6197that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6198specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6199of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6200command most commonly used:
6201
6202@table @code
6203@item edit @var{number}
6204Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6205
6206@item edit @var{function}
6207Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6208@end table
6209
6210@end table
6211
6212@subsection Choosing your Editor
6213You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6214@footnote{
6215The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6216following command-line syntax:
6217@smallexample
6218ex +@var{number} file
6219@end smallexample
6220The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6221the file where to start editing.}.
6222By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6223by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6224@value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6225@code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6226@smallexample
6227EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6228export EDITOR
6229gdb @dots{}
6230@end smallexample
6231or in the @code{csh} shell,
6232@smallexample
6233setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6234gdb @dots{}
6235@end smallexample
6236
6237@node Search
6238@section Searching Source Files
6239@cindex searching source files
6240
6241There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6242regular expression.
6243
6244@table @code
6245@kindex search
6246@kindex forward-search
6247@item forward-search @var{regexp}
6248@itemx search @var{regexp}
6249The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6250starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6251@var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6252synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6253@code{fo}.
6254
6255@kindex reverse-search
6256@item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6257The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6258with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6259for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6260this command as @code{rev}.
6261@end table
6262
6263@node Source Path
6264@section Specifying Source Directories
6265
6266@cindex source path
6267@cindex directories for source files
6268Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6269files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6270the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6271session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6272this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6273it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6274in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6275
6276For example, suppose an executable references the file
6277@file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6278@file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6279fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6280fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6281message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6282source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6283Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6284the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6285@file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6286@file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6287
6288Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6289names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6290instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6291is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6292@file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6293that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6294
6295Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6296source files.
6297
6298Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6299any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6300each line is in the file.
6301
6302@kindex directory
6303@kindex dir
6304When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6305and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6306To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6307
6308The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6309script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6310
6311In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6312that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6313rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6314debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6315directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6316two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6317the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6318In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6319@var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6320of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6321source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6322name to look up the sources.
6323
6324Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6325moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6326@value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6327@file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6328@file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6329of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6330substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6331(@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6332
6333To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6334@var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6335For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6336@file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6337not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6338is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6339not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6340
6341In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6342command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6343the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6344subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6345subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6346preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6347allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6348command.
6349
6350@code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6351The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6352longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6353the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6354for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6355located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6356method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6357
6358@cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6359@cindex default source path substitution
6360You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6361configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6362@samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6363should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6364prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6365directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6366automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6367location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6368with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6369together.
6370
6371@table @code
6372@item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6373@item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6374Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6375directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6376(@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6377part of absolute file names) or
6378whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6379path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6380
6381@kindex cdir
6382@kindex cwd
6383@vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6384@vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6385@cindex compilation directory
6386@cindex current directory
6387@cindex working directory
6388@cindex directory, current
6389@cindex directory, compilation
6390You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6391directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6392working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6393tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6394session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6395directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6396
6397@item directory
6398Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6399
6400@c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6401@c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6402
6403@item show directories
6404@kindex show directories
6405Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6406
6407@anchor{set substitute-path}
6408@item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6409@kindex set substitute-path
6410Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6411current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6412@var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6413
6414For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6415@file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6416
6417@smallexample
6418(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6419@end smallexample
6420
6421@noindent
6422will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6423@samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6424@file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6425
6426In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6427the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6428defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6429the substitution.
6430
6431For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6432
6433@smallexample
6434(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6435(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6436@end smallexample
6437
6438@noindent
6439@value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6440@file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6441use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6442@file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6443
6444
6445@item unset substitute-path [path]
6446@kindex unset substitute-path
6447If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6448for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6449A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6450
6451If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6452
6453@item show substitute-path [path]
6454@kindex show substitute-path
6455If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6456which would rewrite that path, if any.
6457
6458If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6459rules.
6460
6461@end table
6462
6463If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6464interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6465versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6466
6467@enumerate
6468@item
6469Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6470
6471@item
6472Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6473directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6474directories in one command.
6475@end enumerate
6476
6477@node Machine Code
6478@section Source and Machine Code
6479@cindex source line and its code address
6480
6481You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6482addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6483a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6484@code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6485source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6486mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6487line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6488well as hex.
6489
6490@table @code
6491@kindex info line
6492@item info line @var{linespec}
6493Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6494source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6495the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6496@end table
6497
6498For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6499the object code for the first line of function
6500@code{m4_changequote}:
6501
6502@c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6503@c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6504@smallexample
6505(@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6506Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6507@end smallexample
6508
6509@noindent
6510@cindex code address and its source line
6511We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6512@var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6513@smallexample
6514(@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6515Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6516@end smallexample
6517
6518@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6519@cindex @code{x} command, default address
6520@kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6521After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6522is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6523sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6524,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6525convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6526Variables}).
6527
6528@table @code
6529@kindex disassemble
6530@cindex assembly instructions
6531@cindex instructions, assembly
6532@cindex machine instructions
6533@cindex listing machine instructions
6534@item disassemble
6535@itemx disassemble /m
6536@itemx disassemble /r
6537This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6538instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6539the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6540in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6541The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6542program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6543command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6544surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6545be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6546arguments specify a range of addresses (first inclusive, second exclusive)
6547to dump. In that case, the name of the function is also printed (since
6548there could be several functions in the given range).
6549
6550The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6551@samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6552
6553If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6554the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6555@end table
6556
6557The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6558HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6559
6560@smallexample
6561(@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6562Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6563 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6564 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6565 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6566 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6567 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6568 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6569 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6570 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6571End of assembler dump.
6572@end smallexample
6573
6574Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6575program is stopped just after function prologue:
6576
6577@smallexample
6578(@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6579Dump of assembler code for function main:
65805 @{
6581 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6582 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6583 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6584 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6585 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6586
65876 printf ("Hello.\n");
6588=> 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6589 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6590
65917 return 0;
65928 @}
6593 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6594 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6595 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6596
6597End of assembler dump.
6598@end smallexample
6599
6600Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6601mnemonics or other syntax.
6602
6603For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6604instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6605libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6606location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6607might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6608
6609@table @code
6610@kindex set disassembly-flavor
6611@cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6612@cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6613@item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6614Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6615program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6616
6617Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6618can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6619The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6620assemblers for x86-based targets.
6621
6622@kindex show disassembly-flavor
6623@item show disassembly-flavor
6624Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6625@end table
6626
6627@table @code
6628@kindex set disassemble-next-line
6629@kindex show disassemble-next-line
6630@item set disassemble-next-line
6631@itemx show disassemble-next-line
6632Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6633line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6634display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6635program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6636displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6637possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6638(e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6639info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6640next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6641AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6642if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6643@value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6644with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6645OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6646instruction.
6647@end table
6648
6649
6650@node Data
6651@chapter Examining Data
6652
6653@cindex printing data
6654@cindex examining data
6655@kindex print
6656@kindex inspect
6657@c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6658@c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6659@c different window or something like that.
6660The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6661command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6662evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6663program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6664Different Languages}).
6665
6666@table @code
6667@item print @var{expr}
6668@itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6669@var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6670value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6671you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6672@var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6673Formats}.
6674
6675@item print
6676@itemx print /@var{f}
6677@cindex reprint the last value
6678If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6679@dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6680conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6681@end table
6682
6683A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6684It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6685specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6686
6687If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6688fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6689command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6690Table}.
6691
6692@menu
6693* Expressions:: Expressions
6694* Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6695* Variables:: Program variables
6696* Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6697* Output Formats:: Output formats
6698* Memory:: Examining memory
6699* Auto Display:: Automatic display
6700* Print Settings:: Print settings
6701* Value History:: Value history
6702* Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6703* Registers:: Registers
6704* Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6705* Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6706* OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6707* Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6708* Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6709* Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6710* Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6711 character set than GDB does
6712* Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6713* Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6714@end menu
6715
6716@node Expressions
6717@section Expressions
6718
6719@cindex expressions
6720@code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6721compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6722by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6723@value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6724casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6725you compiled your program to include this information; see
6726@ref{Compilation}.
6727
6728@cindex arrays in expressions
6729@value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6730the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6731you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6732of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6733to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6734is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6735
6736Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6737this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6738Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6739languages.
6740
6741In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6742expressions regardless of your programming language.
6743
6744@cindex casts, in expressions
6745Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6746useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6747at that address in memory.
6748@c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6749
6750@value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6751to programming languages:
6752
6753@table @code
6754@item @@
6755@samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6756@xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6757
6758@item ::
6759@samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6760function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6761
6762@cindex @{@var{type}@}
6763@cindex type casting memory
6764@cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6765@cindex casts, to view memory
6766@item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6767Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6768memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6769pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6770a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6771normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6772@end table
6773
6774@node Ambiguous Expressions
6775@section Ambiguous Expressions
6776@cindex ambiguous expressions
6777
6778Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6779some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6780a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6781different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6782involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6783templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6784the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6785
6786In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6787the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6788can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6789@kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6790qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6791as well.
6792
6793When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6794has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6795possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6796The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6797aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6798used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6799menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6800choices.
6801
6802For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6803breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6804We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6805
6806@c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6807@smallexample
6808@group
6809(@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6810[0] cancel
6811[1] all
6812[2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6813[3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6814[4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6815[5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6816[6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6817[7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6818> 2 4 6
6819Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6820Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6821Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6822Multiple breakpoints were set.
6823Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6824 breakpoints.
6825(@value{GDBP})
6826@end group
6827@end smallexample
6828
6829@table @code
6830@kindex set multiple-symbols
6831@item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6832@cindex multiple-symbols menu
6833
6834This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6835is ambiguous.
6836
6837By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6838the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6839automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6840a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6841inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6842then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6843For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6844in the use of the menu.
6845
6846When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6847when an ambiguity is detected.
6848
6849Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6850an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6851
6852@kindex show multiple-symbols
6853@item show multiple-symbols
6854Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6855@end table
6856
6857@node Variables
6858@section Program Variables
6859
6860The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6861in your program.
6862
6863Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6864(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6865
6866@itemize @bullet
6867@item
6868global (or file-static)
6869@end itemize
6870
6871@noindent or
6872
6873@itemize @bullet
6874@item
6875visible according to the scope rules of the
6876programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6877@end itemize
6878
6879@noindent This means that in the function
6880
6881@smallexample
6882foo (a)
6883 int a;
6884@{
6885 bar (a);
6886 @{
6887 int b = test ();
6888 bar (b);
6889 @}
6890@}
6891@end smallexample
6892
6893@noindent
6894you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6895executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6896examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6897the block where @code{b} is declared.
6898
6899@cindex variable name conflict
6900There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6901scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6902in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6903function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6904happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6905you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6906using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6907
6908@cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6909@ifnotinfo
6910@c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6911@cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6912@end ifnotinfo
6913@smallexample
6914@var{file}::@var{variable}
6915@var{function}::@var{variable}
6916@end smallexample
6917
6918@noindent
6919Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6920static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6921make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6922to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6923
6924@smallexample
6925(@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6926@end smallexample
6927
6928@cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6929This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6930use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6931scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6932@c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6933@c conflict?? --mew
6934
6935@cindex wrong values
6936@cindex variable values, wrong
6937@cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6938@cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6939@quotation
6940@emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6941wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6942scope, and just before exit.
6943@end quotation
6944You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6945This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6946set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6947stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6948values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6949also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6950after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6951variable definitions may be gone.
6952
6953This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6954To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6955when compiling.
6956
6957@cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6958Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6959unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6960opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6961offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6962might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6963happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6964
6965@smallexample
6966No symbol "foo" in current context.
6967@end smallexample
6968
6969To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6970different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6971formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6972usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6973produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6974COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6975an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6976for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6977Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6978@xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6979that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6980
6981If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6982@value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6983by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6984type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6985
6986Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6987signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6988printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6989@code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6990defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6991For program code
6992
6993@smallexample
6994char var0[] = "A";
6995signed char var1[] = "A";
6996@end smallexample
6997
6998You get during debugging
6999@smallexample
7000(gdb) print var0
7001$1 = "A"
7002(gdb) print var1
7003$2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7004@end smallexample
7005
7006@node Arrays
7007@section Artificial Arrays
7008
7009@cindex artificial array
7010@cindex arrays
7011@kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7012It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7013same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7014dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7015program.
7016
7017You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7018@dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7019operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7020and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7021of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7022the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7023argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7024following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7025example. If a program says
7026
7027@smallexample
7028int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7029@end smallexample
7030
7031@noindent
7032you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7033
7034@smallexample
7035p *array@@len
7036@end smallexample
7037
7038The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7039with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7040subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7041Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7042(@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7043
7044Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7045This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7046The value need not be in memory:
7047@smallexample
7048(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7049$1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7050@end smallexample
7051
7052As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7053@samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7054the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7055@smallexample
7056(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7057$2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7058@end smallexample
7059
7060Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7061moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7062actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7063of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7064to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7065Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7066interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7067instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7068structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7069in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7070
7071@smallexample
7072set $i = 0
7073p dtab[$i++]->fv
7074@key{RET}
7075@key{RET}
7076@dots{}
7077@end smallexample
7078
7079@node Output Formats
7080@section Output Formats
7081
7082@cindex formatted output
7083@cindex output formats
7084By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7085this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7086in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7087at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7088these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7089
7090The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7091already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7092@code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7093letters supported are:
7094
7095@table @code
7096@item x
7097Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7098hexadecimal.
7099
7100@item d
7101Print as integer in signed decimal.
7102
7103@item u
7104Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7105
7106@item o
7107Print as integer in octal.
7108
7109@item t
7110Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7111@footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7112used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7113see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7114
7115@item a
7116@cindex unknown address, locating
7117@cindex locate address
7118Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7119the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7120where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7121
7122@smallexample
7123(@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7124$3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7125@end smallexample
7126
7127@noindent
7128The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7129@xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7130
7131@item c
7132Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7133prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7134character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7135for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7136
7137Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7138@w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7139constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7140data.
7141
7142@item f
7143Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7144using typical floating point syntax.
7145
7146@item s
7147@cindex printing strings
7148@cindex printing byte arrays
7149Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7150data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7151are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7152natural types.
7153
7154Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7155@code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7156strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7157array.
7158
7159@item r
7160@cindex raw printing
7161Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7162use a type-specific pretty-printer. The @samp{r} format bypasses any
7163pretty-printer which might exist for the value's type.
7164@end table
7165
7166For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7167
7168@smallexample
7169p/x $pc
7170@end smallexample
7171
7172@noindent
7173Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7174names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7175
7176To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7177you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7178expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7179
7180@node Memory
7181@section Examining Memory
7182
7183You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7184any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7185
7186@cindex examining memory
7187@table @code
7188@kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7189@item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7190@itemx x @var{addr}
7191@itemx x
7192Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7193@end table
7194
7195@var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7196much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7197expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7198If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7199Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7200
7201@table @r
7202@item @var{n}, the repeat count
7203The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7204how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7205@c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7206@c 4.1.2.
7207
7208@item @var{f}, the display format
7209The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7210(@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7211@samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7212The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7213each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7214
7215@item @var{u}, the unit size
7216The unit size is any of
7217
7218@table @code
7219@item b
7220Bytes.
7221@item h
7222Halfwords (two bytes).
7223@item w
7224Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7225@item g
7226Giant words (eight bytes).
7227@end table
7228
7229Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7230default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
7231@samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
7232
7233@item @var{addr}, starting display address
7234@var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7235memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7236it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7237@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7238@var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7239other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7240the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7241starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7242a value from memory).
7243@end table
7244
7245For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7246(@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7247starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7248words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7249@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7250
7251Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7252letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7253unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7254specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7255(However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7256
7257Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7258and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7259@samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7260including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7261the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7262slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7263follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7264@code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7265instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7266
7267All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7268easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7269you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7270instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7271with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7272the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7273for successive uses of @code{x}.
7274
7275When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7276counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7277
7278@smallexample
7279(@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7280 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7281 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7282 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7283=> 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7284 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7285@end smallexample
7286
7287@cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7288The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7289in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7290would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7291subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7292@code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7293examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7294@code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7295the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7296
7297If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7298are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7299address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7300
7301@cindex remote memory comparison
7302@cindex verify remote memory image
7303When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7304(@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7305remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7306the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7307situations.
7308
7309@table @code
7310@kindex compare-sections
7311@item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7312Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7313executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7314the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7315arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7316availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7317remote request.
7318@end table
7319
7320@node Auto Display
7321@section Automatic Display
7322@cindex automatic display
7323@cindex display of expressions
7324
7325If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7326(to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7327display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7328Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7329to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7330The automatic display looks like this:
7331
7332@smallexample
73332: foo = 38
73343: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7335@end smallexample
7336
7337@noindent
7338This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7339displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7340specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7341whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7342specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7343or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7344
7345@table @code
7346@kindex display
7347@item display @var{expr}
7348Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7349each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7350
7351@code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7352
7353@item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7354For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7355count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7356arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7357@xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7358
7359@item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7360For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7361number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7362be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7363doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7364@end table
7365
7366For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7367instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7368is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7369
7370@table @code
7371@kindex delete display
7372@kindex undisplay
7373@item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7374@itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7375Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
7376
7377@code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7378(Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7379
7380@kindex disable display
7381@item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7382Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7383item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7384enabled again later.
7385
7386@kindex enable display
7387@item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7388Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7389again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7390
7391@item display
7392Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7393done when your program stops.
7394
7395@kindex info display
7396@item info display
7397Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7398automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7399values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7400It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7401because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7402@end table
7403
7404@cindex display disabled out of scope
7405If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7406sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7407expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7408variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7409@code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7410@code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7411continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7412there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7413automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7414is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7415
7416@node Print Settings
7417@section Print Settings
7418
7419@cindex format options
7420@cindex print settings
7421@value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7422and symbols are printed.
7423
7424@noindent
7425These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7426
7427@table @code
7428@kindex set print
7429@item set print address
7430@itemx set print address on
7431@cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7432@value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7433traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7434even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7435is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7436@code{set print address on}:
7437
7438@smallexample
7439@group
7440(@value{GDBP}) f
7441#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7442 at input.c:530
7443530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7444@end group
7445@end smallexample
7446
7447@item set print address off
7448Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7449this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7450
7451@smallexample
7452@group
7453(@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7454(@value{GDBP}) f
7455#0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7456530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7457@end group
7458@end smallexample
7459
7460You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7461dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7462@code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7463all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7464
7465@kindex show print
7466@item show print address
7467Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7468@end table
7469
7470When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7471closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7472identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7473source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7474@code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7475you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7476it prints a symbolic address:
7477
7478@table @code
7479@item set print symbol-filename on
7480@cindex source file and line of a symbol
7481@cindex symbol, source file and line
7482Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7483symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7484
7485@item set print symbol-filename off
7486Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7487default.
7488
7489@item show print symbol-filename
7490Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7491line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7492@end table
7493
7494Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7495numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7496number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7497
7498Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7499printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7500
7501@table @code
7502@item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7503@cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7504Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7505offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7506@var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7507to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7508
7509@item show print max-symbolic-offset
7510Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7511symbolic address.
7512@end table
7513
7514@cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7515@cindex pointer, finding referent
7516If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7517@samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7518and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7519@samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7520For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7521at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7522
7523@smallexample
7524(@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7525(@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7526$4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7527@end smallexample
7528
7529@quotation
7530@emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7531does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7532the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7533@end quotation
7534
7535Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7536
7537@table @code
7538@item set print array
7539@itemx set print array on
7540@cindex pretty print arrays
7541Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7542but uses more space. The default is off.
7543
7544@item set print array off
7545Return to compressed format for arrays.
7546
7547@item show print array
7548Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7549arrays.
7550
7551@cindex print array indexes
7552@item set print array-indexes
7553@itemx set print array-indexes on
7554Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7555convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7556index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7557
7558@item set print array-indexes off
7559Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7560
7561@item show print array-indexes
7562Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7563arrays.
7564
7565@item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7566@cindex number of array elements to print
7567@cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7568Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7569If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7570printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7571This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7572When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7573Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7574
7575@item show print elements
7576Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7577If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7578
7579@item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7580@kindex set print frame-arguments
7581@cindex printing frame argument values
7582@cindex print all frame argument values
7583@cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7584@cindex do not print frame argument values
7585This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7586when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7587values are:
7588
7589@table @code
7590@item all
7591The values of all arguments are printed.
7592
7593@item scalars
7594Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7595complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7596by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7597only scalar arguments are shown:
7598
7599@smallexample
7600#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7601 at frame-args.c:23
7602@end smallexample
7603
7604@item none
7605None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7606is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7607
7608@smallexample
7609#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7610 at frame-args.c:23
7611@end smallexample
7612@end table
7613
7614By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7615to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7616of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7617of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7618information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7619Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7620the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7621especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7622to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7623thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7624
7625@item show print frame-arguments
7626Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7627
7628@item set print repeats
7629@cindex repeated array elements
7630Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7631elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7632array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7633@code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7634identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7635themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7636be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7637
7638@item show print repeats
7639Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7640elements.
7641
7642@item set print null-stop
7643@cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7644Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7645@sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7646contain only short strings.
7647The default is off.
7648
7649@item show print null-stop
7650Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7651@sc{null} character.
7652
7653@item set print pretty on
7654@cindex print structures in indented form
7655@cindex indentation in structure display
7656Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7657per line, like this:
7658
7659@smallexample
7660@group
7661$1 = @{
7662 next = 0x0,
7663 flags = @{
7664 sweet = 1,
7665 sour = 1
7666 @},
7667 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7668@}
7669@end group
7670@end smallexample
7671
7672@item set print pretty off
7673Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7674
7675@smallexample
7676@group
7677$1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7678meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7679@end group
7680@end smallexample
7681
7682@noindent
7683This is the default format.
7684
7685@item show print pretty
7686Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7687
7688@item set print sevenbit-strings on
7689@cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7690@cindex octal escapes in strings
7691Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7692@value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7693character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7694best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7695high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7696
7697@item set print sevenbit-strings off
7698Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7699international character sets, and is the default.
7700
7701@item show print sevenbit-strings
7702Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7703
7704@item set print union on
7705@cindex unions in structures, printing
7706Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7707and other unions. This is the default setting.
7708
7709@item set print union off
7710Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7711structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7712instead.
7713
7714@item show print union
7715Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7716structures and other unions.
7717
7718For example, given the declarations
7719
7720@smallexample
7721typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7722typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7723typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7724 Bug_forms;
7725
7726struct thing @{
7727 Species it;
7728 union @{
7729 Tree_forms tree;
7730 Bug_forms bug;
7731 @} form;
7732@};
7733
7734struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7735@end smallexample
7736
7737@noindent
7738with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7739
7740@smallexample
7741$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7742@end smallexample
7743
7744@noindent
7745and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7746
7747@smallexample
7748$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7749@end smallexample
7750
7751@noindent
7752@code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7753and in Pascal.
7754@end table
7755
7756@need 1000
7757@noindent
7758These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7759
7760@table @code
7761@cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7762@item set print demangle
7763@itemx set print demangle on
7764Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7765(``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7766linkage. The default is on.
7767
7768@item show print demangle
7769Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7770
7771@item set print asm-demangle
7772@itemx set print asm-demangle on
7773Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7774in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7775The default is off.
7776
7777@item show print asm-demangle
7778Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7779or demangled form.
7780
7781@cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7782@cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7783@kindex set demangle-style
7784@item set demangle-style @var{style}
7785Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7786represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7787
7788@table @code
7789@item auto
7790Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7791
7792@item gnu
7793Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7794This is the default.
7795
7796@item hp
7797Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7798
7799@item lucid
7800Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7801
7802@item arm
7803Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7804@strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7805debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7806require further enhancement to permit that.
7807
7808@end table
7809If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7810
7811@item show demangle-style
7812Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7813
7814@item set print object
7815@itemx set print object on
7816@cindex derived type of an object, printing
7817@cindex display derived types
7818When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7819(derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7820the virtual function table.
7821
7822@item set print object off
7823Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7824virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7825
7826@item show print object
7827Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7828
7829@item set print static-members
7830@itemx set print static-members on
7831@cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7832Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7833
7834@item set print static-members off
7835Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7836
7837@item show print static-members
7838Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7839
7840@item set print pascal_static-members
7841@itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7842@cindex static members of Pascal objects
7843@cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7844Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7845
7846@item set print pascal_static-members off
7847Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7848
7849@item show print pascal_static-members
7850Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7851
7852@c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7853@item set print vtbl
7854@itemx set print vtbl on
7855@cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7856@cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7857@cindex VTBL display
7858Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7859(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7860ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7861
7862@item set print vtbl off
7863Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7864
7865@item show print vtbl
7866Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7867@end table
7868
7869@node Value History
7870@section Value History
7871
7872@cindex value history
7873@cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7874Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7875@dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7876Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7877(for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7878When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7879since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7880symbol table.
7881
7882@cindex @code{$}
7883@cindex @code{$$}
7884@cindex history number
7885The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7886refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7887@code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7888printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7889history number.
7890
7891To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7892history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7893remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7894the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7895@code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7896is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7897@code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7898
7899For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7900want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7901
7902@smallexample
7903p *$
7904@end smallexample
7905
7906If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7907to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7908
7909@smallexample
7910p *$.next
7911@end smallexample
7912
7913@noindent
7914You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7915command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7916
7917Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7918@code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7919
7920@smallexample
7921print x
7922set x=5
7923@end smallexample
7924
7925@noindent
7926then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7927remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7928
7929@table @code
7930@kindex show values
7931@item show values
7932Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7933This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7934values} does not change the history.
7935
7936@item show values @var{n}
7937Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7938
7939@item show values +
7940Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7941values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7942@end table
7943
7944Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7945same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7946
7947@node Convenience Vars
7948@section Convenience Variables
7949
7950@cindex convenience variables
7951@cindex user-defined variables
7952@value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7953@value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7954exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7955setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7956of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7957
7958Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7959@samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7960the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7961(Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7962by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7963
7964You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7965expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7966For example:
7967
7968@smallexample
7969set $foo = *object_ptr
7970@end smallexample
7971
7972@noindent
7973would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7974@code{object_ptr}.
7975
7976Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7977value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7978value with another assignment at any time.
7979
7980Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7981variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7982that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7983variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7984
7985@table @code
7986@kindex show convenience
7987@cindex show all user variables
7988@item show convenience
7989Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7990Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7991
7992@kindex init-if-undefined
7993@cindex convenience variables, initializing
7994@item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7995Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7996for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7997to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7998convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7999override default values used in a command script.
8000
8001If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8002any side-effects do not occur.
8003@end table
8004
8005One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8006incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8007a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8008
8009@smallexample
8010set $i = 0
8011print bar[$i++]->contents
8012@end smallexample
8013
8014@noindent
8015Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8016
8017Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8018values likely to be useful.
8019
8020@table @code
8021@vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8022@item $_
8023The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8024the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8025commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8026set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8027and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8028except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8029to the type of @code{$__}.
8030
8031@vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8032@item $__
8033The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8034to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8035to match the format in which the data was printed.
8036
8037@item $_exitcode
8038@vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8039The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8040the program being debugged terminates.
8041
8042@item $_siginfo
8043@vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8044The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8045(@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8046could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8047For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8048@end table
8049
8050On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8051begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8052name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8053
8054@cindex convenience functions
8055@value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8056have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8057function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8058however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8059@value{GDBN}.
8060
8061@table @code
8062@item help function
8063@kindex help function
8064@cindex show all convenience functions
8065Print a list of all convenience functions.
8066@end table
8067
8068@node Registers
8069@section Registers
8070
8071@cindex registers
8072You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8073with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8074for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8075your machine.
8076
8077@table @code
8078@kindex info registers
8079@item info registers
8080Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8081and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8082
8083@kindex info all-registers
8084@cindex floating point registers
8085@item info all-registers
8086Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8087and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8088
8089@item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8090Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8091As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8092the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8093the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8094@end table
8095
8096@cindex stack pointer register
8097@cindex program counter register
8098@cindex process status register
8099@cindex frame pointer register
8100@cindex standard registers
8101@value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8102expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8103architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8104@code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8105the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8106pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8107register that contains the processor status. For example,
8108you could print the program counter in hex with
8109
8110@smallexample
8111p/x $pc
8112@end smallexample
8113
8114@noindent
8115or print the instruction to be executed next with
8116
8117@smallexample
8118x/i $pc
8119@end smallexample
8120
8121@noindent
8122or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8123one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8124memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8125stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8126stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8127regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8128see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8129
8130@smallexample
8131set $sp += 4
8132@end smallexample
8133
8134Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8135your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8136so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8137shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8138registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8139can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8140is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8141
8142@value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8143integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8144special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8145registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8146to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8147(although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8148@samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8149
8150Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8151means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8152the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8153sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8154coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8155programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8156cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8157that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8158prints the data in both formats.
8159
8160@cindex SSE registers (x86)
8161@cindex MMX registers (x86)
8162Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8163in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8164have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8165together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8166registers in @code{struct} notation:
8167
8168@smallexample
8169(@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8170$1 = @{
8171 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8172 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8173 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8174 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8175 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8176 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8177 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8178@}
8179@end smallexample
8180
8181@noindent
8182To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8183view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8184value to a @code{struct} member:
8185
8186@smallexample
8187 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8188@end smallexample
8189
8190Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8191(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8192value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8193were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8194true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8195frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8196
8197However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8198code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8199@value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8200frame makes no difference.
8201
8202@node Floating Point Hardware
8203@section Floating Point Hardware
8204@cindex floating point
8205
8206Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8207you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8208
8209@table @code
8210@kindex info float
8211@item info float
8212Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8213point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8214floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8215the ARM and x86 machines.
8216@end table
8217
8218@node Vector Unit
8219@section Vector Unit
8220@cindex vector unit
8221
8222Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8223more information about the status of the vector unit.
8224
8225@table @code
8226@kindex info vector
8227@item info vector
8228Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8229layout vary depending on the hardware.
8230@end table
8231
8232@node OS Information
8233@section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8234@cindex OS information
8235
8236@value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8237you debug your program.
8238
8239@cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8240@cindex @code{struct user} contents
8241When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8242machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8243system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8244called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8245command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8246structure.
8247
8248@table @code
8249@item info udot
8250@kindex info udot
8251Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8252kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8253contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8254the @code{examine} command.
8255@end table
8256
8257@cindex auxiliary vector
8258@cindex vector, auxiliary
8259Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8260startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8261specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8262binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8263hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8264identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8265Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8266@value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8267targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8268support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8269@ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8270
8271@table @code
8272@kindex info auxv
8273@item info auxv
8274Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8275live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8276numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8277tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8278pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8279most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8280an unrecognized tag.
8281@end table
8282
8283On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8284and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8285this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8286@samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8287
8288@table @code
8289@kindex info os processes
8290@item info os processes
8291Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8292@value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8293the command corresponding to the process.
8294@end table
8295
8296@node Memory Region Attributes
8297@section Memory Region Attributes
8298@cindex memory region attributes
8299
8300@dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8301required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8302attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8303accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8304target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8305fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8306user can override the fetched regions.
8307
8308Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8309memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8310accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8311been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8312all memory.
8313
8314When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8315to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8316
8317@table @code
8318@kindex mem
8319@item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8320Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8321attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8322monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8323case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8324(0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8325
8326@item mem auto
8327Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8328regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8329
8330@kindex delete mem
8331@item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8332Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8333monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8334
8335@kindex disable mem
8336@item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8337Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8338A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8339It may be enabled again later.
8340
8341@kindex enable mem
8342@item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8343Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8344
8345@kindex info mem
8346@item info mem
8347Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8348for each region:
8349
8350@table @emph
8351@item Memory Region Number
8352@item Enabled or Disabled.
8353Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8354Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8355
8356@item Lo Address
8357The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8358
8359@item Hi Address
8360The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8361
8362@item Attributes
8363The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8364@end table
8365@end table
8366
8367
8368@subsection Attributes
8369
8370@subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8371The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8372write accesses to a memory region.
8373
8374While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8375memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8376etc.@: from accessing memory.
8377
8378@table @code
8379@item ro
8380Memory is read only.
8381@item wo
8382Memory is write only.
8383@item rw
8384Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8385@end table
8386
8387@subsubsection Memory Access Size
8388The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8389accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8390require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8391specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8392
8393@table @code
8394@item 8
8395Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8396@item 16
8397Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8398@item 32
8399Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8400@item 64
8401Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8402@end table
8403
8404@c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8405@c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8406@c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8407@c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8408@c
8409@c @table @code
8410@c @item hwbreak
8411@c Always use hardware breakpoints
8412@c @item swbreak (default)
8413@c @end table
8414
8415@subsubsection Data Cache
8416The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8417memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8418protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8419does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8420registers.
8421
8422@table @code
8423@item cache
8424Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8425@item nocache
8426Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8427@end table
8428
8429@subsection Memory Access Checking
8430@value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8431not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8432regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8433better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8434
8435@table @code
8436@kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8437@item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8438If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8439explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8440to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8441memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8442treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8443The default value is @code{on}.
8444@kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8445@item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8446Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8447@end table
8448
8449
8450@c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8451@c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8452@c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8453@c
8454@c @table @code
8455@c @item verify
8456@c @item noverify (default)
8457@c @end table
8458
8459@node Dump/Restore Files
8460@section Copy Between Memory and a File
8461@cindex dump/restore files
8462@cindex append data to a file
8463@cindex dump data to a file
8464@cindex restore data from a file
8465
8466You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8467@code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8468@code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8469@code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8470memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8471Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8472files.
8473
8474@table @code
8475
8476@kindex dump
8477@item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8478@itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8479Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8480or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8481
8482The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8483@table @code
8484@item binary
8485Raw binary form.
8486@item ihex
8487Intel hex format.
8488@item srec
8489Motorola S-record format.
8490@item tekhex
8491Tektronix Hex format.
8492@end table
8493
8494@value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8495@sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8496@var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8497form.
8498
8499@kindex append
8500@item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8501@itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8502Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8503or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8504(@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8505
8506@kindex restore
8507@item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8508Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8509@code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8510file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8511must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8512
8513If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8514contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8515they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8516a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8517from that location.
8518
8519If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8520file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8521These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8522the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8523
8524@end table
8525
8526@node Core File Generation
8527@section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8528@cindex dump core from inferior
8529
8530A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8531image of a running process and its process status (register values
8532etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
8533crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
8534automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
8535the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
8536the post-mortem debugging mode.
8537
8538Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
8539are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
8540@value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
8541
8542@table @code
8543@kindex gcore
8544@kindex generate-core-file
8545@item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
8546@itemx gcore [@var{file}]
8547Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
8548@var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
8549specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
8550@var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
8551
8552Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
8553this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
8554@end table
8555
8556@node Character Sets
8557@section Character Sets
8558@cindex character sets
8559@cindex charset
8560@cindex translating between character sets
8561@cindex host character set
8562@cindex target character set
8563
8564If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
8565represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
8566@value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
8567you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
8568character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
8569@dfn{target character set}.
8570
8571For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
8572uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
8573remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
8574running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
8575then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
8576@sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
8577target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
8578@sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
8579character and string literals in expressions.
8580
8581@value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
8582the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
8583target-charset} command, described below.
8584
8585Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
8586support:
8587
8588@table @code
8589@item set target-charset @var{charset}
8590@kindex set target-charset
8591Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
8592list of supported target character sets, type
8593@kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8594
8595@item set host-charset @var{charset}
8596@kindex set host-charset
8597Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
8598
8599By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
8600system it is running on; you can override that default using the
8601@code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
8602automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
8603case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
8604
8605@value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
8606set. If you type @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8607@value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
8608
8609@item set charset @var{charset}
8610@kindex set charset
8611Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
8612above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8613@value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
8614for both host and target.
8615
8616@item show charset
8617@kindex show charset
8618Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
8619
8620@item show host-charset
8621@kindex show host-charset
8622Show the name of the current host character set.
8623
8624@item show target-charset
8625@kindex show target-charset
8626Show the name of the current target character set.
8627
8628@item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
8629@kindex set target-wide-charset
8630Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
8631the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
8632display the list of supported wide character sets, type
8633@kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8634
8635@item show target-wide-charset
8636@kindex show target-wide-charset
8637Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
8638@end table
8639
8640Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
8641Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
8642@file{charset-test.c}:
8643
8644@smallexample
8645#include <stdio.h>
8646
8647char ascii_hello[]
8648 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
8649 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
8650char ibm1047_hello[]
8651 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
8652 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
8653
8654main ()
8655@{
8656 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8657@}
8658@end smallexample
8659
8660In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
8661containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
8662encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
8663
8664We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
8665
8666@smallexample
8667$ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
8668$ gdb -nw charset-test
8669GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
8670Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8671@dots{}
8672(@value{GDBP})
8673@end smallexample
8674
8675We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
8676@value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
8677strings:
8678
8679@smallexample
8680(@value{GDBP}) show charset
8681The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
8682(@value{GDBP})
8683@end smallexample
8684
8685For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
8686initial character set:
8687@smallexample
8688(@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8689(@value{GDBP}) show charset
8690The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8691(@value{GDBP})
8692@end smallexample
8693
8694Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8695host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8696characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8697them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8698@sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8699
8700@smallexample
8701(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8702$1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8703(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8704$2 = 72 'H'
8705(@value{GDBP})
8706@end smallexample
8707
8708@value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8709literals you use in expressions:
8710
8711@smallexample
8712(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8713$3 = 43 '+'
8714(@value{GDBP})
8715@end smallexample
8716
8717The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8718character.
8719
8720@value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8721target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8722character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8723
8724@smallexample
8725(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8726$4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8727(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8728$5 = 200 '\310'
8729(@value{GDBP})
8730@end smallexample
8731
8732If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8733@value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8734
8735@smallexample
8736(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8737ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8738(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8739@end smallexample
8740
8741We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8742program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8743@value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8744target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8745@sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8746
8747@smallexample
8748(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8749(@value{GDBP}) show charset
8750The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8751The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8752(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8753$6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8754(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8755$7 = 72 '\110'
8756(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8757$8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8758(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8759$9 = 200 'H'
8760(@value{GDBP})
8761@end smallexample
8762
8763As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8764string literals you use in expressions:
8765
8766@smallexample
8767(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8768$10 = 78 '+'
8769(@value{GDBP})
8770@end smallexample
8771
8772The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8773character.
8774
8775@node Caching Remote Data
8776@section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8777@cindex caching data of remote targets
8778
8779@value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
8780remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8781performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8782bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
8783caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
8784does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
8785addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
8786memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
8787Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
8788known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
8789rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
8790in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
8791stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
8792Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
8793cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
8794
8795@table @code
8796@kindex set remotecache
8797@item set remotecache on
8798@itemx set remotecache off
8799This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
8800with old scripts.
8801
8802@kindex show remotecache
8803@item show remotecache
8804Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
8805
8806@kindex set stack-cache
8807@item set stack-cache on
8808@itemx set stack-cache off
8809Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
8810caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
8811
8812@kindex show stack-cache
8813@item show stack-cache
8814Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
8815
8816@kindex info dcache
8817@item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
8818Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8819information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
8820each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
8821referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
8822operation.
8823
8824If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
8825printed in hex.
8826@end table
8827
8828@node Searching Memory
8829@section Search Memory
8830@cindex searching memory
8831
8832Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8833@code{find} command.
8834
8835@table @code
8836@kindex find
8837@item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8838@itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8839Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8840etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8841@var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8842@end table
8843
8844@var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8845They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8846
8847@table @r
8848@item @var{s}, search query size
8849The size of each search query value.
8850
8851@table @code
8852@item b
8853bytes
8854@item h
8855halfwords (two bytes)
8856@item w
8857words (four bytes)
8858@item g
8859giant words (eight bytes)
8860@end table
8861
8862All values are interpreted in the current language.
8863This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8864then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8865
8866If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8867value's type in the current language.
8868This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8869pattern as a mixture of types.
8870Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8871a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8872which is typically four bytes.
8873
8874@item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8875The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8876@end table
8877
8878You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8879 (@code{"}).
8880The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8881regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8882
8883The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8884number of matches found.
8885
8886The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8887@samp{$_}.
8888A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8889
8890For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8891
8892@smallexample
8893void
8894hello ()
8895@{
8896 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8897 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8898 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8899 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8900 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8901@}
8902@end smallexample
8903
8904@noindent
8905you get during debugging:
8906
8907@smallexample
8908(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
89090x804956d <hello.1620+6>
89101 pattern found
8911(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
89120x8049567 <hello.1620>
89130x804956d <hello.1620+6>
89142 patterns found
8915(gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
89160x8049567 <hello.1620>
89171 pattern found
8918(gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
89190x8049560 <mixed.1625>
89201 pattern found
8921(gdb) print $numfound
8922$1 = 1
8923(gdb) print $_
8924$2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8925@end smallexample
8926
8927@node Optimized Code
8928@chapter Debugging Optimized Code
8929@cindex optimized code, debugging
8930@cindex debugging optimized code
8931
8932Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
8933disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
8934directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
8935applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
8936diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
8937information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
8938the running program back to constructs from your original source.
8939
8940@value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
8941can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
8942progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
8943where you may need to debug an optimized version.
8944
8945When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
8946optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
8947really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
8948exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
8949variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
8950variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
8951
8952Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
8953@samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
8954doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
8955please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
8956@xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
8957
8958@menu
8959* Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
8960@end menu
8961
8962@node Inline Functions
8963@section Inline Functions
8964@cindex inline functions, debugging
8965
8966@dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
8967body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
8968routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
8969non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
8970arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
8971them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
8972You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
8973@code{info frame} command.
8974
8975For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
8976record information about inlining in the debug information ---
8977@value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
8978other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
8979when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
8980do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
8981@samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
8982function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
8983displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
8984local variables in the caller.
8985
8986The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
8987unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
8988the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
8989start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
8990the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
8991the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
8992instructions are executed.
8993
8994This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
8995context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
8996a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
8997this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
8998
8999There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9000function calls are the same as normal calls:
9001
9002@itemize @bullet
9003@item
9004You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9005either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9006breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9007will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9008set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9009function instead.
9010
9011@item
9012Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9013work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9014may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9015function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9016version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9017or inside the inlined function instead.
9018
9019@item
9020@value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9021using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9022debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9023and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9024
9025@end itemize
9026
9027
9028@node Macros
9029@chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9030
9031Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9032``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9033@value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9034the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9035where it was defined.
9036
9037You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9038with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9039include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9040with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9041
9042A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9043and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9044points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9045no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9046uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9047@value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9048see @ref{List}.
9049
9050Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9051macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9052the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9053
9054@table @code
9055
9056@kindex macro expand
9057@cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9058@cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9059@cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9060@item macro expand @var{expression}
9061@itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9062Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9063@var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9064not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9065it can be any string of tokens.
9066
9067@kindex macro exp1
9068@item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9069@itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9070@cindex expand macro once
9071@i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9072expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9073@var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9074left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9075particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9076expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9077parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9078can be any string of tokens.
9079
9080@kindex info macro
9081@cindex macro definition, showing
9082@cindex definition, showing a macro's
9083@item info macro @var{macro}
9084Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9085source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9086
9087@kindex macro define
9088@cindex user-defined macros
9089@cindex defining macros interactively
9090@cindex macros, user-defined
9091@item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9092@itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9093Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9094invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9095@var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9096``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9097defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9098@var{arglist}.
9099
9100A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9101expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9102@code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9103all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9104as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9105
9106@kindex macro undef
9107@item macro undef @var{macro}
9108Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9109This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9110define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9111in the program being debugged.
9112
9113@kindex macro list
9114@item macro list
9115List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9116@end table
9117
9118@cindex macros, example of debugging with
9119Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9120show our source files:
9121
9122@smallexample
9123$ cat sample.c
9124#include <stdio.h>
9125#include "sample.h"
9126
9127#define M 42
9128#define ADD(x) (M + x)
9129
9130main ()
9131@{
9132#define N 28
9133 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9134#undef N
9135 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9136#define N 1729
9137 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9138@}
9139$ cat sample.h
9140#define Q <
9141$
9142@end smallexample
9143
9144Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9145We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9146compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9147information.
9148
9149@smallexample
9150$ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9151$
9152@end smallexample
9153
9154Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9155
9156@smallexample
9157$ gdb -nw sample
9158GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9159Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9160GDB is free software, @dots{}
9161(@value{GDBP})
9162@end smallexample
9163
9164We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9165program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9166to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9167
9168@smallexample
9169(@value{GDBP}) list main
91703
91714 #define M 42
91725 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
91736
91747 main ()
91758 @{
91769 #define N 28
917710 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
917811 #undef N
917912 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9180(@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9181Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9182#define ADD(x) (M + x)
9183(@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9184Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9185 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9186#define Q <
9187(@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9188expands to: (42 + 1)
9189(@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9190expands to: once (M + 1)
9191(@value{GDBP})
9192@end smallexample
9193
9194In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9195the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9196@code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9197which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9198
9199Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9200force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9201
9202@smallexample
9203(@value{GDBP}) break main
9204Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9205(@value{GDBP}) run
9206Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9207
9208Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
920910 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9210(@value{GDBP})
9211@end smallexample
9212
9213At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9214
9215@smallexample
9216(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9217Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9218#define N 28
9219(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9220expands to: 28 < 42
9221(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9222$1 = 1
9223(@value{GDBP})
9224@end smallexample
9225
9226As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9227give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9228thereof) in force at each point:
9229
9230@smallexample
9231(@value{GDBP}) next
9232Hello, world!
923312 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9234(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9235The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9236at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9237(@value{GDBP}) next
9238We're so creative.
923914 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9240(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9241Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9242#define N 1729
9243(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9244expands to: 1729 < 42
9245(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9246$2 = 0
9247(@value{GDBP})
9248@end smallexample
9249
9250In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9251line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9252such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9253of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9254
9255@smallexample
9256(@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9257Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9258-D__STDC__=1
9259(@value{GDBP})
9260@end smallexample
9261
9262
9263@node Tracepoints
9264@chapter Tracepoints
9265@c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9266@c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9267
9268@cindex tracepoints
9269In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9270the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9271anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9272depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9273might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9274fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9275to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9276
9277Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9278specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9279arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9280Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9281those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9282expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9283for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9284a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9285in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9286values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9287unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9288
9289The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9290targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9291how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9292remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9293support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9294packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9295Packets}.
9296
9297It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9298of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9299through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9300
9301This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9302
9303@menu
9304* Set Tracepoints::
9305* Analyze Collected Data::
9306* Tracepoint Variables::
9307* Trace Files::
9308@end menu
9309
9310@node Set Tracepoints
9311@section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9312
9313Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9314tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9315breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9316standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9317tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9318of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9319as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9320
9321For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9322of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9323it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9324local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9325commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9326tracepoint was hit.
9327
9328Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Conditional
9329expressions and ignore counts on tracepoints have no effect, and
9330tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN} commands when they are
9331hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific either.
9332
9333@cindex fast tracepoints
9334Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9335a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9336faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9337
9338This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9339conditions and actions.
9340
9341@menu
9342* Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9343* Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9344* Tracepoint Passcounts::
9345* Tracepoint Conditions::
9346* Trace State Variables::
9347* Tracepoint Actions::
9348* Listing Tracepoints::
9349* Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9350@end menu
9351
9352@node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9353@subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9354
9355@table @code
9356@cindex set tracepoint
9357@kindex trace
9358@item trace @var{location}
9359The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9360Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9361an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9362@code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9363target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9364data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9365changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9366command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9367not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9368
9369Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9370
9371@smallexample
9372(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9373
9374(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9375
9376(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9377
9378(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9379
9380(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9381@end smallexample
9382
9383@noindent
9384You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9385
9386@item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9387Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9388@var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9389if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9390@xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9391information on tracepoint conditions.
9392
9393@item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9394@cindex set fast tracepoint
9395@kindex ftrace
9396The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9397support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9398less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9399instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9400may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9401location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9402message.
9403
9404@value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9405@code{trace}.
9406
9407@vindex $tpnum
9408@cindex last tracepoint number
9409@cindex recent tracepoint number
9410@cindex tracepoint number
9411The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
9412of the most recently set tracepoint.
9413
9414@kindex delete tracepoint
9415@cindex tracepoint deletion
9416@item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9417Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
9418default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
9419@code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
9420
9421Examples:
9422
9423@smallexample
9424(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
9425
9426(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
9427@end smallexample
9428
9429@noindent
9430You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
9431@end table
9432
9433@node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9434@subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9435
9436These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9437
9438@table @code
9439@kindex disable tracepoint
9440@item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9441Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9442@var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9443the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
9444a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
9445
9446@kindex enable tracepoint
9447@item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9448Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
9449tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
9450run.
9451@end table
9452
9453@node Tracepoint Passcounts
9454@subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
9455
9456@table @code
9457@kindex passcount
9458@cindex tracepoint pass count
9459@item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
9460Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
9461automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
9462@var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
9463the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
9464@var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
9465passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
9466given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
9467user.
9468
9469Examples:
9470
9471@smallexample
9472(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
9473@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
9474
9475(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
9476@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
9477(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9478(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
9479(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
9480(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
9481(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
9482(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
9483@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
9484@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
9485@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
9486@end smallexample
9487@end table
9488
9489@node Tracepoint Conditions
9490@subsection Tracepoint Conditions
9491@cindex conditional tracepoints
9492@cindex tracepoint conditions
9493
9494The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
9495reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
9496a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
9497programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
9498tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
9499program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
9500is true.
9501
9502Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
9503using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
9504@xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
9505also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
9506just as with breakpoints.
9507
9508Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
9509the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
9510expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions}
9511suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
9512Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
9513accesses, and so forth.
9514
9515For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
9516frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
9517could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
9518of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
9519through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
9520collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
9521search through.
9522
9523@smallexample
9524(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
9525@end smallexample
9526
9527@node Trace State Variables
9528@subsection Trace State Variables
9529@cindex trace state variables
9530
9531A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
9532created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
9533that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
9534but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
9535using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
9536integers.
9537
9538Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
9539to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
9540experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
9541trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
9542
9543@cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
9544Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
9545them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
9546variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
9547while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
9548the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
9549cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
9550@code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
9551variable with the same name.
9552
9553@table @code
9554
9555@item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
9556@kindex tvariable
9557The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
9558@code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
9559@var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
9560entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
9561otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
9562@code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
9563variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
9564existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
9565value. The default initial value is 0.
9566
9567@item info tvariables
9568@kindex info tvariables
9569List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
9570Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
9571currently running.
9572
9573@item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
9574@kindex delete tvariable
9575Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
9576are specified.
9577
9578@end table
9579
9580@node Tracepoint Actions
9581@subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
9582
9583@table @code
9584@kindex actions
9585@cindex tracepoint actions
9586@item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9587This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
9588tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
9589specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
9590recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
9591@code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
9592actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
9593terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
9594far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
9595@code{while-stepping}.
9596
9597@cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
9598To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
9599and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
9600
9601@smallexample
9602(@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
9603
9604(@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
9605
9606(@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
9607@end smallexample
9608
9609In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
9610commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
9611hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
9612following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
9613followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
9614@code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
9615@code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
9616@code{end} command.
9617
9618@smallexample
9619(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9620(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9621Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
9622> collect bar,baz
9623> collect $regs
9624> while-stepping 12
9625 > collect $fp, $sp
9626 > end
9627end
9628@end smallexample
9629
9630@kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
9631@item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9632Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
9633This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
9634In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
9635special arguments are supported:
9636
9637@table @code
9638@item $regs
9639collect all registers
9640
9641@item $args
9642collect all function arguments
9643
9644@item $locals
9645collect all local variables.
9646@end table
9647
9648You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
9649with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
9650arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
9651
9652The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
9653particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
9654
9655@kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
9656@item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9657Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
9658command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
9659are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
9660state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
9661values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
9662action were used.
9663
9664@kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
9665@item while-stepping @var{n}
9666Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
9667new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
9668followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
9669its own @code{end} command):
9670
9671@smallexample
9672> while-stepping 12
9673 > collect $regs, myglobal
9674 > end
9675>
9676@end smallexample
9677
9678@noindent
9679You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
9680@code{stepping}.
9681
9682@item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9683@kindex set default-collect
9684@cindex default collection action
9685This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
9686hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
9687to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
9688individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
9689@code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
9690local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
9691
9692@item show default-collect
9693@kindex show default-collect
9694Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
9695tracepoint hit.
9696
9697@end table
9698
9699@node Listing Tracepoints
9700@subsection Listing Tracepoints
9701
9702@table @code
9703@kindex info tracepoints
9704@kindex info tp
9705@cindex information about tracepoints
9706@item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9707Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
9708specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
9709tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
9710@code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
9711command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
9712
9713A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
9714tracing:
9715
9716@itemize @bullet
9717@item
9718its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
9719@item
9720its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
9721@item
9722its action list as given by the @code{actions} command. The actions
9723are prefixed with an @samp{A} so as to distinguish them from commands.
9724@end itemize
9725
9726@smallexample
9727(@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
9728Num Type Disp Enb Address What
97291 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
9730 pass count 1200
9731 step count 20
9732 A while-stepping 20
9733 A collect globfoo, $regs
9734 A end
9735 A collect globfoo2
9736 A end
9737(@value{GDBP})
9738@end smallexample
9739
9740@noindent
9741This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
9742@end table
9743
9744@node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9745@subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9746
9747@table @code
9748@kindex tstart
9749@cindex start a new trace experiment
9750@cindex collected data discarded
9751@item tstart
9752This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
9753begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
9754the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
9755experiment.
9756
9757@kindex tstop
9758@cindex stop a running trace experiment
9759@item tstop
9760This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
9761stops collecting data.
9762
9763@strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
9764automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
9765(@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
9766
9767@kindex tstatus
9768@cindex status of trace data collection
9769@cindex trace experiment, status of
9770@item tstatus
9771This command displays the status of the current trace data
9772collection.
9773@end table
9774
9775Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
9776
9777@smallexample
9778(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
9779(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9780Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
9781> collect $regs,$locals,$args
9782> while-stepping 11
9783 > collect $regs
9784 > end
9785> end
9786(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9787 [time passes @dots{}]
9788(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
9789@end smallexample
9790
9791@cindex disconnected tracing
9792You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
9793@value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
9794involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
9795ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
9796terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
9797unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
9798@code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
9799continue running without @value{GDBN}.
9800
9801@table @code
9802@item set disconnected-tracing on
9803@itemx set disconnected-tracing off
9804@kindex set disconnected-tracing
9805Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
9806has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
9807@code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
9808matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
9809for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
9810
9811@item show disconnected-tracing
9812@kindex show disconnected-tracing
9813Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
9814
9815@end table
9816
9817When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
9818still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
9819meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
9820it will continue after reconnection.
9821
9822Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
9823tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
9824information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
9825to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
9826have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
9827the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
9828debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
9829which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
9830necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
9831created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
9832
9833@node Analyze Collected Data
9834@section Using the Collected Data
9835
9836After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
9837for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
9838collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
9839snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
9840consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
9841examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
9842specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
9843snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
9844registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
9845rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
9846debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
9847(@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
9848behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
9849when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
9850the buffer will fail.
9851
9852@menu
9853* tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
9854* tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
9855* save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
9856@end menu
9857
9858@node tfind
9859@subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
9860
9861@kindex tfind
9862@cindex select trace snapshot
9863@cindex find trace snapshot
9864The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
9865@code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
9866counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
9867snapshot is selected.
9868
9869Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
9870
9871@table @code
9872@item tfind start
9873Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
9874@code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
9875
9876@item tfind none
9877Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
9878
9879@item tfind end
9880Same as @samp{tfind none}.
9881
9882@item tfind
9883No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
9884
9885@item tfind -
9886Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
9887retracing earlier steps.
9888
9889@item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
9890Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
9891proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
9892argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
9893for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
9894
9895@item tfind pc @var{addr}
9896Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
9897program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
9898snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
9899snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
9900
9901@item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9902Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
9903addresses.
9904
9905@item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9906Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
9907@var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
9908
9909@item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
9910Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
9911the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
9912that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
9913trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
9914next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
9915@code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
9916stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
9917@end table
9918
9919The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
9920designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
9921instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
9922snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
9923trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
9924simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
9925snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
9926@key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
9927The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
9928for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
9929no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
9930(PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
9931no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
9932tracepoint as the current one.
9933
9934In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
9935these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
9936scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
9937you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
9938registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
9939
9940@smallexample
9941(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9942(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9943> printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
9944 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
9945> tfind
9946> end
9947
9948Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
9949Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
9950Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
9951Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
9952Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
9953Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
9954Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
9955Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
9956Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
9957Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
9958Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
9959@end smallexample
9960
9961Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
9962the buffer:
9963
9964@smallexample
9965(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9966(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9967> printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
9968> tfind line
9969> end
9970
9971Frame 0, X = 1
9972Frame 7, X = 2
9973Frame 13, X = 255
9974@end smallexample
9975
9976@node tdump
9977@subsection @code{tdump}
9978@kindex tdump
9979@cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
9980@cindex tracepoint data, display
9981
9982This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
9983the current trace snapshot.
9984
9985@smallexample
9986(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
9987(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9988Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
9989> collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
9990> end
9991
9992(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9993
9994(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
9995#0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
9996at gdb_test.c:444
9997444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
9998
9999(@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10000Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10001d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10002d1 0x18 24
10003d2 0x80 128
10004d3 0x33 51
10005d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10006d5 0x22 34
10007d6 0xe0 224
10008d7 0x380035 3670069
10009a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10010a1 0x3000668 50333288
10011a2 0x100 256
10012a3 0x322000 3284992
10013a4 0x3000698 50333336
10014a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10015fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10016sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10017ps 0x0 0
10018pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10019fpcontrol 0x0 0
10020fpstatus 0x0 0
10021fpiaddr 0x0 0
10022p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10023p1 = (void *) 0x11
10024p2 = (void *) 0x22
10025p3 = (void *) 0x33
10026p4 = (void *) 0x44
10027p5 = (void *) 0x55
10028p6 = (void *) 0x66
10029gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10030
10031(@value{GDBP})
10032@end smallexample
10033
10034@node save-tracepoints
10035@subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
10036@kindex save-tracepoints
10037@cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10038
10039This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10040their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10041suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10042tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10043Files}).
10044
10045@node Tracepoint Variables
10046@section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10047@cindex tracepoint variables
10048@cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10049
10050@table @code
10051@vindex $trace_frame
10052@item (int) $trace_frame
10053The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10054snapshot is selected.
10055
10056@vindex $tracepoint
10057@item (int) $tracepoint
10058The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10059
10060@vindex $trace_line
10061@item (int) $trace_line
10062The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10063
10064@vindex $trace_file
10065@item (char []) $trace_file
10066The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10067
10068@vindex $trace_func
10069@item (char []) $trace_func
10070The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10071@end table
10072
10073Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10074use @code{output} instead.
10075
10076Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10077stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10078data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10079which are managed by the target.
10080
10081@smallexample
10082(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10083
10084(@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10085> output $trace_file
10086> printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10087> tfind
10088> end
10089@end smallexample
10090
10091@node Trace Files
10092@section Using Trace Files
10093@cindex trace files
10094
10095In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10096longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10097for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10098dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10099of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10100
10101@table @code
10102
10103@kindex tsave
10104@item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10105Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10106assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10107necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10108then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10109optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10110the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10111more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10112@code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10113
10114@kindex target tfile
10115@kindex tfile
10116@item target tfile @var{filename}
10117Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10118that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10119possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10120the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10121as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10122on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10123
10124@end table
10125
10126@node Overlays
10127@chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10128@cindex overlays
10129
10130If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10131memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10132problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10133use overlays.
10134
10135@menu
10136* How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10137* Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10138* Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10139 mapped by asking the inferior.
10140* Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10141@end menu
10142
10143@node How Overlays Work
10144@section How Overlays Work
10145@cindex mapped overlays
10146@cindex unmapped overlays
10147@cindex load address, overlay's
10148@cindex mapped address
10149@cindex overlay area
10150
10151Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10152kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10153other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10154management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10155adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10156
10157One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10158independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10159@dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10160their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10161instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10162largest overlay as well.
10163
10164Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10165overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10166for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10167there.
10168
10169@c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10170@c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10171@c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10172
10173@smallexample
10174@group
10175 Data Instruction Larger
10176Address Space Address Space Address Space
10177+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10178| | | | | |
10179+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10180| program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10181| variables | | program | | +-----------+
10182| and heap | | | | | |
10183+-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10184| | +-----------+ | | | load address
10185+-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10186 | | | | | |
10187 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10188 address | | | | | |
10189 | overlay | <-' | | |
10190 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10191 | | <---. | | load address
10192 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
10193 | | | |
10194 +-----------+ | |
10195 +-----------+
10196 | |
10197 +-----------+
10198
10199 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
10200@end group
10201@end smallexample
10202
10203The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
10204and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
10205its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
10206Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
10207may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
10208data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
10209program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
10210program and the overlay area.
10211
10212An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
10213@dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
10214instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
10215in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
10216is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
10217the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
10218called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
10219
10220Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
10221program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
10222global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
10223
10224@itemize @bullet
10225
10226@item
10227Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
10228must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
10229return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
10230overlay, and your program will probably crash.
10231
10232@item
10233If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
10234will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
10235your program's performance.
10236
10237@item
10238The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
10239overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
10240mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
10241and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
10242You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
10243addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
10244ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
10245
10246@item
10247The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
10248to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
10249instruction and data spaces.
10250
10251@end itemize
10252
10253The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
10254improved in many ways:
10255
10256@itemize @bullet
10257
10258@item
10259If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
10260hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
10261contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
10262This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
10263area in the usual way.
10264
10265@item
10266If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
10267overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
10268
10269@item
10270You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
10271general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
10272code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
10273return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
10274the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
10275must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
10276different data overlay into the same mapped area.
10277
10278@end itemize
10279
10280
10281@node Overlay Commands
10282@section Overlay Commands
10283
10284To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
10285correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
10286virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
10287mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
10288@value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
10289variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
10290
10291@value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
10292you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
10293
10294@table @code
10295@item overlay off
10296@kindex overlay
10297Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
10298disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
10299always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
10300overlay support is disabled.
10301
10302@item overlay manual
10303@cindex manual overlay debugging
10304Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
10305relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
10306using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
10307commands described below.
10308
10309@item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
10310@itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
10311@cindex map an overlay
10312Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
10313be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
10314overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
10315functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
10316that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
10317@var{overlay} are now unmapped.
10318
10319@item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
10320@itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
10321@cindex unmap an overlay
10322Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
10323must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
10324When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
10325overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
10326
10327@item overlay auto
10328Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
10329consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
10330to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
10331Overlay Debugging}.
10332
10333@item overlay load-target
10334@itemx overlay load
10335@cindex reloading the overlay table
10336Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
10337re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
10338stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
10339overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
10340useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
10341
10342@item overlay list-overlays
10343@itemx overlay list
10344@cindex listing mapped overlays
10345Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
10346addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
10347
10348@end table
10349
10350Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
10351of the function the address falls in:
10352
10353@smallexample
10354(@value{GDBP}) print main
10355$3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
10356@end smallexample
10357@noindent
10358When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
10359unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
10360asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
10361unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
10362
10363@smallexample
10364(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
10365No sections are mapped.
10366(@value{GDBP}) print foo
10367$5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
10368@end smallexample
10369@noindent
10370When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
10371name normally:
10372
10373@smallexample
10374(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
10375Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
10376 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
10377(@value{GDBP}) print foo
10378$6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
10379@end smallexample
10380
10381When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
10382address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
10383overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
10384@code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
10385code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
10386
10387@itemize @bullet
10388@item
10389@cindex breakpoints in overlays
10390@cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
10391You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
10392@value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
10393@item
10394@value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
10395unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
10396overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
10397you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
10398breakpoints properly.
10399@end itemize
10400
10401
10402@node Automatic Overlay Debugging
10403@section Automatic Overlay Debugging
10404@cindex automatic overlay debugging
10405
10406@value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
10407are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
10408inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
10409@code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
10410looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
10411current state of the overlays.
10412
10413Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
10414@value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
10415
10416@table @asis
10417
10418@item @code{_ovly_table}:
10419This variable must be an array of the following structures:
10420
10421@smallexample
10422struct
10423@{
10424 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
10425 unsigned long vma;
10426
10427 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
10428 unsigned long size;
10429
10430 /* The overlay's load address. */
10431 unsigned long lma;
10432
10433 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
10434 zero otherwise. */
10435 unsigned long mapped;
10436@}
10437@end smallexample
10438
10439@item @code{_novlys}:
10440This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
10441number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
10442
10443@end table
10444
10445To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
10446looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
10447@code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
10448executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
10449the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
10450currently mapped.
10451
10452In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
10453@code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
10454will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
10455calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
10456will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
10457are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
10458in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
10459overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
10460are not being executed.
10461
10462@node Overlay Sample Program
10463@section Overlay Sample Program
10464@cindex overlay example program
10465
10466When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
10467at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
10468addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
10469Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
10470since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
10471architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
10472portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
10473
10474However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
10475program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
10476suite. The program consists of the following files from
10477@file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
10478
10479@table @file
10480@item overlays.c
10481The main program file.
10482@item ovlymgr.c
10483A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
10484@item foo.c
10485@itemx bar.c
10486@itemx baz.c
10487@itemx grbx.c
10488Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
10489@item d10v.ld
10490@itemx m32r.ld
10491Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
10492and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
10493@end table
10494
10495You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
10496cross-compiler like this:
10497
10498@smallexample
10499$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
10500$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
10501$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
10502$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
10503$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
10504$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
10505$ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
10506 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
10507@end smallexample
10508
10509The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
10510you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
10511target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
10512
10513
10514@node Languages
10515@chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
10516@cindex languages
10517
10518Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
10519rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
10520dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
10521Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
10522represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
10523@samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
10524
10525@cindex working language
10526Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
10527allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
10528native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
10529consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
10530language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
10531language}.
10532
10533@menu
10534* Setting:: Switching between source languages
10535* Show:: Displaying the language
10536* Checks:: Type and range checks
10537* Supported Languages:: Supported languages
10538* Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
10539@end menu
10540
10541@node Setting
10542@section Switching Between Source Languages
10543
10544There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
10545set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
10546@code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
10547defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
10548used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
10549are printed, etc.
10550
10551In addition to the working language, every source file that
10552@value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
10553file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
10554source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
10555language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
10556controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
10557show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
10558set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
10559set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
10560Displaying the Language}.
10561
10562This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
10563as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
10564another language. In that case, make the
10565program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
10566@value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
10567program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
10568
10569@menu
10570* Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
10571* Manually:: Setting the working language manually
10572* Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
10573@end menu
10574
10575@node Filenames
10576@subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
10577
10578If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
10579@value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
10580
10581@table @file
10582@item .ada
10583@itemx .ads
10584@itemx .adb
10585@itemx .a
10586Ada source file.
10587
10588@item .c
10589C source file
10590
10591@item .C
10592@itemx .cc
10593@itemx .cp
10594@itemx .cpp
10595@itemx .cxx
10596@itemx .c++
10597C@t{++} source file
10598
10599@item .m
10600Objective-C source file
10601
10602@item .f
10603@itemx .F
10604Fortran source file
10605
10606@item .mod
10607Modula-2 source file
10608
10609@item .s
10610@itemx .S
10611Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
10612@value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
10613@end table
10614
10615In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
10616extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
10617
10618@node Manually
10619@subsection Setting the Working Language
10620
10621If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
10622expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
10623your program.
10624
10625@kindex set language
10626If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
10627command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
10628a language, such as
10629@code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
10630For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
10631
10632Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
10633language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
10634to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
10635source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
10636languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
10637source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
10638command such as:
10639
10640@smallexample
10641print a = b + c
10642@end smallexample
10643
10644@noindent
10645might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
10646@code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
10647printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
10648@code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
10649
10650@node Automatically
10651@subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
10652
10653To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
10654@samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
10655then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
10656frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
10657working language to the language recorded for the function in that
10658frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
10659or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
10660does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
10661not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
10662
10663This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
10664entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
10665written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
10666a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
10667case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
10668
10669@node Show
10670@section Displaying the Language
10671
10672The following commands help you find out which language is the
10673working language, and also what language source files were written in.
10674
10675@table @code
10676@item show language
10677@kindex show language
10678Display the current working language. This is the
10679language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
10680build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
10681
10682@item info frame
10683@kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
10684Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
10685working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
10686@xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
10687information listed here.
10688
10689@item info source
10690@kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
10691Display the source language of this source file.
10692@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
10693information listed here.
10694@end table
10695
10696In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
10697not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
10698with a language explicitly:
10699
10700@table @code
10701@item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
10702@kindex set extension-language
10703Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
10704assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
10705
10706@item info extensions
10707@kindex info extensions
10708List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
10709@end table
10710
10711@node Checks
10712@section Type and Range Checking
10713
10714@quotation
10715@emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
10716checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
10717section documents the intended facilities.
10718@end quotation
10719@c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
10720
10721Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
10722errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
10723checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
10724sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
10725these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
10726by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
10727errors when your program is running.
10728
10729@value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
10730Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
10731it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
10732evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
10733working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
10734automatically based on your program's source language.
10735@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
10736settings of supported languages.
10737
10738@menu
10739* Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
10740* Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
10741@end menu
10742
10743@cindex type checking
10744@cindex checks, type
10745@node Type Checking
10746@subsection An Overview of Type Checking
10747
10748Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
10749arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
10750otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
10751errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
10752
10753@smallexample
107541 + 2 @result{} 3
10755@exdent but
10756@error{} 1 + 2.3
10757@end smallexample
10758
10759The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
10760type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
10761
10762For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
10763@value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
10764to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
10765or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
10766but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
10767these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
10768also issues a warning.
10769
10770Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
10771related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
10772For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
10773a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
10774with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
10775the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
10776
10777Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
10778instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
10779operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
10780represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
10781operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
10782details on specific languages.
10783
10784@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
10785
10786@kindex set check type
10787@kindex show check type
10788@table @code
10789@item set check type auto
10790Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
10791@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10792each language.
10793
10794@item set check type on
10795@itemx set check type off
10796Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10797current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
10798match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
10799evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
10800message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
10801
10802@item set check type warn
10803Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
10804evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
10805be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
10806numbers and structures.
10807
10808@item show type
10809Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
10810is setting it automatically.
10811@end table
10812
10813@cindex range checking
10814@cindex checks, range
10815@node Range Checking
10816@subsection An Overview of Range Checking
10817
10818In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
10819bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
10820checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
10821computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
10822not exceed the bounds of the array.
10823
10824For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
10825@value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
10826always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
10827warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
10828
10829A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
10830array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
10831of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
10832error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
10833result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
10834the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
10835
10836@smallexample
10837@var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
10838@end smallexample
10839
10840This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
10841specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
10842Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
10843
10844@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
10845
10846@kindex set check range
10847@kindex show check range
10848@table @code
10849@item set check range auto
10850Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
10851@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10852each language.
10853
10854@item set check range on
10855@itemx set check range off
10856Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10857current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
10858match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
10859then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
10860
10861@item set check range warn
10862Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
10863but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
10864expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
10865memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
10866systems).
10867
10868@item show range
10869Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
10870being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
10871@end table
10872
10873@node Supported Languages
10874@section Supported Languages
10875
10876@value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
10877assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
10878@c This is false ...
10879Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
10880language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
10881and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
10882,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
10883language.
10884
10885The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
10886supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
10887tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
10888@value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
10889formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
10890books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
10891language reference or tutorial.
10892
10893@menu
10894* C:: C and C@t{++}
10895* Objective-C:: Objective-C
10896* Fortran:: Fortran
10897* Pascal:: Pascal
10898* Modula-2:: Modula-2
10899* Ada:: Ada
10900@end menu
10901
10902@node C
10903@subsection C and C@t{++}
10904
10905@cindex C and C@t{++}
10906@cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
10907
10908Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
10909to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
10910together.
10911
10912@cindex C@t{++}
10913@cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
10914@cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
10915The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
10916compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
10917effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
10918C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
10919compiler (@code{aCC}).
10920
10921For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
10922format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
10923format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
10924command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
10925@xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
10926gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
10927
10928@menu
10929* C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
10930* C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
10931* C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
10932* C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
10933* C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
10934* Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
10935* Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
10936* Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
10937@end menu
10938
10939@node C Operators
10940@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
10941
10942@cindex C and C@t{++} operators
10943
10944Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10945@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10946often defined on groups of types.
10947
10948For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
10949
10950@itemize @bullet
10951
10952@item
10953@emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
10954specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
10955
10956@item
10957@emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
10958@code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
10959
10960@item
10961@emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
10962
10963@item
10964@emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
10965
10966@end itemize
10967
10968@noindent
10969The following operators are supported. They are listed here
10970in order of increasing precedence:
10971
10972@table @code
10973@item ,
10974The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
10975are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
10976expression being the last expression evaluated.
10977
10978@item =
10979Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
10980assigned. Defined on scalar types.
10981
10982@item @var{op}=
10983Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
10984and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
10985@w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
10986@var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
10987@code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
10988
10989@item ?:
10990The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
10991of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
10992integral type.
10993
10994@item ||
10995Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10996
10997@item &&
10998Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10999
11000@item |
11001Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11002
11003@item ^
11004Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11005
11006@item &
11007Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11008
11009@item ==@r{, }!=
11010Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11011expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11012
11013@item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11014Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11015Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11016and non-zero for true.
11017
11018@item <<@r{, }>>
11019left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11020
11021@item @@
11022The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11023
11024@item +@r{, }-
11025Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11026pointer types.
11027
11028@item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11029Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11030defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11031integral types.
11032
11033@item ++@r{, }--
11034Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11035operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11036when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11037operation takes place.
11038
11039@item *
11040Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11041@code{++}.
11042
11043@item &
11044Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11045
11046For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11047allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11048to examine the address
11049where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11050stored.
11051
11052@item -
11053Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11054precedence as @code{++}.
11055
11056@item !
11057Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11058@code{++}.
11059
11060@item ~
11061Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11062@code{++}.
11063
11064
11065@item .@r{, }->
11066Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11067@value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11068pointer based on the stored type information.
11069Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11070
11071@item .*@r{, }->*
11072Dereferences of pointers to members.
11073
11074@item []
11075Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11076@code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11077
11078@item ()
11079Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11080
11081@item ::
11082C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11083and @code{class} types.
11084
11085@item ::
11086Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11087(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11088above.
11089@end table
11090
11091If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11092attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11093predefined meaning.
11094
11095@node C Constants
11096@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11097
11098@cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11099
11100@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11101following ways:
11102
11103@itemize @bullet
11104@item
11105Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11106specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11107by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11108@samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11109@code{long} value.
11110
11111@item
11112Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11113point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11114exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11115@samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11116sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11117A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11118@samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11119the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11120a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11121constant.
11122
11123@item
11124Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11125integral equivalents.
11126
11127@item
11128Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11129(@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11130(usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11131be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11132the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11133of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11134@samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11135@samp{\n} for newline.
11136
11137@item
11138String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11139double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11140above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11141a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11142characters.
11143
11144@item
11145Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11146to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11147
11148@item
11149Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11150and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11151integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11152and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11153@end itemize
11154
11155@node C Plus Plus Expressions
11156@subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11157
11158@cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11159@value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11160
11161@cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11162@cindex C@t{++} compilers
11163@cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11164@cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11165@quotation
11166@emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11167proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11168works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11169@value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11170@option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11171stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11172stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11173specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11174are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11175C@t{++} code.
11176@end quotation
11177
11178@enumerate
11179
11180@cindex member functions
11181@item
11182Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11183
11184@smallexample
11185count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11186@end smallexample
11187
11188@vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11189@cindex namespace in C@t{++}
11190@item
11191While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
11192expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
11193that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
11194pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
11195
11196@cindex call overloaded functions
11197@cindex overloaded functions, calling
11198@cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
11199@item
11200You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
11201call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
11202perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
11203calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
11204in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
11205default arguments.
11206
11207It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
11208promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
11209class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
11210functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
11211number of function arguments.
11212
11213Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
11214@code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
11215,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
11216
11217You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
11218explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
11219@smallexample
11220p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
11221@end smallexample
11222
11223The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
11224see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
11225
11226@cindex reference declarations
11227@item
11228@value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
11229them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
11230dereferenced.
11231
11232In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
11233reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
11234avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
11235The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
11236you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
11237
11238@item
11239@value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
11240expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
11241one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
11242necessary, for example in an expression like
11243@samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
11244resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
11245debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
11246@end enumerate
11247
11248In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
11249calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
11250objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
11251invoking user-defined operators.
11252
11253@node C Defaults
11254@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
11255
11256@cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
11257
11258If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
11259both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
11260C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11261selects the working language.
11262
11263If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
11264recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
11265@file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
11266these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
11267@xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
11268for further details.
11269
11270@c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
11271@c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
11272@c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
11273
11274@node C Checks
11275@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
11276
11277@cindex C and C@t{++} checks
11278
11279By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
11280is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
11281considers two variables type equivalent if:
11282
11283@itemize @bullet
11284@item
11285The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
11286enumerated tag.
11287
11288@item
11289The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
11290declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
11291
11292@ignore
11293@c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
11294@c FIXME--beers?
11295@item
11296The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
11297declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
11298compilers.)
11299@end ignore
11300@end itemize
11301
11302Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
11303indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
11304that is not itself an array.
11305
11306@node Debugging C
11307@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
11308
11309The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
11310the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
11311inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
11312appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
11313
11314The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
11315with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
11316,Expressions}.
11317
11318@node Debugging C Plus Plus
11319@subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
11320
11321@cindex commands for C@t{++}
11322
11323Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
11324designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
11325
11326@table @code
11327@cindex break in overloaded functions
11328@item @r{breakpoint menus}
11329When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
11330@value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
11331locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
11332@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
11333
11334@cindex overloading in C@t{++}
11335@item rbreak @var{regex}
11336Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
11337breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
11338classes.
11339@xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
11340
11341@cindex C@t{++} exception handling
11342@item catch throw
11343@itemx catch catch
11344Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
11345Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
11346
11347@cindex inheritance
11348@item ptype @var{typename}
11349Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
11350@var{typename}.
11351@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
11352
11353@cindex C@t{++} symbol display
11354@item set print demangle
11355@itemx show print demangle
11356@itemx set print asm-demangle
11357@itemx show print asm-demangle
11358Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
11359displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
11360@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11361
11362@item set print object
11363@itemx show print object
11364Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
11365@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11366
11367@item set print vtbl
11368@itemx show print vtbl
11369Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
11370@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
11371(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
11372ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
11373
11374@kindex set overload-resolution
11375@cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
11376@item set overload-resolution on
11377Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
11378is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
11379and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
11380using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
11381Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
11382If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
11383
11384@item set overload-resolution off
11385Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
11386overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
11387chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
11388symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
11389overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
11390searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
11391argument types.
11392
11393@kindex show overload-resolution
11394@item show overload-resolution
11395Show the current setting of overload resolution.
11396
11397@item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
11398You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
11399the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
11400@code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
11401also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
11402available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
11403@xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
11404@end table
11405
11406@node Decimal Floating Point
11407@subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
11408@cindex decimal floating point format
11409
11410@value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
11411decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
11412@code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
11413specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
11414
11415There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
11416Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
11417PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
11418target.
11419
11420Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
11421to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
11422(using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
11423
11424In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
11425point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
11426underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
11427
11428In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
11429to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
11430See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
11431
11432@node Objective-C
11433@subsection Objective-C
11434
11435@cindex Objective-C
11436This section provides information about some commands and command
11437options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
11438@ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
11439few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
11440
11441@menu
11442* Method Names in Commands::
11443* The Print Command with Objective-C::
11444@end menu
11445
11446@node Method Names in Commands
11447@subsubsection Method Names in Commands
11448
11449The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
11450names as line specifications:
11451
11452@kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
11453@kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
11454@kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
11455@kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
11456@kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
11457@itemize
11458@item @code{clear}
11459@item @code{break}
11460@item @code{info line}
11461@item @code{jump}
11462@item @code{list}
11463@end itemize
11464
11465A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
11466
11467@smallexample
11468-[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
11469@end smallexample
11470
11471where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
11472plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
11473name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
11474brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
11475source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
11476instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
11477debugged, enter:
11478
11479@smallexample
11480break -[Fruit create]
11481@end smallexample
11482
11483To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
11484enter:
11485
11486@smallexample
11487list +[NSText initialize]
11488@end smallexample
11489
11490In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
11491required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
11492sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
11493is also possible to specify just a method name:
11494
11495@smallexample
11496break create
11497@end smallexample
11498
11499You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
11500your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
11501you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
11502method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
11503none apply.
11504
11505As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
11506@code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
11507
11508@smallexample
11509clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
11510@end smallexample
11511
11512@node The Print Command with Objective-C
11513@subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
11514@cindex Objective-C, print objects
11515@kindex print-object
11516@kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
11517
11518The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
11519
11520@smallexample
11521print -[@var{object} hash]
11522@end smallexample
11523
11524@cindex print an Objective-C object description
11525@cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
11526@noindent
11527will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
11528and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
11529@code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
11530the description of an object. However, this command may only work
11531with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
11532function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
11533
11534@node Fortran
11535@subsection Fortran
11536@cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
11537
11538@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
11539currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
11540
11541@cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
11542Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
11543among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
11544functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
11545will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
11546underscore.
11547
11548@menu
11549* Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
11550* Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
11551* Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
11552@end menu
11553
11554@node Fortran Operators
11555@subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
11556
11557@cindex Fortran operators and expressions
11558
11559Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11560@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
11561arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
11562
11563@table @code
11564@item **
11565The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
11566of the second one.
11567
11568@item :
11569The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
11570represent a section of array.
11571
11572@item %
11573The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
11574types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
11575this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
11576union type.
11577@end table
11578
11579@node Fortran Defaults
11580@subsubsection Fortran Defaults
11581
11582@cindex Fortran Defaults
11583
11584Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
11585default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
11586change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
11587@ref{Symbols}, for the details.
11588
11589@node Special Fortran Commands
11590@subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
11591
11592@cindex Special Fortran commands
11593
11594@value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
11595such as displaying common blocks.
11596
11597@table @code
11598@cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
11599@kindex info common
11600@item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
11601This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
11602block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
11603all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
11604printed.
11605@end table
11606
11607@node Pascal
11608@subsection Pascal
11609
11610@cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
11611Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
11612nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
11613entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
11614syntax.
11615
11616The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
11617controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
11618@xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
11619
11620@node Modula-2
11621@subsection Modula-2
11622
11623@cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
11624
11625The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
11626output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
11627developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
11628attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11629to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
11630table.
11631
11632@cindex expressions in Modula-2
11633@menu
11634* M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
11635* Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
11636* M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
11637* M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
11638* M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
11639* Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
11640* M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
11641* M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11642* GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11643@end menu
11644
11645@node M2 Operators
11646@subsubsection Operators
11647@cindex Modula-2 operators
11648
11649Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11650@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11651often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
11652following definitions hold:
11653
11654@itemize @bullet
11655
11656@item
11657@emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
11658their subranges.
11659
11660@item
11661@emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
11662
11663@item
11664@emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
11665
11666@item
11667@emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
11668@var{type}}.
11669
11670@item
11671@emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
11672
11673@item
11674@emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
11675
11676@item
11677@emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
11678@end itemize
11679
11680@noindent
11681The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
11682increasing precedence:
11683
11684@table @code
11685@item ,
11686Function argument or array index separator.
11687
11688@item :=
11689Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
11690@var{value}.
11691
11692@item <@r{, }>
11693Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
11694types.
11695
11696@item <=@r{, }>=
11697Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
11698on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
11699set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
11700
11701@item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
11702Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
11703Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
11704available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
11705comment character.
11706
11707@item IN
11708Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
11709Same precedence as @code{<}.
11710
11711@item OR
11712Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11713
11714@item AND@r{, }&
11715Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11716
11717@item @@
11718The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11719
11720@item +@r{, }-
11721Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
11722and difference on set types.
11723
11724@item *
11725Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
11726on set types.
11727
11728@item /
11729Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
11730types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
11731
11732@item DIV@r{, }MOD
11733Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
11734precedence as @code{*}.
11735
11736@item -
11737Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
11738
11739@item ^
11740Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
11741
11742@item NOT
11743Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
11744@code{^}.
11745
11746@item .
11747@code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
11748precedence as @code{^}.
11749
11750@item []
11751Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
11752
11753@item ()
11754Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
11755as @code{^}.
11756
11757@item ::@r{, }.
11758@value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
11759@end table
11760
11761@quotation
11762@emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
11763treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
11764@code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
11765@code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
11766@end quotation
11767
11768
11769@node Built-In Func/Proc
11770@subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
11771@cindex Modula-2 built-ins
11772
11773Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
11774In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
11775
11776@table @var
11777
11778@item a
11779represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
11780
11781@item c
11782represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
11783
11784@item i
11785represents a variable or constant of integral type.
11786
11787@item m
11788represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
11789same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
11790be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
11791
11792@item n
11793represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
11794
11795@item r
11796represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
11797
11798@item t
11799represents a type.
11800
11801@item v
11802represents a variable.
11803
11804@item x
11805represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
11806explanation of the function for details.
11807@end table
11808
11809All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
11810
11811@table @code
11812@item ABS(@var{n})
11813Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
11814
11815@item CAP(@var{c})
11816If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
11817equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
11818
11819@item CHR(@var{i})
11820Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11821
11822@item DEC(@var{v})
11823Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11824
11825@item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
11826Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11827new value.
11828
11829@item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11830Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
11831set.
11832
11833@item FLOAT(@var{i})
11834Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
11835
11836@item HIGH(@var{a})
11837Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
11838
11839@item INC(@var{v})
11840Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11841
11842@item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
11843Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11844new value.
11845
11846@item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11847Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
11848there. Returns the new set.
11849
11850@item MAX(@var{t})
11851Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
11852
11853@item MIN(@var{t})
11854Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
11855
11856@item ODD(@var{i})
11857Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
11858
11859@item ORD(@var{x})
11860Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
11861value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
11862@sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
11863integral, character and enumerated types.
11864
11865@item SIZE(@var{x})
11866Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11867
11868@item TRUNC(@var{r})
11869Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
11870
11871@item TSIZE(@var{x})
11872Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11873
11874@item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
11875Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11876@end table
11877
11878@quotation
11879@emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
11880@value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
11881an error.
11882@end quotation
11883
11884@cindex Modula-2 constants
11885@node M2 Constants
11886@subsubsection Constants
11887
11888@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
11889ways:
11890
11891@itemize @bullet
11892
11893@item
11894Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
11895expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
11896rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
11897trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
11898
11899@item
11900Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
11901decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
11902then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
11903@samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
11904digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
11905digits.
11906
11907@item
11908Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
11909like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
11910also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
11911followed by a @samp{C}.
11912
11913@item
11914String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
11915pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
11916Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
11917Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
11918sequences.
11919
11920@item
11921Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
11922
11923@item
11924Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
11925@code{FALSE}.
11926
11927@item
11928Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
11929
11930@item
11931Set constants are not yet supported.
11932@end itemize
11933
11934@node M2 Types
11935@subsubsection Modula-2 Types
11936@cindex Modula-2 types
11937
11938Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
11939syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
11940types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
11941print the contents of variables declared using these type.
11942This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
11943sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
11944
11945The first example contains the following section of code:
11946
11947@smallexample
11948VAR
11949 s: SET OF CHAR ;
11950 r: [20..40] ;
11951@end smallexample
11952
11953@noindent
11954and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
11955@code{r} and @code{s}.
11956
11957@smallexample
11958(@value{GDBP}) print s
11959@{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
11960(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11961SET OF CHAR
11962(@value{GDBP}) print r
1196321
11964(@value{GDBP}) ptype r
11965[20..40]
11966@end smallexample
11967
11968@noindent
11969Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
11970
11971@smallexample
11972VAR
11973 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
11974@end smallexample
11975
11976@noindent
11977then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
11978
11979@smallexample
11980(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11981type = SET ['A'..'Z']
11982@end smallexample
11983
11984@noindent
11985Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
11986expressions using the debugger.
11987
11988The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
11989and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
11990
11991@smallexample
11992VAR
11993 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
11994@end smallexample
11995
11996@smallexample
11997(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11998ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
11999@end smallexample
12000
12001Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12002is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12003arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12004above.
12005
12006Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12007
12008@smallexample
12009TYPE
12010 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12011 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12012VAR
12013 s: t ;
12014BEGIN
12015 s := blue ;
12016@end smallexample
12017
12018@noindent
12019The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12020and value of a variable.
12021
12022@smallexample
12023(@value{GDBP}) print s
12024$1 = blue
12025(@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12026type = [blue..yellow]
12027@end smallexample
12028
12029@noindent
12030In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12031displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12032their @code{C} counterparts.
12033
12034@smallexample
12035VAR
12036 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12037BEGIN
12038 s[1] := 1 ;
12039@end smallexample
12040
12041@smallexample
12042(@value{GDBP}) print s
12043$1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12044(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12045type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12046@end smallexample
12047
12048The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12049pointer types as shown in this example:
12050
12051@smallexample
12052VAR
12053 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12054BEGIN
12055 NEW(s) ;
12056 s^[1] := 1 ;
12057@end smallexample
12058
12059@noindent
12060and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12061
12062@smallexample
12063(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12064type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12065@end smallexample
12066
12067@value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12068Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12069types:
12070
12071@smallexample
12072TYPE
12073 foo = RECORD
12074 f1: CARDINAL ;
12075 f2: CHAR ;
12076 f3: myarray ;
12077 END ;
12078
12079 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12080 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12081VAR
12082 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12083@end smallexample
12084
12085@noindent
12086and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12087below.
12088
12089@smallexample
12090(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12091type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12092 f1 : CARDINAL;
12093 f2 : CHAR;
12094 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12095END
12096@end smallexample
12097
12098@node M2 Defaults
12099@subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12100@cindex Modula-2 defaults
12101
12102If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12103both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12104Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12105selected the working language.
12106
12107If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12108code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12109working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12110Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12111
12112@node Deviations
12113@subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12114@cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12115
12116A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12117This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12118
12119@itemize @bullet
12120@item
12121Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12122integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12123debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12124pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12125through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12126returned a pointer.)
12127
12128@item
12129C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12130non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12131escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12132printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12133
12134@item
12135The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12136argument.
12137
12138@item
12139All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12140@end itemize
12141
12142@node M2 Checks
12143@subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12144@cindex Modula-2 checks
12145
12146@quotation
12147@emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
12148range checking.
12149@end quotation
12150@c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
12151
12152@value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
12153
12154@itemize @bullet
12155@item
12156They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
12157@var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
12158
12159@item
12160They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
12161@sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
12162@end itemize
12163
12164As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
12165whose types are not equivalent is an error.
12166
12167Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
12168index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
12169
12170@node M2 Scope
12171@subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12172@cindex scope
12173@cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
12174@cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
12175@ifinfo
12176@vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
12177@c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
12178@end ifinfo
12179@ifnotinfo
12180@vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
12181@end ifnotinfo
12182
12183There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
12184(@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
12185similar syntax:
12186
12187@smallexample
12188
12189@var{module} . @var{id}
12190@var{scope} :: @var{id}
12191@end smallexample
12192
12193@noindent
12194where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
12195@var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
12196identifier within your program, except another module.
12197
12198Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
12199specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
12200found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
12201enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
12202
12203Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
12204the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
12205definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
12206an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
12207module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
12208@var{module}.
12209
12210@node GDB/M2
12211@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12212
12213Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
12214Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
12215specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
12216@samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
12217apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
12218analogue in Modula-2.
12219
12220The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
12221with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
12222intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
12223created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
12224address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
12225@samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
12226
12227@cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
12228In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
12229interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
12230
12231@node Ada
12232@subsection Ada
12233@cindex Ada
12234
12235The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
12236output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
12237Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
12238attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12239to be difficult.
12240
12241
12242@cindex expressions in Ada
12243@menu
12244* Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
12245 and semantics supported by Ada mode
12246 in @value{GDBN}.
12247* Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
12248* Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
12249* Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
12250* Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
12251* Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
12252* Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
12253@end menu
12254
12255@node Ada Mode Intro
12256@subsubsection Introduction
12257@cindex Ada mode, general
12258
12259The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
12260syntax, with some extensions.
12261The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
12262
12263@itemize @bullet
12264@item
12265That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
12266arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
12267leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
12268program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
12269
12270@item
12271That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
12272are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
12273
12274@item
12275That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
12276@end itemize
12277
12278Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
12279user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
12280according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
12281names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
12282ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
12283
12284The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
12285As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
12286was translated from an Ada source file.
12287
12288While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
12289mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
12290(@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
12291middle (to allow based literals).
12292
12293The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
12294the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
12295actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
12296the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
12297procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
12298functions to procedures elsewhere.
12299
12300@node Omissions from Ada
12301@subsubsection Omissions from Ada
12302@cindex Ada, omissions from
12303
12304Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
12305
12306@itemize @bullet
12307@item
12308Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
12309
12310@itemize @minus
12311@item
12312@t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
12313 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
12314
12315@item
12316@t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
12317
12318@item
12319@t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
12320
12321@item
12322@t{'Tag}.
12323
12324@item
12325@t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
12326operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
12327
12328@item
12329@t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
12330@t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
12331
12332@item
12333@t{'Address}.
12334@end itemize
12335
12336@item
12337The names in
12338@code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
12339concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
12340not currently available.
12341
12342@item
12343Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
12344equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
12345for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
12346They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
12347types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
12348(in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
12349zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
12350indeterminate values.
12351
12352@item
12353The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
12354@code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
12355are not implemented.
12356
12357@item
12358@cindex array aggregates (Ada)
12359@cindex record aggregates (Ada)
12360@cindex aggregates (Ada)
12361There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
12362permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
12363
12364@smallexample
12365(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
12366(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
12367(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
12368(@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
12369(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
12370(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
12371@end smallexample
12372
12373Changing a
12374discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
12375undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
12376However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
12377them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
12378aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
12379declared to have a type such as:
12380
12381@smallexample
12382type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
12383 Id : Integer;
12384 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
12385end record;
12386@end smallexample
12387
12388you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
12389assignments:
12390
12391@smallexample
12392(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
12393(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
12394@end smallexample
12395
12396As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
12397rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
12398components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
12399component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
12400original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
12401indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
12402redundant component associations, although which component values are
12403assigned in such cases is not defined.
12404
12405@item
12406Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
12407
12408@item
12409The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
12410than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
12411which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
12412looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
12413function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
12414the proper resolution.
12415
12416@item
12417The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
12418
12419@item
12420Entry calls are not implemented.
12421
12422@item
12423Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
12424formats are not supported.
12425
12426@item
12427It is not possible to slice a packed array.
12428
12429@item
12430The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
12431are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
12432context.
12433Should your program
12434redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
12435you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
12436@end itemize
12437
12438@node Additions to Ada
12439@subsubsection Additions to Ada
12440@cindex Ada, deviations from
12441
12442As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
12443extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
12444
12445@itemize @bullet
12446@item
12447If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
12448a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
12449then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
12450@var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
12451Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
12452in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
12453Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
12454which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
12455
12456@item
12457@code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
12458appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
12459you must typically surround it in single quotes.
12460
12461@item
12462The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
12463@var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
12464
12465@item
12466A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
12467(@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
12468@end itemize
12469
12470In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
12471additions specific to Ada:
12472
12473@itemize @bullet
12474@item
12475The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
12476its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
12477
12478@smallexample
12479(@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
12480(@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
12481@end smallexample
12482
12483@item
12484The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
12485the value of its right-hand operand.
12486This allows, for example,
12487complex conditional breaks:
12488
12489@smallexample
12490(@value{GDBP}) break f
12491(@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
12492@end smallexample
12493
12494@item
12495Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
12496characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
12497which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
12498@samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
12499(single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
12500sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
12501in strings. For example,
12502@smallexample
12503 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
12504@end smallexample
12505@noindent
12506contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
12507after each period.
12508
12509@item
12510The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
12511@t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
12512to write
12513
12514@smallexample
12515(@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
12516@end smallexample
12517
12518@item
12519When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
12520array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
12521For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
12522of 3 might print as
12523
12524@smallexample
12525(3 => 10, 17, 1)
12526@end smallexample
12527
12528@noindent
12529That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
12530clause.
12531
12532@item
12533You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
12534multi-character subsequence of
12535their names (an exact match gets preference).
12536For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
12537in place of @t{a'length}.
12538
12539@item
12540@cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
12541Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
12542to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
12543some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
12544For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
12545enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
12546For example,
12547@smallexample
12548(@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
12549@end smallexample
12550
12551@item
12552Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
12553access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
12554specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
12555selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
12556object.
12557
12558@end itemize
12559
12560@node Stopping Before Main Program
12561@subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
12562
12563@cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
12564It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
12565before reaching the main procedure.
12566As defined in the Ada Reference
12567Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
12568@code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
12569elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
12570@code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
12571
12572@node Ada Tasks
12573@subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
12574@cindex Ada, tasking
12575
12576Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
12577@value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
12578
12579@table @code
12580@kindex info tasks
12581@item info tasks
12582This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
12583
12584
12585@smallexample
12586@iftex
12587@leftskip=0.5cm
12588@end iftex
12589(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12590 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12591 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12592 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
12593 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
12594* 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
12595
12596@end smallexample
12597
12598@noindent
12599In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
12600task currently being inspected.
12601
12602@table @asis
12603@item ID
12604Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
12605
12606@item TID
12607The Ada task ID.
12608
12609@item P-ID
12610The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
12611
12612@item Pri
12613The base priority of the task.
12614
12615@item State
12616Current state of the task.
12617
12618@table @code
12619@item Unactivated
12620The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
12621executing.
12622
12623@item Runnable
12624The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
12625for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
12626
12627@item Terminated
12628The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
12629that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
12630terminated themselves.
12631
12632@item Child Activation Wait
12633The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
12634
12635@item Accept Statement
12636The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
12637
12638@item Waiting on entry call
12639The task is waiting on an entry call.
12640
12641@item Async Select Wait
12642The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
12643select statement.
12644
12645@item Delay Sleep
12646The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
12647alternative open.
12648
12649@item Child Termination Wait
12650The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
12651waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
12652waiting on a terminate Phase.
12653
12654@item Wait Child in Term Alt
12655The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
12656finish terminating.
12657
12658@item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
12659The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
12660@end table
12661
12662@item Name
12663Name of the task in the program.
12664
12665@end table
12666
12667@kindex info task @var{taskno}
12668@item info task @var{taskno}
12669This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
12670the following example:
12671@smallexample
12672@iftex
12673@leftskip=0.5cm
12674@end iftex
12675(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12676 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12677 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12678* 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
12679(@value{GDBP}) info task 2
12680Ada Task: 0x807c468
12681Name: task_1
12682Thread: 0x807f378
12683Parent: 1 (main_task)
12684Base Priority: 15
12685State: Runnable
12686@end smallexample
12687
12688@item task
12689@kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
12690@cindex current Ada task ID
12691This command prints the ID of the current task.
12692
12693@smallexample
12694@iftex
12695@leftskip=0.5cm
12696@end iftex
12697(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12698 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12699 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12700* 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12701(@value{GDBP}) task
12702[Current task is 2]
12703@end smallexample
12704
12705@item task @var{taskno}
12706@cindex Ada task switching
12707This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
12708command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
12709from the current task to the given task.
12710
12711@smallexample
12712@iftex
12713@leftskip=0.5cm
12714@end iftex
12715(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12716 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12717 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12718* 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12719(@value{GDBP}) task 1
12720[Switching to task 1]
12721#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12722(@value{GDBP}) bt
12723#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12724#1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
12725#2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
12726#3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
12727#4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
12728@end smallexample
12729
12730@item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
12731@itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
12732@cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
12733@cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
12734@kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
12735These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
12736command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
12737@var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
12738in @ref{Specify Location}.
12739
12740Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
12741to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
12742particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
12743numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
12744column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
12745
12746If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
12747breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
12748program.
12749
12750You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
12751well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
12752breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
12753
12754For example,
12755
12756@smallexample
12757@iftex
12758@leftskip=0.5cm
12759@end iftex
12760(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12761 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12762 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12763 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
12764 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12765* 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
12766(@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
12767Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
12768(@value{GDBP}) cont
12769Continuing.
12770task # 1 running
12771task # 2 running
12772
12773Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
1277415 flush;
12775(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12776 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12777 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12778* 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
12779 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12780 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
12781@end smallexample
12782@end table
12783
12784@node Ada Tasks and Core Files
12785@subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
12786@cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
12787
12788When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
12789tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
12790the platform being used.
12791For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
12792switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
12793as usual.
12794
12795On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
12796memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
12797a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
12798privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
12799Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
12800file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
12801
12802@node Ada Glitches
12803@subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
12804@cindex Ada, problems
12805
12806Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
12807we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
12808@value{GDBN},
12809some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
12810and the GNU Ada compiler.
12811
12812@itemize @bullet
12813@item
12814Currently, the debugger
12815has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
12816pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
12817Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
12818to get it printed properly.
12819
12820@item
12821Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
12822storage are invisible to the debugger.
12823
12824@item
12825Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
12826argument lists are treated as positional).
12827
12828@item
12829Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
12830
12831@item
12832Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
12833floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
12834the host machine.
12835
12836@item
12837The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
12838the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
12839this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
12840look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
12841symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
12842defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
12843local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
12844GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
12845you can usually resolve the confusion
12846by qualifying the problematic names with package
12847@code{Standard} explicitly.
12848@end itemize
12849
12850Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
12851information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
12852of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
12853around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
12854to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
12855enabled.
12856
12857@kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
12858@kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
12859@table @code
12860
12861@item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
12862Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
12863value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
12864types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
12865a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
12866This is the default.
12867
12868@item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
12869This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
12870sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
12871trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
12872the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
12873@code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
12874recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
12875
12876@end table
12877
12878@node Unsupported Languages
12879@section Unsupported Languages
12880
12881@cindex unsupported languages
12882@cindex minimal language
12883In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
12884@value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
12885It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
12886of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
12887This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
12888an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
12889
12890If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
12891select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
12892language.
12893
12894@node Symbols
12895@chapter Examining the Symbol Table
12896
12897The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
12898symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
12899program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
12900does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
12901program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
12902(@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
12903file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
12904
12905@cindex symbol names
12906@cindex names of symbols
12907@cindex quoting names
12908Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
12909characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
12910most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
12911source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
12912are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
12913ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
12914@samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
12915@samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
12916
12917@smallexample
12918p 'foo.c'::x
12919@end smallexample
12920
12921@noindent
12922looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
12923
12924@table @code
12925@cindex case-insensitive symbol names
12926@cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
12927@kindex set case-sensitive
12928@item set case-sensitive on
12929@itemx set case-sensitive off
12930@itemx set case-sensitive auto
12931Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
12932with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
12933Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
12934case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
12935case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
12936you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
12937suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
12938matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
12939case-insensitive matches.
12940
12941@kindex show case-sensitive
12942@item show case-sensitive
12943This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
12944lookups.
12945
12946@kindex info address
12947@cindex address of a symbol
12948@item info address @var{symbol}
12949Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
12950variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
12951local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
12952is always stored.
12953
12954Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
12955at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
12956the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
12957
12958@kindex info symbol
12959@cindex symbol from address
12960@cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
12961@item info symbol @var{addr}
12962Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
12963If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
12964nearest symbol and an offset from it:
12965
12966@smallexample
12967(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
12968_initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
12969@end smallexample
12970
12971@noindent
12972This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
12973it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
12974
12975For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
12976library containing the symbol is also printed:
12977
12978@smallexample
12979(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
12980_start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
12981(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
12982__read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
12983@end smallexample
12984
12985@kindex whatis
12986@item whatis [@var{arg}]
12987Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
12988a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
12989last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
12990not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
12991assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
12992@var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
12993for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
12994@samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
12995@samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
12996@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
12997
12998@kindex ptype
12999@item ptype [@var{arg}]
13000@code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13001detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13002@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13003
13004For example, for this variable declaration:
13005
13006@smallexample
13007struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13008@end smallexample
13009
13010@noindent
13011the two commands give this output:
13012
13013@smallexample
13014@group
13015(@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13016type = struct complex
13017(@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13018type = struct complex @{
13019 double real;
13020 double imag;
13021@}
13022@end group
13023@end smallexample
13024
13025@noindent
13026As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13027the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13028
13029@cindex incomplete type
13030Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13031of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13032program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13033the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13034given these declarations:
13035
13036@smallexample
13037 struct foo;
13038 struct foo *fooptr;
13039@end smallexample
13040
13041@noindent
13042but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13043
13044@smallexample
13045 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13046 $1 = <incomplete type>
13047@end smallexample
13048
13049@noindent
13050``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13051completely specified.
13052
13053@kindex info types
13054@item info types @var{regexp}
13055@itemx info types
13056Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13057expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13058no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13059complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13060types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13061@samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13062name is @code{value}.
13063
13064This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13065@code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13066lists all source files where a type is defined.
13067
13068@kindex info scope
13069@cindex local variables
13070@item info scope @var{location}
13071List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13072accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13073an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13074to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13075details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13076
13077@smallexample
13078(@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13079Scope for command_line_handler:
13080Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13081Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13082Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13083Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13084Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13085Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13086Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13087@end smallexample
13088
13089@noindent
13090This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13091during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13092collect}.
13093
13094@kindex info source
13095@item info source
13096Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13097the function containing the current point of execution:
13098@itemize @bullet
13099@item
13100the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13101@item
13102the directory it was compiled in,
13103@item
13104its length, in lines,
13105@item
13106which programming language it is written in,
13107@item
13108whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13109if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13110@item
13111whether the debugging information includes information about
13112preprocessor macros.
13113@end itemize
13114
13115
13116@kindex info sources
13117@item info sources
13118Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13119debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13120have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
13121
13122@kindex info functions
13123@item info functions
13124Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
13125
13126@item info functions @var{regexp}
13127Print the names and data types of all defined functions
13128whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
13129Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
13130include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
13131start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
13132that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
13133@samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
13134
13135@kindex info variables
13136@item info variables
13137Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
13138outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
13139
13140@item info variables @var{regexp}
13141Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
13142variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
13143@var{regexp}.
13144
13145@kindex info classes
13146@cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
13147@item info classes
13148@itemx info classes @var{regexp}
13149Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
13150(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13151expression.
13152
13153@kindex info selectors
13154@item info selectors
13155@itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
13156Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
13157(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13158expression.
13159
13160@ignore
13161This was never implemented.
13162@kindex info methods
13163@item info methods
13164@itemx info methods @var{regexp}
13165The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
13166methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
13167specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
13168C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
13169from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
13170@code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
13171which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
13172@end ignore
13173
13174@cindex reloading symbols
13175Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
13176be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
13177in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
13178running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
13179@value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
13180
13181@table @code
13182@kindex set symbol-reloading
13183@item set symbol-reloading on
13184Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
13185object file with a particular name is seen again.
13186
13187@item set symbol-reloading off
13188Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
13189same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
13190running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
13191should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
13192may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
13193several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
13194name.
13195
13196@kindex show symbol-reloading
13197@item show symbol-reloading
13198Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
13199@end table
13200
13201@cindex opaque data types
13202@kindex set opaque-type-resolution
13203@item set opaque-type-resolution on
13204Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
13205declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
13206@code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
13207source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
13208another source file. The default is on.
13209
13210A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
13211the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
13212
13213@item set opaque-type-resolution off
13214Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
13215is printed as follows:
13216@smallexample
13217@{<no data fields>@}
13218@end smallexample
13219
13220@kindex show opaque-type-resolution
13221@item show opaque-type-resolution
13222Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
13223
13224@kindex maint print symbols
13225@cindex symbol dump
13226@kindex maint print psymbols
13227@cindex partial symbol dump
13228@item maint print symbols @var{filename}
13229@itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
13230@itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
13231Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
13232These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
13233symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
13234symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
13235collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
13236only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
13237command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
13238use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
13239symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
13240files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
13241@samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
13242required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
13243@xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
13244@value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
13245
13246@kindex maint info symtabs
13247@kindex maint info psymtabs
13248@cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
13249@cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13250@cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13251@cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
13252@item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
13253@itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
13254
13255List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
13256structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
13257given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
13258copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
13259structure in more detail. For example:
13260
13261@smallexample
13262(@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
13263@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
13264 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
13265 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
13266 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
13267 readin no
13268 fullname (null)
13269 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
13270 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
13271 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
13272 dependencies (none)
13273 @}
13274@}
13275(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
13276(@value{GDBP})
13277@end smallexample
13278@noindent
13279We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
13280the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
13281and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
13282If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
13283read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
13284
13285@smallexample
13286(@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
13287Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
13288line 1574.
13289(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
13290@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
13291 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
13292 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
13293 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
13294 dirname (null)
13295 fullname (null)
13296 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
13297 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
13298 debugformat DWARF 2
13299 @}
13300@}
13301(@value{GDBP})
13302@end smallexample
13303@end table
13304
13305
13306@node Altering
13307@chapter Altering Execution
13308
13309Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
13310find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
13311correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
13312experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
13313program.
13314
13315For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
13316locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
13317address, or even return prematurely from a function.
13318
13319@menu
13320* Assignment:: Assignment to variables
13321* Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
13322* Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
13323* Returning:: Returning from a function
13324* Calling:: Calling your program's functions
13325* Patching:: Patching your program
13326@end menu
13327
13328@node Assignment
13329@section Assignment to Variables
13330
13331@cindex assignment
13332@cindex setting variables
13333To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
13334@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
13335
13336@smallexample
13337print x=4
13338@end smallexample
13339
13340@noindent
13341stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
13342value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
13343@xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
13344information on operators in supported languages.
13345
13346@kindex set variable
13347@cindex variables, setting
13348If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
13349@code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
13350really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
13351not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
13352,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
13353
13354If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
13355appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
13356variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
13357to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
13358program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
13359a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
13360command @code{set width}:
13361
13362@smallexample
13363(@value{GDBP}) whatis width
13364type = double
13365(@value{GDBP}) p width
13366$4 = 13
13367(@value{GDBP}) set width=47
13368Invalid syntax in expression.
13369@end smallexample
13370
13371@noindent
13372The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
13373order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
13374
13375@smallexample
13376(@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
13377@end smallexample
13378
13379Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
13380with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
13381@code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
13382your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
13383to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
13384the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
13385
13386@smallexample
13387@group
13388(@value{GDBP}) whatis g
13389type = double
13390(@value{GDBP}) p g
13391$1 = 1
13392(@value{GDBP}) set g=4
13393(@value{GDBP}) p g
13394$2 = 1
13395(@value{GDBP}) r
13396The program being debugged has been started already.
13397Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
13398Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
13399"/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
13400 Invalid bfd target.
13401(@value{GDBP}) show g
13402The current BFD target is "=4".
13403@end group
13404@end smallexample
13405
13406@noindent
13407The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
13408@code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
13409@code{g}, use
13410
13411@smallexample
13412(@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
13413@end smallexample
13414
13415@value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
13416freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
13417and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
13418same length or shorter.
13419@comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
13420@comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
13421
13422To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
13423construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
13424(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
13425to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
13426and representation in memory), and
13427
13428@smallexample
13429set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
13430@end smallexample
13431
13432@noindent
13433stores the value 4 into that memory location.
13434
13435@node Jumping
13436@section Continuing at a Different Address
13437
13438Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
13439it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
13440an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
13441
13442@table @code
13443@kindex jump
13444@item jump @var{linespec}
13445@itemx jump @var{location}
13446Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
13447@var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
13448breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
13449different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
13450practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
13451@code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13452
13453The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
13454the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
13455register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
13456a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
13457be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
13458of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
13459confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
13460executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
13461well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
13462@end table
13463
13464@c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
13465On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
13466command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
13467difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
13468changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
13469example,
13470
13471@smallexample
13472set $pc = 0x485
13473@end smallexample
13474
13475@noindent
13476makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
13477address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
13478@xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
13479
13480The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
13481up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
13482that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
13483detail.
13484
13485@c @group
13486@node Signaling
13487@section Giving your Program a Signal
13488@cindex deliver a signal to a program
13489
13490@table @code
13491@kindex signal
13492@item signal @var{signal}
13493Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
13494signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
13495signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
13496SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
13497
13498Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
13499giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
13500a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
13501@code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
13502signal.
13503
13504@code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
13505after executing the command.
13506@end table
13507@c @end group
13508
13509Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
13510@code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
13511causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
13512the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
13513passes the signal directly to your program.
13514
13515
13516@node Returning
13517@section Returning from a Function
13518
13519@table @code
13520@cindex returning from a function
13521@kindex return
13522@item return
13523@itemx return @var{expression}
13524You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
13525command. If you give an
13526@var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
13527value.
13528@end table
13529
13530When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
13531(and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
13532discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
13533be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
13534
13535This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
13536Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
13537innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
13538specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
13539of functions.
13540
13541The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
13542program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
13543returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
13544and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
13545selected stack frame returns naturally.
13546
13547@value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
13548the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
13549type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
13550OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
13551CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
13552registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
13553specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
13554current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
13555assignment into the right register(s).
13556
13557Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
13558use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
13559debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
13560function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
13561int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
13562into a @code{long long int}:
13563
13564@smallexample
13565Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
1356629 return 31;
13567(@value{GDBP}) return -1
13568Make func return now? (y or n) y
13569#0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
1357043 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
13571(@value{GDBP})
13572@end smallexample
13573
13574However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
13575function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
13576to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
13577in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
13578typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
13579of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
13580architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
13581an appropriate cast explicitly:
13582
13583@smallexample
13584Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
13585(@value{GDBP}) return -1
13586Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
13587Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
13588(@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
13589Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
13590#0 0x00400526 in main ()
13591(@value{GDBP})
13592@end smallexample
13593
13594@node Calling
13595@section Calling Program Functions
13596
13597@table @code
13598@cindex calling functions
13599@cindex inferior functions, calling
13600@item print @var{expr}
13601Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
13602@var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
13603debugged.
13604
13605@kindex call
13606@item call @var{expr}
13607Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
13608returned values.
13609
13610You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
13611execute a function from your program that does not return anything
13612(a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
13613with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
13614print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
13615value history.
13616@end table
13617
13618It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
13619@code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
13620the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
13621in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
13622
13623Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
13624call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
13625exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
13626frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
13627an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
13628dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
13629seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
13630in that case is controlled by the
13631@code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
13632
13633@table @code
13634@item set unwindonsignal
13635@kindex set unwindonsignal
13636@cindex unwind stack in called functions
13637@cindex call dummy stack unwinding
13638Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
13639that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
13640@value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
13641the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
13642default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
13643received.
13644
13645@item show unwindonsignal
13646@kindex show unwindonsignal
13647Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13648@value{GDBN}.
13649
13650@item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13651@kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13652@cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
13653@cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
13654Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
13655unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
13656debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
13657it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
13658the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
13659the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
13660
13661@item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13662@kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13663Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13664@value{GDBN}.
13665
13666@end table
13667
13668@cindex weak alias functions
13669Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
13670for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
13671the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
13672which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
13673As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
13674even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
13675function instead.
13676
13677@node Patching
13678@section Patching Programs
13679
13680@cindex patching binaries
13681@cindex writing into executables
13682@cindex writing into corefiles
13683
13684By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
13685executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
13686alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
13687patching your program's binary.
13688
13689If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
13690explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
13691want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
13692repairs.
13693
13694@table @code
13695@kindex set write
13696@item set write on
13697@itemx set write off
13698If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
13699core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
13700off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
13701
13702If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
13703@code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
13704write}, for your new setting to take effect.
13705
13706@item show write
13707@kindex show write
13708Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
13709as well as reading.
13710@end table
13711
13712@node GDB Files
13713@chapter @value{GDBN} Files
13714
13715@value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
13716both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
13717program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
13718@value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
13719
13720@menu
13721* Files:: Commands to specify files
13722* Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
13723* Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
13724* Data Files:: GDB data files
13725@end menu
13726
13727@node Files
13728@section Commands to Specify Files
13729
13730@cindex symbol table
13731@cindex core dump file
13732
13733You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
13734way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
13735@value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
13736Out of @value{GDBN}}).
13737
13738Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
13739@value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
13740specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
13741via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
13742Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
13743new files are useful.
13744
13745@table @code
13746@cindex executable file
13747@kindex file
13748@item file @var{filename}
13749Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
13750symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
13751executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
13752directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
13753@value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
13754directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
13755to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
13756and your program, using the @code{path} command.
13757
13758@cindex unlinked object files
13759@cindex patching object files
13760You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
13761the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
13762file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
13763if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
13764@kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
13765that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
13766case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
13767the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
13768
13769@item file
13770@code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
13771has on both executable file and the symbol table.
13772
13773@kindex exec-file
13774@item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13775Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
13776in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
13777if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
13778discard information on the executable file.
13779
13780@kindex symbol-file
13781@item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13782Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
13783searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
13784table and program to run from the same file.
13785
13786@code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
13787program's symbol table.
13788
13789The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
13790some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
13791contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
13792which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
13793@value{GDBN}.
13794
13795@code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
13796executing it once.
13797
13798When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
13799understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
13800generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
13801other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
13802Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
13803using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
13804optimized code.
13805
13806For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
13807using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
13808symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
13809quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
13810details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
13811
13812The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
13813start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
13814occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
13815file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
13816pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
13817Warnings and Messages}.)
13818
13819We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
13820symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
13821symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
13822still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
13823in stabs format.
13824
13825@kindex readnow
13826@cindex reading symbols immediately
13827@cindex symbols, reading immediately
13828@item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
13829@itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
13830You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
13831tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
13832load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
13833entire symbol table available.
13834
13835@c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
13836@c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
13837@c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
13838@c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
13839@c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
13840@c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
13841@c files.
13842
13843@kindex core-file
13844@item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
13845@itemx core
13846Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
13847of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
13848address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
13849executable file itself for other parts.
13850
13851@code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
13852to be used.
13853
13854Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
13855under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
13856wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
13857the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
13858(@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
13859
13860@kindex add-symbol-file
13861@cindex dynamic linking
13862@item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
13863@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13864@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
13865The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
13866information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
13867when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
13868into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
13869address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
13870this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
13871of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
13872section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
13873@var{address} as an expression.
13874
13875The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
13876originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
13877@code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
13878thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
13879instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
13880
13881@cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
13882@cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
13883@cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
13884@cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
13885@cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
13886Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
13887executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
13888relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
13889information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
13890
13891@itemize @bullet
13892@item
13893the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
13894that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
13895@item
13896every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
13897been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
13898@item
13899you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
13900provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13901@end itemize
13902
13903@noindent
13904Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
13905relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
13906typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
13907important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
13908procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
13909assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
13910general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
13911relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
13912as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
13913way.
13914
13915@code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
13916
13917@kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
13918@cindex @code{syscall DSO}
13919@cindex load symbols from memory
13920@item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
13921Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
13922object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
13923For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
13924process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
13925some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
13926evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
13927For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
13928@code{exec-file} commands in advance.
13929
13930@kindex add-shared-symbol-files
13931@kindex assf
13932@item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
13933@itemx assf @var{library-file}
13934The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
13935in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
13936alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
13937@value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
13938@value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
13939@code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
13940library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
13941@code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
13942
13943@kindex section
13944@item section @var{section} @var{addr}
13945The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
13946@var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
13947exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
13948@code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
13949itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
13950@code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
13951their addresses.
13952
13953@kindex info files
13954@kindex info target
13955@item info files
13956@itemx info target
13957@code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
13958current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
13959including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
13960use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
13961command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
13962current ones.
13963
13964@kindex maint info sections
13965@item maint info sections
13966Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
13967is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
13968displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
13969offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
13970@code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
13971may be arbitrarily combined):
13972
13973@table @code
13974@item ALLOBJ
13975Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
13976@item @var{sections}
13977Display info only for named @var{sections}.
13978@item @var{section-flags}
13979Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
13980The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
13981@table @code
13982@item ALLOC
13983Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
13984Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
13985@item LOAD
13986Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
13987Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
13988@item RELOC
13989Section needs to be relocated before loading.
13990@item READONLY
13991Section cannot be modified by the child process.
13992@item CODE
13993Section contains executable code only.
13994@item DATA
13995Section contains data only (no executable code).
13996@item ROM
13997Section will reside in ROM.
13998@item CONSTRUCTOR
13999Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14000@item HAS_CONTENTS
14001Section is not empty.
14002@item NEVER_LOAD
14003An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14004@item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14005A notification to the linker that the section contains
14006COFF shared library information.
14007@item IS_COMMON
14008Section contains common symbols.
14009@end table
14010@end table
14011@kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14012@cindex read-only sections
14013@item set trust-readonly-sections on
14014Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14015really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14016In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14017out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14018For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14019enhancement to debugging performance.
14020
14021The default is off.
14022
14023@item set trust-readonly-sections off
14024Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14025the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14026and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14027
14028@item show trust-readonly-sections
14029Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14030@end table
14031
14032All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14033as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14034name and remembers it that way.
14035
14036@cindex shared libraries
14037@anchor{Shared Libraries}
14038@value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14039and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14040
14041On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14042shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14043
14044@value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14045when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14046(Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14047references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14048debugging a core file).
14049
14050On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14051automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14052
14053@c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14054@c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14055@c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14056
14057There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14058symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14059particularly large or there are many of them.
14060
14061To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14062commands:
14063
14064@table @code
14065@kindex set auto-solib-add
14066@item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14067If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14068will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14069attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14070informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14071is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14072@code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14073
14074@cindex memory used for symbol tables
14075If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14076takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14077memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14078symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14079auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14080library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14081@var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14082the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14083
14084@kindex show auto-solib-add
14085@item show auto-solib-add
14086Display the current autoloading mode.
14087@end table
14088
14089@cindex load shared library
14090To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14091command:
14092
14093@table @code
14094@kindex info sharedlibrary
14095@kindex info share
14096@item info share @var{regex}
14097@itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14098Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14099that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14100all shared libraries that are loaded.
14101
14102@kindex sharedlibrary
14103@kindex share
14104@item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14105@itemx share @var{regex}
14106Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14107Unix regular expression.
14108As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14109required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14110@var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14111loaded.
14112
14113@item nosharedlibrary
14114@kindex nosharedlibrary
14115@cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14116Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14117that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14118libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
14119discarded.
14120@end table
14121
14122Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
14123when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
14124stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
14125
14126@table @code
14127@item set stop-on-solib-events
14128@kindex set stop-on-solib-events
14129This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
14130when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
14131The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
14132shared library.
14133
14134@item show stop-on-solib-events
14135@kindex show stop-on-solib-events
14136Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
14137library events happen.
14138@end table
14139
14140Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
14141configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
14142this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
14143on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
14144libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
14145provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
14146copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
14147not.
14148
14149@cindex where to look for shared libraries
14150For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
14151libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
14152may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
14153to specify the search directories for target libraries.
14154
14155@table @code
14156@cindex prefix for shared library file names
14157@cindex system root, alternate
14158@kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
14159@kindex set sysroot
14160@item set sysroot @var{path}
14161Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
14162absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
14163runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
14164target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
14165libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
14166the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
14167under @var{path}.
14168
14169If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
14170retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
14171supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
14172command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
14173The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
14174(if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
14175@footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
14176that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
14177variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
14178
14179The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
14180sysroot}.
14181
14182@cindex default system root
14183@cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
14184You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
14185@samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
14186@value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
14187@samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
14188automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
14189location.
14190
14191@kindex show sysroot
14192@item show sysroot
14193Display the current shared library prefix.
14194
14195@kindex set solib-search-path
14196@item set solib-search-path @var{path}
14197If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
14198directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
14199is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
14200path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
14201use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
14202@samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
14203finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
14204it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
14205of shared library symbols.
14206
14207@kindex show solib-search-path
14208@item show solib-search-path
14209Display the current shared library search path.
14210@end table
14211
14212
14213@node Separate Debug Files
14214@section Debugging Information in Separate Files
14215@cindex separate debugging information files
14216@cindex debugging information in separate files
14217@cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
14218@cindex debugging information directory, global
14219@cindex global debugging information directory
14220@cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
14221@cindex @file{.build-id} directory
14222
14223@value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
14224file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
14225@value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
14226Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
14227than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
14228information for their executables in separate files, which users can
14229install only when they need to debug a problem.
14230
14231@value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
14232file:
14233
14234@itemize @bullet
14235@item
14236The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
14237the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
14238usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
14239name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
14240(e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
14241debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
14242checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
14243the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
14244
14245@item
14246The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
14247also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
14248only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
14249for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
14250this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
14251command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
14252The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
14253explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
14254below.
14255@end itemize
14256
14257Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
14258uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
14259
14260@itemize @bullet
14261@item
14262For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
14263the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
14264directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
14265directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
14266directories of the executable's absolute file name.
14267
14268@item
14269For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
14270@file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
14271named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
14272first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
14273are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
14274hex characters, not 10.)
14275@end itemize
14276
14277So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
14278@file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
14279file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
14280@code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
14281@file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
14282debug information files, in the indicated order:
14283
14284@itemize @minus
14285@item
14286@file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
14287@item
14288@file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
14289@item
14290@file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
14291@item
14292@file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
14293@end itemize
14294
14295You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
14296name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
14297
14298@table @code
14299
14300@kindex set debug-file-directory
14301@item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
14302Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
14303information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
14304concatenating them by a directory separator.
14305
14306@kindex show debug-file-directory
14307@item show debug-file-directory
14308Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
14309information files.
14310
14311@end table
14312
14313@cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
14314@cindex debug link sections
14315A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
14316@code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
14317
14318@itemize
14319@item
14320A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
14321a zero byte,
14322@item
14323zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
14324boundary within the section, and
14325@item
14326a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
14327executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
14328information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
14329zero as the @var{crc} argument.
14330@end itemize
14331
14332Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
14333contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
14334described above.
14335
14336@cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
14337@cindex build ID sections
14338The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
14339ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
14340often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
14341It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
14342the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
14343algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
14344content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
14345value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
14346stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
14347
14348The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
14349executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
14350debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
14351should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
14352but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
14353in an ordinary executable.
14354
14355The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
14356@samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
14357the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
14358following commands:
14359
14360@smallexample
14361@kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
14362@kbd{strip -g foo}
14363@end smallexample
14364
14365@noindent
14366These commands remove the debugging
14367information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
14368@file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
14369two files:
14370
14371@itemize @bullet
14372@item
14373The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
14374behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
14375
14376@smallexample
14377@kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
14378@end smallexample
14379
14380Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
14381a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
14382foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
14383the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
14384
14385@item
14386Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
14387the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
14388compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
14389utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
14390@end itemize
14391
14392@noindent
14393
14394@cindex CRC algorithm definition
14395The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
14396IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
14397
14398@c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
14399@c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
14400@c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
14401@c different ways!
14402@ifhtml
14403@display
14404@html
14405 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
14406 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
14407@end html
14408@end display
14409@end ifhtml
14410@ifnothtml
14411@display
14412 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
14413 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
14414@end display
14415@end ifnothtml
14416
14417The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
14418significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
14419@code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
14420the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
14421CRC.
14422
14423@emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
14424@dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
14425, @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
14426case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
14427significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
14428zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
14429
14430To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
14431which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
14432initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
14433this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
14434@code{0xffffffff}.
14435
14436@kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
14437@smallexample
14438unsigned long
14439gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
14440 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
14441@{
14442 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
14443 @{
14444 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
14445 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
14446 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
14447 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
14448 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
14449 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
14450 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
14451 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
14452 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
14453 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
14454 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
14455 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
14456 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
14457 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
14458 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
14459 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
14460 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
14461 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
14462 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
14463 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
14464 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
14465 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
14466 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
14467 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
14468 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
14469 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
14470 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
14471 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
14472 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
14473 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
14474 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
14475 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
14476 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
14477 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
14478 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
14479 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
14480 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
14481 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
14482 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
14483 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
14484 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
14485 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
14486 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
14487 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
14488 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
14489 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
14490 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
14491 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
14492 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
14493 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
14494 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
14495 0x2d02ef8d
14496 @};
14497 unsigned char *end;
14498
14499 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
14500 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
14501 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
14502 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
14503@}
14504@end smallexample
14505
14506@noindent
14507This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
14508
14509
14510@node Symbol Errors
14511@section Errors Reading Symbol Files
14512
14513While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
14514such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
14515output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
14516they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
14517debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
14518about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
14519only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
14520times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
14521to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
14522complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
14523Messages}).
14524
14525The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
14526
14527@table @code
14528@item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
14529
14530The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
14531(such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
14532error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
14533in its outer scope blocks.
14534
14535@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
14536the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
14537may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
14538function.
14539
14540@item block at @var{address} out of order
14541
14542The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
14543order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
14544do so.
14545
14546@value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
14547locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
14548can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
14549@code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
14550Messages}.)
14551
14552@item bad block start address patched
14553
14554The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
14555smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
14556to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
14557
14558@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
14559starting on the previous source line.
14560
14561@item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
14562
14563@cindex foo
14564Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
14565larger than the size of the string table.
14566
14567@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
14568name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
14569with this name.
14570
14571@item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
14572
14573The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
14574not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
14575uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
14576
14577@value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
14578This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
14579are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
14580debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
14581on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
14582and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
14583
14584@item stub type has NULL name
14585
14586@value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
14587
14588@item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
14589The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
14590information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
14591it.
14592
14593@item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
14594
14595@value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
14596
14597@end table
14598
14599@node Data Files
14600@section GDB Data Files
14601
14602@cindex prefix for data files
14603@value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
14604are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
14605
14606You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
14607is currently using.
14608
14609@table @code
14610@kindex set data-directory
14611@item set data-directory @var{directory}
14612Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
14613to @var{directory}.
14614
14615@kindex show data-directory
14616@item show data-directory
14617Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
14618@end table
14619
14620@cindex default data directory
14621@cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
14622You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
14623@samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
14624@value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
14625@samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
14626automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
14627location.
14628
14629@node Targets
14630@chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
14631
14632@cindex debugging target
14633A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
14634
14635Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
14636in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
14637you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
14638flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
14639host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
14640realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
14641command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
14642(@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
14643
14644@cindex target architecture
14645It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
14646architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
14647one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
14648command.
14649
14650@table @code
14651@kindex set architecture
14652@kindex show architecture
14653@item set architecture @var{arch}
14654This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
14655value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
14656supported architectures.
14657
14658@item show architecture
14659Show the current target architecture.
14660
14661@item set processor
14662@itemx processor
14663@kindex set processor
14664@kindex show processor
14665These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
14666and @code{show architecture}.
14667@end table
14668
14669@menu
14670* Active Targets:: Active targets
14671* Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
14672* Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
14673@end menu
14674
14675@node Active Targets
14676@section Active Targets
14677
14678@cindex stacking targets
14679@cindex active targets
14680@cindex multiple targets
14681
14682There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
14683executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
14684active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
14685start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
14686a core file.
14687
14688For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
14689@code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
14690well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
14691@value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
14692first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
14693requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
14694are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
14695read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
14696executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
14697
14698When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
14699target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
14700commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
14701an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
14702process target is active.
14703
14704Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
14705core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
14706Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
14707the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
14708Process}).
14709
14710@node Target Commands
14711@section Commands for Managing Targets
14712
14713@table @code
14714@item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
14715Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
14716process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
14717facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
14718protocol of the target machine.
14719
14720Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
14721typically include things like device names or host names to connect
14722with, process numbers, and baud rates.
14723
14724The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
14725after executing the command.
14726
14727@kindex help target
14728@item help target
14729Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
14730currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
14731(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14732
14733@item help target @var{name}
14734Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
14735select it.
14736
14737@kindex set gnutarget
14738@item set gnutarget @var{args}
14739@value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
14740knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
14741a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
14742with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
14743with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
14744
14745@quotation
14746@emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
14747you must know the actual BFD name.
14748@end quotation
14749
14750@noindent
14751@xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
14752
14753@kindex show gnutarget
14754@item show gnutarget
14755Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
14756@code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
14757@value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
14758and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
14759@end table
14760
14761@cindex common targets
14762Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
14763configuration):
14764
14765@table @code
14766@kindex target
14767@item target exec @var{program}
14768@cindex executable file target
14769An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
14770@samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
14771
14772@item target core @var{filename}
14773@cindex core dump file target
14774A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
14775@samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
14776
14777@item target remote @var{medium}
14778@cindex remote target
14779A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
14780connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
14781protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
14782
14783For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
14784machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
14785
14786@smallexample
14787target remote /dev/ttya
14788@end smallexample
14789
14790@code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
14791useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
14792system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
14793clobbered by the download.
14794
14795@item target sim
14796@cindex built-in simulator target
14797Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
14798In general,
14799@smallexample
14800 target sim
14801 load
14802 run
14803@end smallexample
14804@noindent
14805works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
14806drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
14807provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
14808see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
14809Processors}.
14810
14811@end table
14812
14813Some configurations may include these targets as well:
14814
14815@table @code
14816
14817@item target nrom @var{dev}
14818@cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
14819NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
14820
14821@end table
14822
14823Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
14824your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
14825
14826Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
14827you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
14828various aspects of this process.
14829
14830@table @code
14831
14832@item set hash
14833@kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14834@cindex hash mark while downloading
14835This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
14836downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
14837displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
14838monitor.
14839
14840@item show hash
14841@kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14842Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
14843
14844@item set debug monitor
14845@kindex set debug monitor
14846@cindex display remote monitor communications
14847Enable or disable display of communications messages between
14848@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14849
14850@item show debug monitor
14851@kindex show debug monitor
14852Show the current status of displaying communications between
14853@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14854@end table
14855
14856@table @code
14857
14858@kindex load @var{filename}
14859@item load @var{filename}
14860@anchor{load}
14861Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
14862@value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
14863is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
14864on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
14865@code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
14866the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14867
14868If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
14869execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
14870target is @dots{}}''
14871
14872The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
14873For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
14874link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
14875specifies a fixed address.
14876@c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
14877
14878Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
14879load programs into flash memory.
14880
14881@code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
14882@end table
14883
14884@node Byte Order
14885@section Choosing Target Byte Order
14886
14887@cindex choosing target byte order
14888@cindex target byte order
14889
14890Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
14891offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
14892orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
14893designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
14894which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
14895@value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
14896
14897@table @code
14898@kindex set endian
14899@item set endian big
14900Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
14901
14902@item set endian little
14903Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
14904
14905@item set endian auto
14906Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
14907executable.
14908
14909@item show endian
14910Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
14911
14912@end table
14913
14914Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
14915data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
14916target system.
14917
14918
14919@node Remote Debugging
14920@chapter Debugging Remote Programs
14921@cindex remote debugging
14922
14923If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
14924@value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
14925For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
14926or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
14927powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
14928
14929Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
14930to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
14931@value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
14932but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
14933write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
14934communicate with @value{GDBN}.
14935
14936Other remote targets may be available in your
14937configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
14938
14939@menu
14940* Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
14941* File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
14942* Server:: Using the gdbserver program
14943* Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
14944* Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
14945@end menu
14946
14947@node Connecting
14948@section Connecting to a Remote Target
14949
14950On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
14951your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
14952Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
14953program as the first argument.
14954
14955@cindex @code{target remote}
14956@value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
14957over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
14958each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
14959program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
14960@code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
14961Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
14962
14963@table @code
14964
14965@item target remote @var{serial-device}
14966@cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
14967Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
14968to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
14969
14970@smallexample
14971target remote /dev/ttyb
14972@end smallexample
14973
14974If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
14975@w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
14976(@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
14977@code{target} command.
14978
14979@item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
14980@itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
14981@cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
14982Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
14983The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
14984address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
14985the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
14986it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
14987target.
14988
14989For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
14990@code{manyfarms}:
14991
14992@smallexample
14993target remote manyfarms:2828
14994@end smallexample
14995
14996If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
14997debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
14998same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
14999port 1234 on your local machine:
15000
15001@smallexample
15002target remote :1234
15003@end smallexample
15004@noindent
15005
15006Note that the colon is still required here.
15007
15008@item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15009@cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
15010Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
15011connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
15012
15013@smallexample
15014target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
15015@end smallexample
15016
15017When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
15018keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
15019can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
15020cause havoc with your debugging session.
15021
15022@item target remote | @var{command}
15023@cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
15024Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
15025pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
15026by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
15027protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
15028standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
15029that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
15030using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
15031
15032If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
15033@value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
15034program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
15035
15036@end table
15037
15038Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
15039commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
15040running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
15041need to use @kbd{run}.
15042
15043@cindex interrupting remote programs
15044@cindex remote programs, interrupting
15045Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
15046interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
15047program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
15048and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
15049interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
15050
15051@smallexample
15052Interrupted while waiting for the program.
15053Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
15054@end smallexample
15055
15056If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
15057(If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
15058remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
15059goes back to waiting.
15060
15061@table @code
15062@kindex detach (remote)
15063@item detach
15064When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
15065@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
15066Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
15067will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
15068command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
15069
15070@kindex disconnect
15071@item disconnect
15072The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
15073the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
15074(this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
15075the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
15076another target.
15077
15078@cindex send command to remote monitor
15079@cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
15080@cindex add new commands for external monitor
15081@kindex monitor
15082@item monitor @var{cmd}
15083This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
15084remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
15085sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
15086can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
15087and implement.
15088@end table
15089
15090@node File Transfer
15091@section Sending files to a remote system
15092@cindex remote target, file transfer
15093@cindex file transfer
15094@cindex sending files to remote systems
15095
15096Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
15097connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
15098for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
15099running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
15100e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
15101the only way to upload or download files.
15102
15103Not all remote targets support these commands.
15104
15105@table @code
15106@kindex remote put
15107@item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
15108Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
15109@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
15110
15111@kindex remote get
15112@item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
15113Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
15114on the host system.
15115
15116@kindex remote delete
15117@item remote delete @var{targetfile}
15118Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
15119
15120@end table
15121
15122@node Server
15123@section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
15124
15125@kindex gdbserver
15126@cindex remote connection without stubs
15127@code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
15128allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
15129@code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
15130
15131@code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
15132because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
15133that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
15134@code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
15135@value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
15136because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
15137also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
15138started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
15139Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
15140the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
15141do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
15142by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
15143choice for debugging.
15144
15145@value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
15146or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
15147protocol.
15148
15149@quotation
15150@emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
15151Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
15152@value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
15153target system with the same privileges as the user running
15154@code{gdbserver}.
15155@end quotation
15156
15157@subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
15158@cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
15159
15160Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
15161program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
15162@code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
15163strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
15164system does all the symbol handling.
15165
15166To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
15167the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
15168syntax is:
15169
15170@smallexample
15171target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
15172@end smallexample
15173
15174@var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
15175hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
15176@samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
15177@file{/dev/com1}:
15178
15179@smallexample
15180target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
15181@end smallexample
15182
15183@code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
15184with it.
15185
15186To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
15187
15188@smallexample
15189target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
15190@end smallexample
15191
15192The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
15193specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
15194TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
15195expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
15196(Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
15197you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
15198TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
15199reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
15200conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
15201and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
15202@code{target remote} command.
15203
15204@subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
15205
15206On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
15207This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
15208
15209@smallexample
15210target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
15211@end smallexample
15212
15213@var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
15214to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
15215
15216@pindex pidof
15217@cindex attach to a program by name
15218You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
15219@code{pidof} utility:
15220
15221@smallexample
15222target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
15223@end smallexample
15224
15225In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
15226has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
15227@code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
15228
15229@subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
15230@cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
15231@cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
15232
15233When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
15234@code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
15235program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
15236and @code{gdbserver} exits.
15237
15238If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
15239enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
15240detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
15241though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
15242commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
15243The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
15244remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
15245arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
15246redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
15247
15248To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
15249or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
15250Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
15251the program you want to debug.
15252
15253@code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
15254You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
15255(@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
15256
15257@subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
15258
15259The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
15260status information about the debugging process. The
15261@option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
15262remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
15263@code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
15264
15265The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
15266for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
15267wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
15268@kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
15269
15270@code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
15271command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
15272program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
15273runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
15274
15275You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
15276its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
15277this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
15278with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
15279
15280For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
15281the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
15282environment:
15283
15284@smallexample
15285$ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
15286@end smallexample
15287
15288@subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
15289
15290Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
15291
15292First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
15293your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
15294@code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
15295was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
15296
15297The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
15298and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
15299system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
15300are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
15301during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
15302files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
15303programs.
15304
15305Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
15306For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
15307the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
15308text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
15309@samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
15310command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
15311already on the target.
15312
15313@subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
15314@cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
15315@anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
15316
15317During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
15318@code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
15319Here are the available commands.
15320
15321@table @code
15322@item monitor help
15323List the available monitor commands.
15324
15325@item monitor set debug 0
15326@itemx monitor set debug 1
15327Disable or enable general debugging messages.
15328
15329@item monitor set remote-debug 0
15330@itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
15331Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
15332protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
15333
15334@item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
15335@cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
15336When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15337directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
15338libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
15339@samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to an empty list.
15340
15341@item monitor exit
15342Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
15343@code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
15344detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
15345Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
15346of a multi-process mode debug session.
15347
15348@end table
15349
15350@node Remote Configuration
15351@section Remote Configuration
15352
15353@kindex set remote
15354@kindex show remote
15355This section documents the configuration options available when
15356debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
15357extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
15358system-call-allowed}.
15359
15360@table @code
15361@item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
15362@cindex address size for remote targets
15363@cindex bits in remote address
15364Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
15365number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
15366that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
15367default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
15368
15369@item show remoteaddresssize
15370Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
15371
15372@item set remotebaud @var{n}
15373@cindex baud rate for remote targets
15374Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
15375value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
15376remote targets.
15377
15378@item show remotebaud
15379Show the current speed of the remote connection.
15380
15381@item set remotebreak
15382@cindex interrupt remote programs
15383@cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
15384@anchor{set remotebreak}
15385If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
15386when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
15387on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
15388character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
15389expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
15390
15391@item show remotebreak
15392Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
15393interrupt the remote program.
15394
15395@item set remoteflow on
15396@itemx set remoteflow off
15397@kindex set remoteflow
15398Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
15399on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
15400
15401@item show remoteflow
15402@kindex show remoteflow
15403Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
15404
15405@item set remotelogbase @var{base}
15406Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
15407communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
15408@code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
15409@code{ascii}.
15410
15411@item show remotelogbase
15412Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
15413protocol.
15414
15415@item set remotelogfile @var{file}
15416@cindex record serial communications on file
15417Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
15418default is not to record at all.
15419
15420@item show remotelogfile.
15421Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
15422serial communications.
15423
15424@item set remotetimeout @var{num}
15425@cindex timeout for serial communications
15426@cindex remote timeout
15427Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
15428@var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
15429
15430@item show remotetimeout
15431Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
15432responses.
15433
15434@cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
15435@cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
15436@anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
15437@anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
15438@item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
15439@itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
15440Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
15441watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
15442
15443@item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
15444@itemx show remote exec-file
15445@anchor{set remote exec-file}
15446@cindex executable file, for remote target
15447Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
15448extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
15449target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
15450filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
15451
15452@item set remote interrupt-sequence
15453@cindex interrupt remote programs
15454@cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
15455Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
15456@samp{BREAK-g} as the
15457sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
15458@samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
15459is high level of serial line for some certain time.
15460Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
15461It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
15462
15463@item show interrupt-sequence
15464Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
15465is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
15466@code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
15467also known as Magic SysRq g.
15468
15469@item set remote interrupt-on-connect
15470@cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
15471Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
15472@value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
15473Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
15474which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
15475
15476@item show interrupt-on-connect
15477Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
15478to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
15479
15480@kindex set tcp
15481@kindex show tcp
15482@item set tcp auto-retry on
15483@cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
15484Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
15485debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
15486condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
15487before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
15488enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
15489to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
15490@code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
15491
15492@item set tcp auto-retry off
15493Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
15494
15495@item show tcp auto-retry
15496Show the current auto-retry setting.
15497
15498@item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
15499@cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
15500@cindex timeout, for remote target connection
15501Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
15502@var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
15503(enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
15504that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
15505value.
15506
15507@item show tcp connect-timeout
15508Show the current connection timeout setting.
15509@end table
15510
15511@cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
15512The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
15513your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
15514can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
15515packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
15516packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
15517or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
15518all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
15519see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
15520
15521During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
15522If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
15523in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
15524@value{GDBN} developers.
15525
15526For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
15527packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
15528are:
15529
15530@multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
15531@item Command Name
15532@tab Remote Packet
15533@tab Related Features
15534
15535@item @code{fetch-register}
15536@tab @code{p}
15537@tab @code{info registers}
15538
15539@item @code{set-register}
15540@tab @code{P}
15541@tab @code{set}
15542
15543@item @code{binary-download}
15544@tab @code{X}
15545@tab @code{load}, @code{set}
15546
15547@item @code{read-aux-vector}
15548@tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
15549@tab @code{info auxv}
15550
15551@item @code{symbol-lookup}
15552@tab @code{qSymbol}
15553@tab Detecting multiple threads
15554
15555@item @code{attach}
15556@tab @code{vAttach}
15557@tab @code{attach}
15558
15559@item @code{verbose-resume}
15560@tab @code{vCont}
15561@tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
15562
15563@item @code{run}
15564@tab @code{vRun}
15565@tab @code{run}
15566
15567@item @code{software-breakpoint}
15568@tab @code{Z0}
15569@tab @code{break}
15570
15571@item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
15572@tab @code{Z1}
15573@tab @code{hbreak}
15574
15575@item @code{write-watchpoint}
15576@tab @code{Z2}
15577@tab @code{watch}
15578
15579@item @code{read-watchpoint}
15580@tab @code{Z3}
15581@tab @code{rwatch}
15582
15583@item @code{access-watchpoint}
15584@tab @code{Z4}
15585@tab @code{awatch}
15586
15587@item @code{target-features}
15588@tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
15589@tab @code{set architecture}
15590
15591@item @code{library-info}
15592@tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
15593@tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
15594
15595@item @code{memory-map}
15596@tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
15597@tab @code{info mem}
15598
15599@item @code{read-spu-object}
15600@tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
15601@tab @code{info spu}
15602
15603@item @code{write-spu-object}
15604@tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
15605@tab @code{info spu}
15606
15607@item @code{read-siginfo-object}
15608@tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
15609@tab @code{print $_siginfo}
15610
15611@item @code{write-siginfo-object}
15612@tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
15613@tab @code{set $_siginfo}
15614
15615@item @code{threads}
15616@tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
15617@tab @code{info threads}
15618
15619@item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
15620@tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
15621@tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
15622
15623@item @code{search-memory}
15624@tab @code{qSearch:memory}
15625@tab @code{find}
15626
15627@item @code{supported-packets}
15628@tab @code{qSupported}
15629@tab Remote communications parameters
15630
15631@item @code{pass-signals}
15632@tab @code{QPassSignals}
15633@tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
15634
15635@item @code{hostio-close-packet}
15636@tab @code{vFile:close}
15637@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15638
15639@item @code{hostio-open-packet}
15640@tab @code{vFile:open}
15641@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15642
15643@item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
15644@tab @code{vFile:pread}
15645@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15646
15647@item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
15648@tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
15649@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15650
15651@item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
15652@tab @code{vFile:unlink}
15653@tab @code{remote delete}
15654
15655@item @code{noack-packet}
15656@tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
15657@tab Packet acknowledgment
15658
15659@item @code{osdata}
15660@tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
15661@tab @code{info os}
15662
15663@item @code{query-attached}
15664@tab @code{qAttached}
15665@tab Querying remote process attach state.
15666@end multitable
15667
15668@node Remote Stub
15669@section Implementing a Remote Stub
15670
15671@cindex debugging stub, example
15672@cindex remote stub, example
15673@cindex stub example, remote debugging
15674The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
15675communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
15676@value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
15677these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
15678implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
15679with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
15680organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
15681
15682@cindex remote serial debugging, overview
15683To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
15684@dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
15685prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
15686program, you need:
15687
15688@enumerate
15689@item
15690A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
15691have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
15692your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
15693
15694@item
15695A C subroutine library to support your program's
15696subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
15697
15698@item
15699A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
15700download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
15701manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
15702documentation.
15703@end enumerate
15704
15705The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
15706communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
15707machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
15708
15709@table @emph
15710@item On the host,
15711@value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
15712else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
15713(@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
15714
15715@item On the target,
15716you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
15717implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
15718subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
15719
15720On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
15721@code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
15722@xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
15723@end table
15724
15725The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
15726machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
15727@sc{sparc} boards.
15728
15729@cindex remote serial stub list
15730These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
15731
15732@table @code
15733
15734@item i386-stub.c
15735@cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
15736@cindex Intel
15737@cindex i386
15738For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
15739
15740@item m68k-stub.c
15741@cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
15742@cindex Motorola 680x0
15743@cindex m680x0
15744For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
15745
15746@item sh-stub.c
15747@cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
15748@cindex Renesas
15749@cindex SH
15750For Renesas SH architectures.
15751
15752@item sparc-stub.c
15753@cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
15754@cindex Sparc
15755For @sc{sparc} architectures.
15756
15757@item sparcl-stub.c
15758@cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
15759@cindex Fujitsu
15760@cindex SparcLite
15761For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
15762
15763@end table
15764
15765The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
15766recently added stubs.
15767
15768@menu
15769* Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
15770* Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
15771* Debug Session:: Putting it all together
15772@end menu
15773
15774@node Stub Contents
15775@subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
15776
15777@cindex remote serial stub
15778The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
15779subroutines:
15780
15781@table @code
15782@item set_debug_traps
15783@findex set_debug_traps
15784@cindex remote serial stub, initialization
15785This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
15786program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
15787beginning of your program.
15788
15789@item handle_exception
15790@findex handle_exception
15791@cindex remote serial stub, main routine
15792This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
15793explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
15794run when a trap is triggered.
15795
15796@code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
15797execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
15798with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
15799protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
15800representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
15801information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
15802retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
15803execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
15804@code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
15805machine.
15806
15807@item breakpoint
15808@cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
15809Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
15810breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
15811way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
15812machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
15813pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
15814@code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
15815simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
15816again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
15817your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
15818@value{GDBN} session gets control.
15819
15820Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
15821to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
15822start of your debugging session.
15823@end table
15824
15825@node Bootstrapping
15826@subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
15827
15828@cindex remote stub, support routines
15829The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
15830chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
15831debugging target machine.
15832
15833First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
15834serial port.
15835
15836@table @code
15837@item int getDebugChar()
15838@findex getDebugChar
15839Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
15840It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
15841different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15842
15843@item void putDebugChar(int)
15844@findex putDebugChar
15845Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
15846It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
15847different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15848@end table
15849
15850@cindex control C, and remote debugging
15851@cindex interrupting remote targets
15852If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
15853running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
15854for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
15855character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
15856remote system to stop.
15857
15858Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
15859probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
15860is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
15861@value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
15862
15863Other routines you need to supply are:
15864
15865@table @code
15866@item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
15867@findex exceptionHandler
15868Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
15869handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
15870way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
15871are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
15872containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
15873@var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
15874its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
15875might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
15876exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
15877@var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
15878and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
15879you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
15880should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
15881
15882For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
15883gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
15884should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
15885@sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
15886help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
15887
15888@item void flush_i_cache()
15889@findex flush_i_cache
15890On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
15891instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
15892instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
15893
15894On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
15895function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
15896@end table
15897
15898@noindent
15899You must also make sure this library routine is available:
15900
15901@table @code
15902@item void *memset(void *, int, int)
15903@findex memset
15904This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
15905memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
15906@code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
15907either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
15908@end table
15909
15910If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
15911library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
15912but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
15913subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
15914
15915
15916@node Debug Session
15917@subsection Putting it All Together
15918
15919@cindex remote serial debugging summary
15920In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
15921steps.
15922
15923@enumerate
15924@item
15925Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
15926(@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
15927@display
15928@code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
15929@code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
15930@end display
15931
15932@item
15933Insert these lines near the top of your program:
15934
15935@smallexample
15936set_debug_traps();
15937breakpoint();
15938@end smallexample
15939
15940@item
15941For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
15942@code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
15943
15944@smallexample
15945void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
15946@end smallexample
15947
15948@noindent
15949but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
15950function in your program, that function is called when
15951@code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
15952error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
15953one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
15954
15955@item
15956Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
15957your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
15958
15959@item
15960Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
15961the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
15962
15963@item
15964@c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
15965@c document that. FIXME.
15966Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
15967whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
15968
15969@item
15970Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
15971(@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
15972
15973@end enumerate
15974
15975@node Configurations
15976@chapter Configuration-Specific Information
15977
15978While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
15979cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
15980describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
15981
15982There are three major categories of configurations: native
15983configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
15984operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
15985different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
15986are quite different from each other.
15987
15988@menu
15989* Native::
15990* Embedded OS::
15991* Embedded Processors::
15992* Architectures::
15993@end menu
15994
15995@node Native
15996@section Native
15997
15998This section describes details specific to particular native
15999configurations.
16000
16001@menu
16002* HP-UX:: HP-UX
16003* BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
16004* SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
16005* DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
16006* Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
16007* Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
16008* Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
16009* Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
16010@end menu
16011
16012@node HP-UX
16013@subsection HP-UX
16014
16015On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
16016begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
16017name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
16018
16019
16020@node BSD libkvm Interface
16021@subsection BSD libkvm Interface
16022
16023@cindex libkvm
16024@cindex kernel memory image
16025@cindex kernel crash dump
16026
16027BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
16028interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
16029memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
16030uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
16031dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
16032special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
16033the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
16034@code{kvm} target:
16035
16036@smallexample
16037(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
16038@end smallexample
16039
16040For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
16041argument:
16042
16043@smallexample
16044(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
16045@end smallexample
16046
16047Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
16048available:
16049
16050@table @code
16051@kindex kvm
16052@item kvm pcb
16053Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
16054
16055@item kvm proc
16056Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
16057modern FreeBSD systems.
16058@end table
16059
16060@node SVR4 Process Information
16061@subsection SVR4 Process Information
16062@cindex /proc
16063@cindex examine process image
16064@cindex process info via @file{/proc}
16065
16066Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
16067@samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
16068process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
16069for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
16070proc} is available to report information about the process running
16071your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
16072proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
16073This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
16074Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
16075
16076@table @code
16077@kindex info proc
16078@cindex process ID
16079@item info proc
16080@itemx info proc @var{process-id}
16081Summarize available information about any running process. If a
16082process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
16083that process; otherwise display information about the program being
16084debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
16085line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
16086executable file's absolute file name.
16087
16088On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
16089@samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
16090within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
16091a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
16092needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
16093a process ID rather than a thread ID).
16094
16095@item info proc mappings
16096@cindex memory address space mappings
16097Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
16098information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
16099rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
16100includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
16101memory access rights to that range.
16102
16103@item info proc stat
16104@itemx info proc status
16105@cindex process detailed status information
16106These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
16107the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
16108how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
16109the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
16110consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
16111value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
16112(type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
16113
16114@item info proc all
16115Show all the information about the process described under all of the
16116above @code{info proc} subcommands.
16117
16118@ignore
16119@comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
16120@comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
16121@comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
16122@kindex info proc times
16123@item info proc times
16124Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
16125its children.
16126
16127@kindex info proc id
16128@item info proc id
16129Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
16130the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
16131@end ignore
16132
16133@item set procfs-trace
16134@kindex set procfs-trace
16135@cindex @code{procfs} API calls
16136This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
16137
16138@item show procfs-trace
16139@kindex show procfs-trace
16140Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
16141
16142@item set procfs-file @var{file}
16143@kindex set procfs-file
16144Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
16145@var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
16146contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
16147standard output.
16148
16149@item show procfs-file
16150@kindex show procfs-file
16151Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
16152
16153@item proc-trace-entry
16154@itemx proc-trace-exit
16155@itemx proc-untrace-entry
16156@itemx proc-untrace-exit
16157@kindex proc-trace-entry
16158@kindex proc-trace-exit
16159@kindex proc-untrace-entry
16160@kindex proc-untrace-exit
16161These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
16162from the @code{syscall} interface.
16163
16164@item info pidlist
16165@kindex info pidlist
16166@cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
16167For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
16168processes and all the threads within each process.
16169
16170@item info meminfo
16171@kindex info meminfo
16172@cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
16173For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
16174@end table
16175
16176@node DJGPP Native
16177@subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
16178@cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
16179@cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
16180@cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
16181
16182@cindex DPMI
16183@sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
16184MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
16185that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
16186top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
16187
16188@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
16189defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
16190subsection describes those commands.
16191
16192@table @code
16193@kindex info dos
16194@item info dos
16195This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
16196information about the target system and important OS structures.
16197
16198@kindex sysinfo
16199@cindex MS-DOS system info
16200@cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
16201@item info dos sysinfo
16202This command displays assorted information about the underlying
16203platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
16204DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
16205
16206@cindex GDT
16207@cindex LDT
16208@cindex IDT
16209@cindex segment descriptor tables
16210@cindex descriptor tables display
16211@item info dos gdt
16212@itemx info dos ldt
16213@itemx info dos idt
16214These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
16215and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
16216tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
16217that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
16218descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
16219descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
16220rights.
16221
16222A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
16223segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
16224allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
16225conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
16226additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
16227
16228@cindex garbled pointers
16229These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
16230Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
16231displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
16232display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
16233example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
16234debugged program's data segment:
16235
16236@smallexample
16237@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
16238@exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
16239@end smallexample
16240
16241@noindent
16242This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
16243the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
16244
16245@cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
16246@item info dos pde
16247@itemx info dos pte
16248These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
16249Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
16250data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
16251into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
16252page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
16253may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
16254Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
16255that is currently in use.
16256
16257Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
16258Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
16259the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
16260@kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
16261Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
16262means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
16263the specified entry in the Page Directory.
16264
16265@cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
16266These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
16267Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
16268controller.
16269
16270These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
16271
16272@cindex physical address from linear address
16273@item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
16274This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
16275address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
16276already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
16277because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
16278segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
16279the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
16280
16281@smallexample
16282@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
16283@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
16284@exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
16285@end smallexample
16286
16287@noindent
16288This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
16289whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
16290attributes of that page.
16291
16292Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
16293since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
16294address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
16295be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
16296declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
16297@code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
16298
16299Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
16300transfer buffer:
16301
16302@smallexample
16303@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
16304@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
16305@exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
16306@end smallexample
16307
16308@noindent
16309(The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
163103rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
16311clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
16312memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
16313linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
16314
16315This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
16316@end table
16317
16318@cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
16319In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
16320debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
16321to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
16322
16323@table @code
16324@kindex set com1base
16325@kindex set com1irq
16326@kindex set com2base
16327@kindex set com2irq
16328@kindex set com3base
16329@kindex set com3irq
16330@kindex set com4base
16331@kindex set com4irq
16332@item set com1base @var{addr}
16333This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
16334port.
16335
16336@item set com1irq @var{irq}
16337This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
16338for the @file{COM1} serial port.
16339
16340There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
16341etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
16342other 3 COM ports.
16343
16344@kindex show com1base
16345@kindex show com1irq
16346@kindex show com2base
16347@kindex show com2irq
16348@kindex show com3base
16349@kindex show com3irq
16350@kindex show com4base
16351@kindex show com4irq
16352The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
16353display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
16354lines used by the COM ports.
16355
16356@item info serial
16357@kindex info serial
16358@cindex DOS serial port status
16359This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
16360port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
16361IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
16362counts of various errors encountered so far.
16363@end table
16364
16365
16366@node Cygwin Native
16367@subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
16368@cindex MS Windows debugging
16369@cindex native Cygwin debugging
16370@cindex Cygwin-specific commands
16371
16372@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
16373DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
16374
16375@cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
16376@cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
16377MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
16378special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
16379by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
16380supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
16381sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
16382ignores @kbd{C-c}.
16383
16384There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
16385this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
16386described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
16387
16388@table @code
16389@kindex info w32
16390@item info w32
16391This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
16392information about the target system and important OS structures.
16393
16394@item info w32 selector
16395This command displays information returned by
16396the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
16397It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
16398a long value to give the information about this given selector.
16399Without argument, this command displays information
16400about the six segment registers.
16401
16402@kindex info dll
16403@item info dll
16404This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
16405
16406@kindex dll-symbols
16407@item dll-symbols
16408This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
16409add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
16410
16411@kindex set cygwin-exceptions
16412@cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
16413@cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
16414@item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
16415If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
16416happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
16417@value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
16418exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
16419``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
16420Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
16421@value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
16422
16423@kindex show cygwin-exceptions
16424@item show cygwin-exceptions
16425Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
16426inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
16427
16428@kindex set new-console
16429@item set new-console @var{mode}
16430If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
16431be started in a new console on next start.
16432If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
16433be started in the same console as the debugger.
16434
16435@kindex show new-console
16436@item show new-console
16437Displays whether a new console is used
16438when the debuggee is started.
16439
16440@kindex set new-group
16441@item set new-group @var{mode}
16442This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
16443start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
16444This affects the way the Windows OS handles
16445@samp{Ctrl-C}.
16446
16447@kindex show new-group
16448@item show new-group
16449Displays current value of new-group boolean.
16450
16451@kindex set debugevents
16452@item set debugevents
16453This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
16454to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
16455signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
16456unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
16457Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
16458
16459@kindex set debugexec
16460@item set debugexec
16461This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
16462(such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
16463
16464@kindex set debugexceptions
16465@item set debugexceptions
16466This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
16467debuggee seen by the debugger.
16468
16469@kindex set debugmemory
16470@item set debugmemory
16471This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
16472and writes by the debugger.
16473
16474@kindex set shell
16475@item set shell
16476This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
16477via a shell or directly (default value is on).
16478
16479@kindex show shell
16480@item show shell
16481Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
16482
16483@end table
16484
16485@menu
16486* Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
16487@end menu
16488
16489@node Non-debug DLL Symbols
16490@subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
16491@cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
16492@cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
16493
16494Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
16495not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
16496@file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
16497symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
16498information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
16499describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
16500``minimal symbols''.
16501
16502Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
16503will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
16504start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
16505program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
16506@value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
16507see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
16508@code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
16509explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
16510cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
16511which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
16512
16513@subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
16514
16515In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
16516tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
16517DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
16518also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
16519sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
16520(particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
16521necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
16522contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
16523exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
16524
16525Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
16526though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
16527symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
16528some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
16529@code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
16530(@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
16531
16532@smallexample
16533(@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
16534All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
16535
16536Non-debugging symbols:
165370x77e885f4 CreateFileA
165380x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
16539@end smallexample
16540
16541@smallexample
16542(@value{GDBP}) info function !
16543All functions matching regular expression "!":
16544
16545Non-debugging symbols:
165460x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
165470x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
165480x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
16549[etc...]
16550@end smallexample
16551
16552@subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
16553
16554Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
16555type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
16556refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
16557contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
16558contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
16559means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
16560a function within a DLL without a running program.
16561
16562Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
16563automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
16564variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
16565type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
16566problem:
16567
16568@smallexample
16569(@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
16570$1 = 268572168
16571@end smallexample
16572
16573@smallexample
16574(@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
165750x10021610: "\230y\""
16576@end smallexample
16577
16578And two possible solutions:
16579
16580@smallexample
16581(@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
16582$2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
16583@end smallexample
16584
16585@smallexample
16586(@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
165870x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
16588(@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
165890x10021608: 0x0022fd98
16590(@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
165910x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
16592@end smallexample
16593
16594Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
16595starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
16596examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
16597function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
16598to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
16599
16600@smallexample
16601(@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
16602Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
16603@end smallexample
16604
16605The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
16606break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
16607safe.
16608
16609@node Hurd Native
16610@subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
16611@cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
16612
16613This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
16614@sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
16615
16616@table @code
16617@item set signals
16618@itemx set sigs
16619@kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
16620@kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16621This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
16622@value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
16623affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
16624@code{signals}.
16625
16626@item show signals
16627@itemx show sigs
16628@kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
16629@kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16630Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
16631
16632@item set signal-thread
16633@itemx set sigthread
16634@kindex set signal-thread
16635@kindex set sigthread
16636This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
16637thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
16638process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
16639signal-thread}.
16640
16641@item show signal-thread
16642@itemx show sigthread
16643@kindex show signal-thread
16644@kindex show sigthread
16645These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
16646delivered a signal.
16647
16648@item set stopped
16649@kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16650This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
16651as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
16652continued by delivering a signal to it.
16653
16654@item show stopped
16655@kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16656This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
16657stopped.
16658
16659@item set exceptions
16660@kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16661Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
16662When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
16663single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
16664trapping on.
16665
16666@item show exceptions
16667@kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16668Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
16669
16670@item set task pause
16671@kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
16672@cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16673@cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16674This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
16675Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
16676whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
16677effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
16678to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
16679thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
16680
16681@item show task pause
16682@kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
16683Show the current state of task suspension.
16684
16685@item set task detach-suspend-count
16686@cindex task suspend count
16687@cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16688This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
16689@value{GDBN} detaches from it.
16690
16691@item show task detach-suspend-count
16692Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
16693
16694@item set task exception-port
16695@itemx set task excp
16696@cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16697This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
16698forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
16699rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
16700
16701@item set noninvasive
16702@cindex noninvasive task options
16703This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
16704invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
16705is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
16706@code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
16707
16708@item info send-rights
16709@itemx info receive-rights
16710@itemx info port-rights
16711@itemx info port-sets
16712@itemx info dead-names
16713@itemx info ports
16714@itemx info psets
16715@cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16716@cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16717@cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16718@cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16719@cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16720These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
16721receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
16722There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
16723port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
16724
16725@item set thread pause
16726@kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
16727@cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16728@cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16729This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
16730control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
16731thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
16732off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
16733Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
16734control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
16735task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
16736only the current thread.
16737
16738@item show thread pause
16739@kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
16740This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
16741
16742@item set thread run
16743This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16744
16745@item show thread run
16746Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16747
16748@item set thread detach-suspend-count
16749@cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16750@cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16751This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
16752thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
16753found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
16754takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
16755
16756@item show thread detach-suspend-count
16757Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
16758detaching.
16759
16760@item set thread exception-port
16761@itemx set thread excp
16762Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
16763overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
16764@code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
16765
16766@item set thread takeover-suspend-count
16767Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
16768value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
16769changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
16770
16771@item set thread default
16772@itemx show thread default
16773@cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16774Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
16775default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
16776thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
16777variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
16778threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
16779the non-default commands.
16780@end table
16781
16782
16783@node Neutrino
16784@subsection QNX Neutrino
16785@cindex QNX Neutrino
16786
16787@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
16788Neutrino target:
16789
16790@table @code
16791@item set debug nto-debug
16792@kindex set debug nto-debug
16793When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
16794Neutrino support.
16795
16796@item show debug nto-debug
16797@kindex show debug nto-debug
16798Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
16799@end table
16800
16801@node Darwin
16802@subsection Darwin
16803@cindex Darwin
16804
16805@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
16806
16807@table @code
16808@item set debug darwin @var{num}
16809@kindex set debug darwin
16810When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
16811the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
16812
16813@item show debug darwin
16814@kindex show debug darwin
16815Show the current state of Darwin messages.
16816
16817@item set debug mach-o @var{num}
16818@kindex set debug mach-o
16819When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
16820@value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
16821file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
16822values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
16823problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
16824usage.
16825
16826@item show debug mach-o
16827@kindex show debug mach-o
16828Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
16829
16830@item set mach-exceptions on
16831@itemx set mach-exceptions off
16832@kindex set mach-exceptions
16833On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
16834mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
16835Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
16836better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
16837
16838@item show mach-exceptions
16839@kindex show mach-exceptions
16840Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
16841@end table
16842
16843
16844@node Embedded OS
16845@section Embedded Operating Systems
16846
16847This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
16848embedded operating systems that are available for several different
16849architectures.
16850
16851@menu
16852* VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16853@end menu
16854
16855@value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
16856various real-time operating systems.
16857
16858@node VxWorks
16859@subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16860
16861@cindex VxWorks
16862
16863@table @code
16864
16865@kindex target vxworks
16866@item target vxworks @var{machinename}
16867A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
16868is the target system's machine name or IP address.
16869
16870@end table
16871
16872On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
16873current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
16874
16875@value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
16876VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
16877the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16878both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
16879@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
16880installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
16881@value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
16882
16883@table @code
16884@item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
16885@kindex vxworks-timeout
16886All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
16887This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16888seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
16889your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
16890of a thin network line.
16891@end table
16892
16893The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
16894this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
16895procedures.
16896
16897@findex INCLUDE_RDB
16898To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
16899to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
16900library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
16901VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
16902kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
16903source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
16904information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
16905manual.
16906@c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
16907
16908Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
16909your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16910run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
16911@code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
16912
16913@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16914
16915@smallexample
16916(vxgdb)
16917@end smallexample
16918
16919@menu
16920* VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
16921* VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
16922* VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
16923@end menu
16924
16925@node VxWorks Connection
16926@subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
16927
16928The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
16929network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
16930
16931@smallexample
16932(vxgdb) target vxworks tt
16933@end smallexample
16934
16935@need 750
16936@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16937
16938@smallexample
16939Attaching remote machine across net...
16940Connected to tt.
16941@end smallexample
16942
16943@need 1000
16944@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
16945loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
16946these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
16947path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
16948to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
16949
16950@smallexample
16951prog.o: No such file or directory.
16952@end smallexample
16953
16954When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
16955the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
16956command again.
16957
16958@node VxWorks Download
16959@subsubsection VxWorks Download
16960
16961@cindex download to VxWorks
16962If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
16963object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
16964@code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
16965incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
16966command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
16967to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
16968table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
16969the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
16970filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
16971Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
16972to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
16973the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
16974@file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
16975and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
16976program, type this on VxWorks:
16977
16978@smallexample
16979-> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
16980@end smallexample
16981
16982@noindent
16983Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16984
16985@smallexample
16986(vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
16987(vxgdb) load prog.o
16988@end smallexample
16989
16990@value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
16991
16992@smallexample
16993Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
16994@end smallexample
16995
16996You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
16997after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
16998this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
16999auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
17000history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
17001debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
17002table.)
17003
17004@node VxWorks Attach
17005@subsubsection Running Tasks
17006
17007@cindex running VxWorks tasks
17008You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
17009follows:
17010
17011@smallexample
17012(vxgdb) attach @var{task}
17013@end smallexample
17014
17015@noindent
17016where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
17017or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
17018the time of attachment.
17019
17020@node Embedded Processors
17021@section Embedded Processors
17022
17023This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
17024configurations.
17025
17026@cindex send command to simulator
17027Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
17028allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
17029
17030@table @code
17031@item sim @var{command}
17032@kindex sim@r{, a command}
17033Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
17034documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
17035acceptable commands.
17036@end table
17037
17038
17039@menu
17040* ARM:: ARM RDI
17041* M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
17042* M68K:: Motorola M68K
17043* MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
17044* MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
17045* OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
17046* PA:: HP PA Embedded
17047* PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
17048* Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
17049* Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
17050* Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
17051* AVR:: Atmel AVR
17052* CRIS:: CRIS
17053* Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
17054@end menu
17055
17056@node ARM
17057@subsection ARM
17058@cindex ARM RDI
17059
17060@table @code
17061@kindex target rdi
17062@item target rdi @var{dev}
17063ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
17064use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
17065monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
17066
17067@kindex target rdp
17068@item target rdp @var{dev}
17069ARM Demon monitor.
17070
17071@end table
17072
17073@value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
17074
17075@table @code
17076@item set arm disassembler
17077@kindex set arm
17078This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
17079@code{"std"} style is the standard style.
17080
17081@item show arm disassembler
17082@kindex show arm
17083Show the current disassembly style.
17084
17085@item set arm apcs32
17086@cindex ARM 32-bit mode
17087This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
17088
17089@item show arm apcs32
17090Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
17091
17092@item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
17093This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
17094argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
17095
17096@table @code
17097@item auto
17098Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
17099@item softfpa
17100Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
17101processors.
17102@item fpa
17103GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
17104@item softvfp
17105Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
17106@item vfp
17107VFP co-processor.
17108@end table
17109
17110@item show arm fpu
17111Show the current type of the FPU.
17112
17113@item set arm abi
17114This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
17115
17116@item show arm abi
17117Show the currently used ABI.
17118
17119@item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
17120@value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
17121whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
17122@value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
17123available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
17124use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
17125register).
17126
17127@item show arm fallback-mode
17128Show the current fallback instruction mode.
17129
17130@item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
17131This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
17132instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
17133causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
17134of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
17135
17136@item show arm force-mode
17137Show the current forced instruction mode.
17138
17139@item set debug arm
17140Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
17141target support subsystem.
17142
17143@item show debug arm
17144Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
17145@end table
17146
17147The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
17148using the RDI interface:
17149
17150@table @code
17151@item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17152@kindex rdilogfile
17153@cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
17154Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
17155With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
17156no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
17157@file{rdi.log}.
17158
17159@item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
17160@kindex rdilogenable
17161Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
17162enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
17163no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
17164ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
17165are logged to a file.
17166
17167@item set rdiromatzero
17168@kindex set rdiromatzero
17169@cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
17170Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
17171vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
17172(the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
17173effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
17174
17175@item show rdiromatzero
17176@kindex show rdiromatzero
17177Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
17178
17179@item set rdiheartbeat
17180@kindex set rdiheartbeat
17181@cindex RDI heartbeat
17182Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
17183turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
17184well as the Angel monitor.
17185
17186@item show rdiheartbeat
17187@kindex show rdiheartbeat
17188Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
17189@end table
17190
17191
17192@node M32R/D
17193@subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
17194
17195@table @code
17196@kindex target m32r
17197@item target m32r @var{dev}
17198Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
17199
17200@kindex target m32rsdi
17201@item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
17202Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
17203@end table
17204
17205The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
17206
17207@table @code
17208@item set download-path @var{path}
17209@kindex set download-path
17210@cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
17211Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
17212
17213@item show download-path
17214@kindex show download-path
17215Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
17216
17217@item set board-address @var{addr}
17218@kindex set board-address
17219@cindex M32-EVA target board address
17220Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
17221
17222@item show board-address
17223@kindex show board-address
17224Show the current IP address of the target board.
17225
17226@item set server-address @var{addr}
17227@kindex set server-address
17228@cindex download server address (M32R)
17229Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
17230host machine.
17231
17232@item show server-address
17233@kindex show server-address
17234Display the IP address of the download server.
17235
17236@item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17237@kindex upload@r{, M32R}
17238Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
17239upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
17240executable file is uploaded.
17241
17242@item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
17243@kindex tload@r{, M32R}
17244Test the @code{upload} command.
17245@end table
17246
17247The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
17248
17249@table @code
17250@item sdireset
17251@kindex sdireset
17252@cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
17253This command resets the SDI connection.
17254
17255@item sdistatus
17256@kindex sdistatus
17257This command shows the SDI connection status.
17258
17259@item debug_chaos
17260@kindex debug_chaos
17261@cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
17262Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
17263
17264@item use_debug_dma
17265@kindex use_debug_dma
17266Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
17267
17268@item use_mon_code
17269@kindex use_mon_code
17270Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
17271
17272@item use_ib_break
17273@kindex use_ib_break
17274Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
17275
17276@item use_dbt_break
17277@kindex use_dbt_break
17278Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
17279@end table
17280
17281@node M68K
17282@subsection M68k
17283
17284The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
17285target command for the following ROM monitor.
17286
17287@table @code
17288
17289@kindex target dbug
17290@item target dbug @var{dev}
17291dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
17292
17293@end table
17294
17295@node MicroBlaze
17296@subsection MicroBlaze
17297@cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
17298@cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
17299
17300The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
17301FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
17302usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
17303Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
17304This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
17305the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
17306communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
17307presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
17308@code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
17309this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
17310commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
17311
17312Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
17313
17314@table @code
17315@item target remote :1234
17316Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
17317on the same system as @code{xmd}.
17318
17319@item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
17320Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
17321running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
17322
17323@item load
17324Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
17325
17326@item set debug microblaze @var{n}
17327Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
17328
17329@item show debug microblaze @var{n}
17330Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
17331@end table
17332
17333@node MIPS Embedded
17334@subsection MIPS Embedded
17335
17336@cindex MIPS boards
17337@value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
17338MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
17339you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
17340
17341@need 1000
17342Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
17343
17344@table @code
17345@item target mips @var{port}
17346@kindex target mips @var{port}
17347To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
17348name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
17349command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
17350the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
17351been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
17352download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
17353
17354For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
17355port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
17356debugger:
17357
17358@smallexample
17359host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
17360@value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
17361(@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
17362(@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
17363(@value{GDBP}) run
17364@end smallexample
17365
17366@item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
17367On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
17368connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
17369concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
17370@samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
17371
17372@item target pmon @var{port}
17373@kindex target pmon @var{port}
17374PMON ROM monitor.
17375
17376@item target ddb @var{port}
17377@kindex target ddb @var{port}
17378NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
17379
17380@item target lsi @var{port}
17381@kindex target lsi @var{port}
17382LSI variant of PMON.
17383
17384@kindex target r3900
17385@item target r3900 @var{dev}
17386Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
17387
17388@kindex target array
17389@item target array @var{dev}
17390Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
17391
17392@end table
17393
17394
17395@noindent
17396@value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
17397
17398@table @code
17399@item set mipsfpu double
17400@itemx set mipsfpu single
17401@itemx set mipsfpu none
17402@itemx set mipsfpu auto
17403@itemx show mipsfpu
17404@kindex set mipsfpu
17405@kindex show mipsfpu
17406@cindex MIPS remote floating point
17407@cindex floating point, MIPS remote
17408If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
17409coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
17410need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
17411file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
17412functions which return floating point values. It also allows
17413@value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
17414functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
17415with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
17416processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
17417double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
17418@samp{set mipsfpu double}.
17419
17420In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
17421floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
17422and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
17423
17424As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
17425@samp{show mipsfpu}.
17426
17427@item set timeout @var{seconds}
17428@itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
17429@itemx show timeout
17430@itemx show retransmit-timeout
17431@cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
17432@cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
17433@kindex set timeout
17434@kindex show timeout
17435@kindex set retransmit-timeout
17436@kindex show retransmit-timeout
17437You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
17438remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
17439default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
17440waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
17441retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
17442You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
17443retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
17444@value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
17445
17446The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
17447is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
17448forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
17449to run before stopping.
17450
17451@item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
17452@kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
17453@cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
17454Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
17455it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
17456characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
17457
17458@item show syn-garbage-limit
17459@kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
17460Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
17461trying to synchronize with the remote system.
17462
17463@item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
17464@kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
17465@cindex remote monitor prompt
17466Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
17467remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
17468@table @asis
17469@item pmon target
17470@samp{PMON}
17471@item ddb target
17472@samp{NEC010}
17473@item lsi target
17474@samp{PMON>}
17475@end table
17476
17477@item show monitor-prompt
17478@kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
17479Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
17480remote monitor.
17481
17482@item set monitor-warnings
17483@kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
17484Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
17485has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
17486display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
17487PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
17488
17489@item show monitor-warnings
17490@kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
17491Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
17492
17493@item pmon @var{command}
17494@kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
17495@cindex send PMON command
17496This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
17497monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
17498@end table
17499
17500@node OpenRISC 1000
17501@subsection OpenRISC 1000
17502@cindex OpenRISC 1000
17503
17504@cindex or1k boards
17505See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
17506about platform and commands.
17507
17508@table @code
17509
17510@kindex target jtag
17511@item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
17512
17513Connects to remote JTAG server.
17514JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
17515connected via parallel port to the board.
17516
17517Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
17518
17519@kindex or1ksim
17520@item or1ksim @var{command}
17521If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
17522Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
17523
17524@kindex info or1k spr
17525@item info or1k spr
17526Displays spr groups.
17527
17528@item info or1k spr @var{group}
17529@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
17530Displays register names in selected group.
17531
17532@item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
17533@itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
17534@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
17535@itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
17536Shows information about specified spr register.
17537
17538@kindex spr
17539@item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
17540@itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
17541@itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
17542@itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
17543Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
17544@end table
17545
17546Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
17547It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
17548program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
17549triggers can be set using:
17550@table @code
17551@item $LEA/$LDATA
17552Load effective address/data
17553@item $SEA/$SDATA
17554Store effective address/data
17555@item $AEA/$ADATA
17556Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
17557@item $FETCH
17558Fetch data
17559@end table
17560
17561When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
17562@code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
17563
17564@code{htrace} commands:
17565@cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
17566@table @code
17567@kindex hwatch
17568@item hwatch @var{conditional}
17569Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
17570or Data. For example:
17571
17572@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
17573
17574@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
17575
17576@kindex htrace
17577@item htrace info
17578Display information about current HW trace configuration.
17579
17580@item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
17581Set starting criteria for HW trace.
17582
17583@item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
17584Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
17585
17586@item htrace stop @var{conditional}
17587Set HW trace stopping criteria.
17588
17589@item htrace record [@var{data}]*
17590Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
17591triggered.
17592
17593@item htrace enable
17594@itemx htrace disable
17595Enables/disables the HW trace.
17596
17597@item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
17598Clears currently recorded trace data.
17599
17600If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
17601will be written there.
17602
17603@item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
17604Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
17605
17606@item htrace mode continuous
17607Set continuous trace mode.
17608
17609@item htrace mode suspend
17610Set suspend trace mode.
17611
17612@end table
17613
17614@node PowerPC Embedded
17615@subsection PowerPC Embedded
17616
17617@value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
17618
17619@table @code
17620@kindex set powerpc
17621@item set powerpc soft-float
17622@itemx show powerpc soft-float
17623Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
17624convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
17625on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
17626
17627@item set powerpc vector-abi
17628@itemx show powerpc vector-abi
17629Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
17630arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
17631@samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
17632@samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
17633registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
17634based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
17635
17636@kindex target dink32
17637@item target dink32 @var{dev}
17638DINK32 ROM monitor.
17639
17640@kindex target ppcbug
17641@item target ppcbug @var{dev}
17642@kindex target ppcbug1
17643@item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
17644PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
17645
17646@kindex target sds
17647@item target sds @var{dev}
17648SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
17649@end table
17650
17651@cindex SDS protocol
17652The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
17653by @value{GDBN}:
17654
17655@table @code
17656@item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
17657@kindex set sdstimeout
17658Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
17659default is 2 seconds.
17660
17661@item show sdstimeout
17662@kindex show sdstimeout
17663Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
17664
17665@item sds @var{command}
17666@kindex sds@r{, a command}
17667Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
17668@end table
17669
17670
17671@node PA
17672@subsection HP PA Embedded
17673
17674@table @code
17675
17676@kindex target op50n
17677@item target op50n @var{dev}
17678OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
17679
17680@kindex target w89k
17681@item target w89k @var{dev}
17682W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
17683
17684@end table
17685
17686@node Sparclet
17687@subsection Tsqware Sparclet
17688
17689@cindex Sparclet
17690
17691@value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
17692Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
17693@value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17694both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
17695@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
17696
17697@table @code
17698@item remotetimeout @var{args}
17699@kindex remotetimeout
17700@value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
17701This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17702seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
17703@end table
17704
17705@cindex compiling, on Sparclet
17706When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
17707information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
17708load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
17709@samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
17710
17711@smallexample
17712sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
17713@end smallexample
17714
17715You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
17716
17717@smallexample
17718sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
17719@end smallexample
17720
17721@cindex running, on Sparclet
17722Once you have set
17723your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17724run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
17725(or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
17726
17727@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17728
17729@smallexample
17730(gdbslet)
17731@end smallexample
17732
17733@menu
17734* Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
17735* Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
17736* Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
17737* Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
17738@end menu
17739
17740@node Sparclet File
17741@subsubsection Setting File to Debug
17742
17743The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
17744
17745@smallexample
17746(gdbslet) file prog
17747@end smallexample
17748
17749@need 1000
17750@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
17751@value{GDBN} locates
17752the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
17753path.
17754If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
17755files will be searched as well.
17756@value{GDBN} locates
17757the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
17758path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
17759If it fails
17760to find a file, it displays a message such as:
17761
17762@smallexample
17763prog: No such file or directory.
17764@end smallexample
17765
17766When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
17767the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
17768@code{target} command again.
17769
17770@node Sparclet Connection
17771@subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
17772
17773The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
17774To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
17775
17776@smallexample
17777(gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
17778Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
17779main () at ../prog.c:3
17780@end smallexample
17781
17782@need 750
17783@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
17784
17785@smallexample
17786Connected to ttya.
17787@end smallexample
17788
17789@node Sparclet Download
17790@subsubsection Sparclet Download
17791
17792@cindex download to Sparclet
17793Once connected to the Sparclet target,
17794you can use the @value{GDBN}
17795@code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
17796The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
17797command.
17798Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
17799address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
17800offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
17801of each of the file's sections.
17802For instance, if the program
17803@file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
17804and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
17805
17806@smallexample
17807(gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
17808Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
17809@end smallexample
17810
17811If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
17812to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
17813to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
17814
17815@node Sparclet Execution
17816@subsubsection Running and Debugging
17817
17818@cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
17819You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
17820commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
17821manual for the list of commands.
17822
17823@smallexample
17824(gdbslet) b main
17825Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
17826(gdbslet) run
17827Starting program: prog
17828Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
178293 char *symarg = 0;
17830(gdbslet) step
178314 char *execarg = "hello!";
17832(gdbslet)
17833@end smallexample
17834
17835@node Sparclite
17836@subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
17837
17838@table @code
17839
17840@kindex target sparclite
17841@item target sparclite @var{dev}
17842Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
17843You must use an additional command to debug the program.
17844For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
17845remote protocol.
17846
17847@end table
17848
17849@node Z8000
17850@subsection Zilog Z8000
17851
17852@cindex Z8000
17853@cindex simulator, Z8000
17854@cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
17855
17856When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
17857a Z8000 simulator.
17858
17859For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
17860unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
17861segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
17862appropriate by inspecting the object code.
17863
17864@table @code
17865@item target sim @var{args}
17866@kindex sim
17867@kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
17868Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
17869options, specify them via @var{args}.
17870@end table
17871
17872@noindent
17873After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
17874CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
17875@code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
17876to run your program, and so on.
17877
17878As well as making available all the usual machine registers
17879(@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
17880additional items of information as specially named registers:
17881
17882@table @code
17883
17884@item cycles
17885Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
17886
17887@item insts
17888Counts instructions run in the simulator.
17889
17890@item time
17891Execution time in 60ths of a second.
17892
17893@end table
17894
17895You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
17896conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
17897conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
17898simulated clock ticks.
17899
17900@node AVR
17901@subsection Atmel AVR
17902@cindex AVR
17903
17904When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
17905following AVR-specific commands:
17906
17907@table @code
17908@item info io_registers
17909@kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
17910@cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
17911This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
17912each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
17913@end table
17914
17915@node CRIS
17916@subsection CRIS
17917@cindex CRIS
17918
17919When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
17920following CRIS-specific commands:
17921
17922@table @code
17923@item set cris-version @var{ver}
17924@cindex CRIS version
17925Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
17926The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
17927case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
17928
17929@item show cris-version
17930Show the current CRIS version.
17931
17932@item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
17933@cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
17934Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
17935Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
17936@code{R59}.
17937
17938@item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
17939Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
17940
17941@item set cris-mode @var{mode}
17942@cindex CRIS mode
17943Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
17944debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
17945@samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
17946
17947@item show cris-mode
17948Show the current CRIS mode.
17949@end table
17950
17951@node Super-H
17952@subsection Renesas Super-H
17953@cindex Super-H
17954
17955For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
17956commands:
17957
17958@table @code
17959@item regs
17960@kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
17961Show the values of all Super-H registers.
17962
17963@item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
17964@kindex set sh calling-convention
17965Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
17966Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
17967With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
17968convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
17969that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
17970is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
17971is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
17972regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
17973default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
17974does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
17975
17976@item show sh calling-convention
17977@kindex show sh calling-convention
17978Show the current calling convention setting.
17979
17980@end table
17981
17982
17983@node Architectures
17984@section Architectures
17985
17986This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
17987all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
17988
17989@menu
17990* i386::
17991* A29K::
17992* Alpha::
17993* MIPS::
17994* HPPA:: HP PA architecture
17995* SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
17996* PowerPC::
17997@end menu
17998
17999@node i386
18000@subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
18001
18002@table @code
18003@item set struct-convention @var{mode}
18004@kindex set struct-convention
18005@cindex struct return convention
18006@cindex struct/union returned in registers
18007Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
18008@code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
18009@var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
18010default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
18011are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
18012@code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
18013be returned in a register.
18014
18015@item show struct-convention
18016@kindex show struct-convention
18017Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
18018from functions.
18019@end table
18020
18021@node A29K
18022@subsection A29K
18023
18024@table @code
18025
18026@kindex set rstack_high_address
18027@cindex AMD 29K register stack
18028@cindex register stack, AMD29K
18029@item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
18030On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
18031@dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
18032extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
18033stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
18034memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
18035this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
18036the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
18037address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
18038hexadecimal.
18039
18040@kindex show rstack_high_address
18041@item show rstack_high_address
18042Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
18043processors.
18044
18045@end table
18046
18047@node Alpha
18048@subsection Alpha
18049
18050See the following section.
18051
18052@node MIPS
18053@subsection MIPS
18054
18055@cindex stack on Alpha
18056@cindex stack on MIPS
18057@cindex Alpha stack
18058@cindex MIPS stack
18059Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
18060sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
18061find the beginning of a function.
18062
18063@cindex response time, MIPS debugging
18064To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
18065@value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
18066you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
18067commands:
18068
18069@table @code
18070@cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
18071@item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
18072Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
18073search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
18074default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
18075larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
18076and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
18077this command when debugging a stripped executable.
18078
18079@item show heuristic-fence-post
18080Display the current limit.
18081@end table
18082
18083@noindent
18084These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
18085for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
18086
18087Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
18088programs:
18089
18090@table @code
18091@item set mips abi @var{arg}
18092@kindex set mips abi
18093@cindex set ABI for MIPS
18094Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
18095values of @var{arg} are:
18096
18097@table @samp
18098@item auto
18099The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
18100default).
18101@item o32
18102@item o64
18103@item n32
18104@item n64
18105@item eabi32
18106@item eabi64
18107@item auto
18108@end table
18109
18110@item show mips abi
18111@kindex show mips abi
18112Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
18113
18114@item set mipsfpu
18115@itemx show mipsfpu
18116@xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
18117
18118@item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
18119@kindex set mips mask-address
18120@cindex MIPS addresses, masking
18121This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
18122MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
18123@samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
18124setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
18125
18126@item show mips mask-address
18127@kindex show mips mask-address
18128Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
18129not.
18130
18131@item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18132@kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18133This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
18134transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
18135that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
18136and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
18137
18138@item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18139@kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
18140Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
18141
18142@item set debug mips
18143@kindex set debug mips
18144This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
18145target code in @value{GDBN}.
18146
18147@item show debug mips
18148@kindex show debug mips
18149Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
18150@end table
18151
18152
18153@node HPPA
18154@subsection HPPA
18155@cindex HPPA support
18156
18157When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
18158following special commands:
18159
18160@table @code
18161@item set debug hppa
18162@kindex set debug hppa
18163This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
18164messages are to be displayed.
18165
18166@item show debug hppa
18167Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
18168
18169@item maint print unwind @var{address}
18170@kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
18171This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
18172given @var{address}.
18173
18174@end table
18175
18176
18177@node SPU
18178@subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
18179@cindex Cell Broadband Engine
18180@cindex SPU
18181
18182When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
18183it provides the following special commands:
18184
18185@table @code
18186@item info spu event
18187@kindex info spu
18188Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
18189and pending event status.
18190
18191@item info spu signal
18192Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
18193signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
18194notification channels.
18195
18196@item info spu mailbox
18197Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
18198in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
18199SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
18200
18201@item info spu dma
18202Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
18203DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
18204and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
18205
18206@item info spu proxydma
18207Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
18208Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
18209and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
18210
18211@end table
18212
18213When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
18214on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
18215special commands:
18216
18217@table @code
18218@item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
18219@kindex set spu
18220Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
18221will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
18222function. The default is @code{off}.
18223
18224@item show spu stop-on-load
18225@kindex show spu
18226Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
18227
18228@item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
18229Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
18230@code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
18231cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
18232view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
18233does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
18234
18235@item show spu auto-flush-cache
18236Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
18237
18238@end table
18239
18240@node PowerPC
18241@subsection PowerPC
18242@cindex PowerPC architecture
18243
18244When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
18245pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
18246numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
18247in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
18248@code{f0} or @code{f2}.
18249
18250The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
18251by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
18252@code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
18253
18254For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
18255wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
18256
18257
18258@node Controlling GDB
18259@chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
18260
18261You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
18262@code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
18263data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
18264described here.
18265
18266@menu
18267* Prompt:: Prompt
18268* Editing:: Command editing
18269* Command History:: Command history
18270* Screen Size:: Screen size
18271* Numbers:: Numbers
18272* ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
18273* Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
18274* Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
18275* Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
18276@end menu
18277
18278@node Prompt
18279@section Prompt
18280
18281@cindex prompt
18282
18283@value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
18284called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
18285can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
18286instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
18287the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
18288which one you are talking to.
18289
18290@emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
18291prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
18292or a prompt that does not.
18293
18294@table @code
18295@kindex set prompt
18296@item set prompt @var{newprompt}
18297Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
18298
18299@kindex show prompt
18300@item show prompt
18301Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
18302@end table
18303
18304@node Editing
18305@section Command Editing
18306@cindex readline
18307@cindex command line editing
18308
18309@value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
18310@sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
18311command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
18312or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
18313substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
18314debugging sessions.
18315
18316You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
18317command @code{set}.
18318
18319@table @code
18320@kindex set editing
18321@cindex editing
18322@item set editing
18323@itemx set editing on
18324Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
18325
18326@item set editing off
18327Disable command line editing.
18328
18329@kindex show editing
18330@item show editing
18331Show whether command line editing is enabled.
18332@end table
18333
18334@xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
18335interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
18336encouraged to read that chapter.
18337
18338@node Command History
18339@section Command History
18340@cindex command history
18341
18342@value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
18343debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
18344happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
18345history facility.
18346
18347@value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
18348package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
18349Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
18350
18351To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
18352the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
18353(@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
18354means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
18355affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
18356pressed on a line by itself.
18357
18358@cindex @code{server}, command prefix
18359The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
18360history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
18361use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
18362
18363Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
18364history.
18365
18366@table @code
18367@cindex history substitution
18368@cindex history file
18369@kindex set history filename
18370@cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
18371@item set history filename @var{fname}
18372Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
18373This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
18374list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
18375exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
18376the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
18377to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
18378@file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
18379is not set.
18380
18381@cindex save command history
18382@kindex set history save
18383@item set history save
18384@itemx set history save on
18385Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
18386@code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
18387
18388@item set history save off
18389Stop recording command history in a file.
18390
18391@cindex history size
18392@kindex set history size
18393@cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
18394@item set history size @var{size}
18395Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
18396This defaults to the value of the environment variable
18397@code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
18398@end table
18399
18400History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
18401@xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
18402
18403@cindex history expansion, turn on/off
18404Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
18405is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
18406@code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
18407follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
18408a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
18409history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
18410@kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
18411
18412The commands to control history expansion are:
18413
18414@table @code
18415@item set history expansion on
18416@itemx set history expansion
18417@kindex set history expansion
18418Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
18419
18420@item set history expansion off
18421Disable history expansion.
18422
18423@c @group
18424@kindex show history
18425@item show history
18426@itemx show history filename
18427@itemx show history save
18428@itemx show history size
18429@itemx show history expansion
18430These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
18431@code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
18432@c @end group
18433@end table
18434
18435@table @code
18436@kindex show commands
18437@cindex show last commands
18438@cindex display command history
18439@item show commands
18440Display the last ten commands in the command history.
18441
18442@item show commands @var{n}
18443Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
18444
18445@item show commands +
18446Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
18447@end table
18448
18449@node Screen Size
18450@section Screen Size
18451@cindex size of screen
18452@cindex pauses in output
18453
18454Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
18455information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
18456@value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
18457output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
18458to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
18459determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
18460printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
18461rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
18462
18463Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
18464driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
18465together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
18466@code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
18467you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
18468width} commands:
18469
18470@table @code
18471@kindex set height
18472@kindex set width
18473@kindex show width
18474@kindex show height
18475@item set height @var{lpp}
18476@itemx show height
18477@itemx set width @var{cpl}
18478@itemx show width
18479These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
18480a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
18481commands display the current settings.
18482
18483If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
18484output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
18485file or to an editor buffer.
18486
18487Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
18488from wrapping its output.
18489
18490@item set pagination on
18491@itemx set pagination off
18492@kindex set pagination
18493Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
18494pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
18495
18496@item show pagination
18497@kindex show pagination
18498Show the current pagination mode.
18499@end table
18500
18501@node Numbers
18502@section Numbers
18503@cindex number representation
18504@cindex entering numbers
18505
18506You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
18507@value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
18508@samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
18509begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
18510@samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
1851110; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
18512format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
18513both input and output with the commands described below.
18514
18515@table @code
18516@kindex set input-radix
18517@item set input-radix @var{base}
18518Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
18519for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
18520specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
18521example, any of
18522
18523@smallexample
18524set input-radix 012
18525set input-radix 10.
18526set input-radix 0xa
18527@end smallexample
18528
18529@noindent
18530sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
18531leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
18532@samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
18533interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
18534@samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
18535change the radix.
18536
18537@kindex set output-radix
18538@item set output-radix @var{base}
18539Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
18540for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
18541specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
18542
18543@kindex show input-radix
18544@item show input-radix
18545Display the current default base for numeric input.
18546
18547@kindex show output-radix
18548@item show output-radix
18549Display the current default base for numeric display.
18550
18551@item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
18552@itemx show radix
18553@kindex set radix
18554@kindex show radix
18555These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
18556of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
18557the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
18558default value of 10.
18559
18560@end table
18561
18562@node ABI
18563@section Configuring the Current ABI
18564
18565@value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
18566application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
18567conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
18568current ABI.
18569
18570@cindex OS ABI
18571@kindex set osabi
18572@kindex show osabi
18573
18574One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
18575system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
18576@value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
18577but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
18578One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
18579an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
18580not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
18581platform provides.
18582
18583@table @code
18584@item show osabi
18585Show the OS ABI currently in use.
18586
18587@item set osabi
18588With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
18589
18590@item set osabi @var{abi}
18591Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
18592@end table
18593
18594@cindex float promotion
18595
18596Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
18597function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
18598(i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
18599according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
18600(i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
18601@code{double} and then passed.
18602
18603Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
18604a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
18605as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
18606
18607@table @code
18608@kindex set coerce-float-to-double
18609@item set coerce-float-to-double
18610@itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
18611Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
18612to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
18613
18614@item set coerce-float-to-double off
18615Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
18616functions.
18617
18618@kindex show coerce-float-to-double
18619@item show coerce-float-to-double
18620Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
18621@end table
18622
18623@kindex set cp-abi
18624@kindex show cp-abi
18625@value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
18626objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
18627used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
18628programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
18629multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
18630program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
18631Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
18632before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
18633``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
18634use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
18635``auto''.
18636
18637@table @code
18638@item show cp-abi
18639Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
18640
18641@item set cp-abi
18642With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
18643
18644@item set cp-abi @var{abi}
18645@itemx set cp-abi auto
18646Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
18647@end table
18648
18649@node Messages/Warnings
18650@section Optional Warnings and Messages
18651
18652@cindex verbose operation
18653@cindex optional warnings
18654By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
18655running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
18656command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
18657internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
18658
18659Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
18660which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
18661see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
18662
18663@table @code
18664@kindex set verbose
18665@item set verbose on
18666Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18667
18668@item set verbose off
18669Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18670
18671@kindex show verbose
18672@item show verbose
18673Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
18674@end table
18675
18676By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
18677object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
18678find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
18679Symbol Files}).
18680
18681@table @code
18682
18683@kindex set complaints
18684@item set complaints @var{limit}
18685Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
18686unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
18687@var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
18688to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
18689
18690@kindex show complaints
18691@item show complaints
18692Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
18693
18694@end table
18695
18696@anchor{confirmation requests}
18697By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
18698lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
18699you try to run a program which is already running:
18700
18701@smallexample
18702(@value{GDBP}) run
18703The program being debugged has been started already.
18704Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
18705@end smallexample
18706
18707If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
18708commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
18709
18710@table @code
18711
18712@kindex set confirm
18713@cindex flinching
18714@cindex confirmation
18715@cindex stupid questions
18716@item set confirm off
18717Disables confirmation requests.
18718
18719@item set confirm on
18720Enables confirmation requests (the default).
18721
18722@kindex show confirm
18723@item show confirm
18724Displays state of confirmation requests.
18725
18726@end table
18727
18728@cindex command tracing
18729If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
18730useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
18731printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
18732quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
18733
18734@table @code
18735@kindex set trace-commands
18736@cindex command scripts, debugging
18737@item set trace-commands on
18738Enable command tracing.
18739@item set trace-commands off
18740Disable command tracing.
18741@item show trace-commands
18742Display the current state of command tracing.
18743@end table
18744
18745@node Debugging Output
18746@section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
18747@cindex optional debugging messages
18748
18749@value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
18750various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
18751interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
18752section documents those commands.
18753
18754@table @code
18755@kindex set exec-done-display
18756@item set exec-done-display
18757Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
18758completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
18759asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
18760@kindex show exec-done-display
18761@item show exec-done-display
18762Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
18763notification.
18764@kindex set debug
18765@cindex gdbarch debugging info
18766@cindex architecture debugging info
18767@item set debug arch
18768Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
18769@kindex show debug
18770@item show debug arch
18771Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
18772@item set debug aix-thread
18773@cindex AIX threads
18774Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
18775module.
18776@item show debug aix-thread
18777Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
18778@item set debug dwarf2-die
18779@cindex DWARF2 DIEs
18780Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
18781The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
18782A value of zero turns off the display.
18783@item show debug dwarf2-die
18784Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
18785@item set debug displaced
18786@cindex displaced stepping debugging info
18787Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
18788displaced stepping support. The default is off.
18789@item show debug displaced
18790Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
18791related to displaced stepping.
18792@item set debug event
18793@cindex event debugging info
18794Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
18795default is off.
18796@item show debug event
18797Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
18798info.
18799@item set debug expression
18800@cindex expression debugging info
18801Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
18802expression parsing. The default is off.
18803@item show debug expression
18804Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
18805@value{GDBN} expression parsing.
18806@item set debug frame
18807@cindex frame debugging info
18808Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
18809default is off.
18810@item show debug frame
18811Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
18812info.
18813@item set debug gnu-nat
18814@cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
18815Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
18816@item show debug gnu-nat
18817Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
18818@item set debug infrun
18819@cindex inferior debugging info
18820Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
18821The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
18822for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
18823@item show debug infrun
18824Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
18825@item set debug lin-lwp
18826@cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
18827@cindex Linux lightweight processes
18828Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
18829@item show debug lin-lwp
18830Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
18831@item set debug lin-lwp-async
18832@cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
18833@cindex Linux lightweight processes
18834Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
18835@item show debug lin-lwp-async
18836Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
18837@item set debug observer
18838@cindex observer debugging info
18839Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
18840includes info such as the notification of observable events.
18841@item show debug observer
18842Displays the current state of observer debugging.
18843@item set debug overload
18844@cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
18845Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
18846info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
18847is off.
18848@item show debug overload
18849Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
18850debugging info.
18851@cindex expression parser, debugging info
18852@cindex debug expression parser
18853@item set debug parser
18854Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
18855Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
18856parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
18857details. The default is off.
18858@item show debug parser
18859Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
18860@cindex packets, reporting on stdout
18861@cindex serial connections, debugging
18862@cindex debug remote protocol
18863@cindex remote protocol debugging
18864@cindex display remote packets
18865@item set debug remote
18866Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
18867the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
18868@value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
18869@item show debug remote
18870Displays the state of display of remote packets.
18871@item set debug serial
18872Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
18873default is off.
18874@item show debug serial
18875Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
18876info.
18877@item set debug solib-frv
18878@cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
18879Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
18880@item show debug solib-frv
18881Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
18882messages.
18883@item set debug target
18884@cindex target debugging info
18885Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
18886includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
18887default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
18888value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
18889until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
18890@item show debug target
18891Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
18892info.
18893@item set debug timestamp
18894@cindex timestampping debugging info
18895Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
18896When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
18897message.
18898@item show debug timestamp
18899Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
18900debugging info.
18901@item set debugvarobj
18902@cindex variable object debugging info
18903Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
18904info. The default is off.
18905@item show debugvarobj
18906Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
18907debugging info.
18908@item set debug xml
18909@cindex XML parser debugging
18910Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
18911@item show debug xml
18912Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
18913@end table
18914
18915@node Other Misc Settings
18916@section Other Miscellaneous Settings
18917@cindex miscellaneous settings
18918
18919@table @code
18920@kindex set interactive-mode
18921@item set interactive-mode
18922If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate interactively.
18923If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate non-interactively,
18924If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} guesses which mode to use,
18925based on whether the debugger was started in a terminal or not.
18926
18927In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
18928correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
18929in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
18930inside a cygwin window.
18931
18932@kindex show interactive-mode
18933@item show interactive-mode
18934Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
18935@end table
18936
18937@node Extending GDB
18938@chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
18939@cindex extending GDB
18940
18941@value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
18942on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
18943Python scripting language.
18944
18945To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
18946of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
18947can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
18948the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
18949are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
18950@xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
18951
18952You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
18953setting:
18954
18955@table @code
18956@kindex set script-extension
18957@kindex show script-extension
18958@item set script-extension off
18959All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
18960
18961@item set script-extension soft
18962The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
18963extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
18964evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
18965the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
18966
18967@item set script-extension strict
18968The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
18969extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
18970language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
18971
18972@item show script-extension
18973Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
18974
18975@end table
18976
18977@menu
18978* Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
18979* Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18980@end menu
18981
18982@node Sequences
18983@section Canned Sequences of Commands
18984
18985Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
18986Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
18987commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
18988files.
18989
18990@menu
18991* Define:: How to define your own commands
18992* Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
18993* Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
18994* Output:: Commands for controlled output
18995@end menu
18996
18997@node Define
18998@subsection User-defined Commands
18999
19000@cindex user-defined command
19001@cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
19002A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
19003which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
19004@code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
19005separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
19006via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
19007
19008@smallexample
19009define adder
19010 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
19011end
19012@end smallexample
19013
19014@noindent
19015To execute the command use:
19016
19017@smallexample
19018adder 1 2 3
19019@end smallexample
19020
19021@noindent
19022This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
19023its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
19024reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
19025functions calls.
19026
19027@cindex argument count in user-defined commands
19028@cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
19029In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
19030been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
19031
19032@smallexample
19033define adder
19034 if $argc == 2
19035 print $arg0 + $arg1
19036 end
19037 if $argc == 3
19038 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
19039 end
19040end
19041@end smallexample
19042
19043@table @code
19044
19045@kindex define
19046@item define @var{commandname}
19047Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
19048by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
19049@var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
19050numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
19051prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
19052a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
19053
19054The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
19055which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
19056commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
19057
19058@kindex document
19059@kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
19060@item document @var{commandname}
19061Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
19062accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
19063defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
19064reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
19065After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
19066@var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
19067
19068You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
19069documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
19070does not change the documentation.
19071
19072@kindex dont-repeat
19073@cindex don't repeat command
19074@item dont-repeat
19075Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
19076command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
19077(@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
19078
19079@kindex help user-defined
19080@item help user-defined
19081List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
19082(if any) for each.
19083
19084@kindex show user
19085@item show user
19086@itemx show user @var{commandname}
19087Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
19088not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
19089definitions for all user-defined commands.
19090
19091@cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
19092@kindex show max-user-call-depth
19093@kindex set max-user-call-depth
19094@item show max-user-call-depth
19095@itemx set max-user-call-depth
19096The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
19097levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
19098infinite recursion and aborts the command.
19099@end table
19100
19101In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
19102use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
19103
19104When user-defined commands are executed, the
19105commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
19106stops execution of the user-defined command.
19107
19108If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
19109without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
19110commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
19111messages when used in a user-defined command.
19112
19113@node Hooks
19114@subsection User-defined Command Hooks
19115@cindex command hooks
19116@cindex hooks, for commands
19117@cindex hooks, pre-command
19118
19119@kindex hook
19120You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
19121command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
19122command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
19123before that command.
19124
19125@cindex hooks, post-command
19126@kindex hookpost
19127A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
19128Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
19129@samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
19130that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
19131pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
19132
19133It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
19134occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
19135
19136@c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
19137@c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
19138
19139@kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
19140In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
19141(@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
19142execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
19143displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
19144
19145For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
19146single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
19147you could define:
19148
19149@smallexample
19150define hook-stop
19151handle SIGALRM nopass
19152end
19153
19154define hook-run
19155handle SIGALRM pass
19156end
19157
19158define hook-continue
19159handle SIGALRM pass
19160end
19161@end smallexample
19162
19163As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
19164command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
19165you could define:
19166
19167@smallexample
19168define hook-echo
19169echo <<<---
19170end
19171
19172define hookpost-echo
19173echo --->>>\n
19174end
19175
19176(@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
19177<<<---Hello World--->>>
19178(@value{GDBP})
19179
19180@end smallexample
19181
19182You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
19183not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
19184name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
19185@c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
19186@c or not?
19187You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
19188@code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
19189@samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
19190
19191If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
19192@value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
19193(before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
19194
19195If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
19196get a warning from the @code{define} command.
19197
19198@node Command Files
19199@subsection Command Files
19200
19201@cindex command files
19202@cindex scripting commands
19203A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
19204@value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
19205also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
19206does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
19207terminal.
19208
19209You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
19210command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
19211scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
19212using the @code{script-extension} setting.
19213@xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
19214
19215@table @code
19216@kindex source
19217@cindex execute commands from a file
19218@item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
19219Execute the command file @var{filename}.
19220@end table
19221
19222The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
19223unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
19224@emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
19225printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
19226execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
19227
19228@value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
19229on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
19230
19231If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
19232each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
19233@var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
19234
19235Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
19236without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
19237normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
19238when called from command files.
19239
19240@value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
19241mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
19242standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
19243not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
19244the next command.
19245
19246@smallexample
19247gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
19248@end smallexample
19249
19250(The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
19251will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
19252would be directed to @file{log}.
19253
19254Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
19255commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
19256complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
19257variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
19258built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
19259deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
19260complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
19261conditionally, etc.
19262
19263@table @code
19264@kindex if
19265@kindex else
19266@item if
19267@itemx else
19268This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
19269commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
19270expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
19271are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
19272There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
19273of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
19274end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
19275
19276@kindex while
19277@item while
19278This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
19279@code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
19280to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
19281line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
19282@dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
19283executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
19284
19285@kindex loop_break
19286@item loop_break
19287This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
19288Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
19289line.
19290
19291@kindex loop_continue
19292@item loop_continue
19293This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
19294in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
19295branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
19296the controlling expression.
19297
19298@kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
19299@item end
19300Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
19301@code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
19302@end table
19303
19304
19305@node Output
19306@subsection Commands for Controlled Output
19307
19308During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
19309@value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
19310explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
19311describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
19312want.
19313
19314@table @code
19315@kindex echo
19316@item echo @var{text}
19317@c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
19318@c because it is not in ANSI.
19319Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
19320@var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
19321newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
19322In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
19323by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
19324string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
19325trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
19326To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
19327@samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
19328
19329A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
19330the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
19331
19332@smallexample
19333echo This is some text\n\
19334which is continued\n\
19335onto several lines.\n
19336@end smallexample
19337
19338produces the same output as
19339
19340@smallexample
19341echo This is some text\n
19342echo which is continued\n
19343echo onto several lines.\n
19344@end smallexample
19345
19346@kindex output
19347@item output @var{expression}
19348Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
19349newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
19350value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
19351on expressions.
19352
19353@item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
19354Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
19355the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
19356Formats}, for more information.
19357
19358@kindex printf
19359@item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
19360Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
19361the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
19362@var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
19363which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
19364specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
19365executing the code below:
19366
19367@smallexample
19368printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
19369@end smallexample
19370
19371As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
19372are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
19373by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
19374evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
19375style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
19376printed.
19377
19378For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
19379
19380@smallexample
19381printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
19382@end smallexample
19383
19384@code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
19385specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
19386character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
19387
19388@itemize @bullet
19389@item
19390The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
19391
19392@item
19393The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
19394width.
19395
19396@item
19397The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
19398@code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
19399
19400@item
19401The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
19402supported.
19403
19404@item
19405The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
19406
19407@item
19408The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
19409@end itemize
19410
19411@noindent
19412Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
19413underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
19414the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
19415supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
19416
19417As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
19418sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
19419@samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
19420single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
19421supported.
19422
19423Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
19424(@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
19425together with a floating point specifier.
19426letters:
19427
19428@itemize @bullet
19429@item
19430@samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
19431
19432@item
19433@samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
19434
19435@item
19436@samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
19437@end itemize
19438
19439If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
19440support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
19441such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
19442
19443In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
19444available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
19445
19446Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
19447@smallexample
19448printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
19449@end smallexample
19450
19451@end table
19452
19453@node Python
19454@section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
19455@cindex python scripting
19456@cindex scripting with python
19457
19458You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
19459Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
19460@value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
19461
19462@menu
19463* Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
19464* Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
19465@end menu
19466
19467@node Python Commands
19468@subsection Python Commands
19469@cindex python commands
19470@cindex commands to access python
19471
19472@value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
19473and one related setting:
19474
19475@table @code
19476@kindex python
19477@item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
19478The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
19479
19480If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
19481argument as a Python command. For example:
19482
19483@smallexample
19484(@value{GDBP}) python print 23
1948523
19486@end smallexample
19487
19488If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
19489multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
19490script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
19491@code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
19492containing @code{end}. For example:
19493
19494@smallexample
19495(@value{GDBP}) python
19496Type python script
19497End with a line saying just "end".
19498>print 23
19499>end
1950023
19501@end smallexample
19502
19503@kindex maint set python print-stack
19504@item maint set python print-stack
19505By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
19506in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
19507python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
19508printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
19509disabled.
19510@end table
19511
19512It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
19513interpreter:
19514
19515@table @code
19516@item source @file{script-name}
19517The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
19518to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
19519the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
19520
19521@item python execfile ("script-name")
19522This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
19523and thus is always available.
19524@end table
19525
19526@node Python API
19527@subsection Python API
19528@cindex python api
19529@cindex programming in python
19530
19531@cindex python stdout
19532@cindex python pagination
19533At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
19534@code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
19535A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
19536output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
19537situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
19538
19539@menu
19540* Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
19541* Exception Handling::
19542* Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
19543* Values From Inferior::
19544* Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
19545* Pretty Printing:: Pretty-printing values.
19546* Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
19547* Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
19548* Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
19549* Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
19550* Frames In Python:: Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
19551* Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
19552@end menu
19553
19554@node Basic Python
19555@subsubsection Basic Python
19556
19557@cindex python functions
19558@cindex python module
19559@cindex gdb module
19560@value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
19561methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
19562@value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
19563use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
19564
19565@findex gdb.execute
19566@defun execute command [from_tty]
19567Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
19568If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
19569translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
19570If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
19571
19572@var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
19573command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
19574It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
19575@end defun
19576
19577@findex gdb.parameter
19578@defun parameter parameter
19579Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
19580string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
19581spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
19582@samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
19583
19584If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
19585@code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
19586a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
19587@end defun
19588
19589@findex gdb.history
19590@defun history number
19591Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
19592History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
19593If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
19594and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
19595find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
19596return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
19597doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{RuntimeError} exception will be
19598raised.
19599
19600If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
19601@code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
19602@end defun
19603
19604@findex gdb.parse_and_eval
19605@defun parse_and_eval expression
19606Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
19607evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
19608@var{expression} must be a string.
19609
19610This function can be useful when implementing a new command
19611(@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
19612command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
19613compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
19614convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
19615@end defun
19616
19617@findex gdb.write
19618@defun write string
19619Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
19620Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
19621call this function.
19622@end defun
19623
19624@findex gdb.flush
19625@defun flush
19626Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
19627@code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
19628function.
19629@end defun
19630
19631@node Exception Handling
19632@subsubsection Exception Handling
19633@cindex python exceptions
19634@cindex exceptions, python
19635
19636When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
19637uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
19638@value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
19639@code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
19640terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
19641exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
19642backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
19643
19644@smallexample
19645(@value{GDBP}) python print foo
19646Traceback (most recent call last):
19647 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
19648NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
19649@end smallexample
19650
19651@value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
19652code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
19653interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
19654prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
19655exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
19656exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
19657@code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
19658message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
19659Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
19660traceback.
19661
19662@node Auto-loading
19663@subsubsection Auto-loading
19664@cindex auto-loading, Python
19665
19666When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
19667command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
19668@value{GDBN} will look for a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
19669where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
19670that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
19671@code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
19672readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
19673
19674If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
19675@code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
19676then @value{GDBN} will use for its each separated directory component
19677@code{component} the file named @file{@code{component}/@var{real-name}}, where
19678@var{real-name} is the object file's real name, as described above.
19679
19680Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
19681a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
19682@var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
19683@code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
19684is the object file's real name, as described above.
19685
19686When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the ``current
19687objfile''. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
19688function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
19689registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
19690
19691The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
19692debugging commands and scripts. You can enable or disable this
19693feature, and view its current state.
19694
19695@table @code
19696@kindex maint set python auto-load
19697@item maint set python auto-load [yes|no]
19698Enable or disable the Python auto-loading feature.
19699
19700@kindex show python auto-load
19701@item show python auto-load
19702Show whether Python auto-loading is enabled or disabled.
19703@end table
19704
19705@value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded.
19706So, your @samp{-gdb.py} file should take care to ensure that it may be
19707evaluated multiple times without error.
19708
19709@node Values From Inferior
19710@subsubsection Values From Inferior
19711@cindex values from inferior, with Python
19712@cindex python, working with values from inferior
19713
19714@cindex @code{gdb.Value}
19715@value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
19716an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
19717for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
19718fetching values when necessary.
19719
19720Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
19721Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
19722an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
19723
19724@smallexample
19725bar = some_val + 2
19726@end smallexample
19727
19728@noindent
19729As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
19730whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
19731
19732Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
19733be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
19734@code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
19735can access its @code{foo} element with:
19736
19737@smallexample
19738bar = some_val['foo']
19739@end smallexample
19740
19741Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
19742
19743The following attributes are provided:
19744
19745@table @code
19746@defivar Value address
19747If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
19748@code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
19749this attribute holds @code{None}.
19750@end defivar
19751
19752@cindex optimized out value in Python
19753@defivar Value is_optimized_out
19754This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
19755this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
19756@end defivar
19757
19758@defivar Value type
19759The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
19760@code{gdb.Type} object.
19761@end defivar
19762@end table
19763
19764The following methods are provided:
19765
19766@table @code
19767@defmethod Value cast type
19768Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
19769casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
19770be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
19771reason, this method throws an exception.
19772@end defmethod
19773
19774@defmethod Value dereference
19775For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
19776whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
19777@code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
19778
19779@smallexample
19780int *foo;
19781@end smallexample
19782
19783@noindent
19784then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
19785@code{foo} points to like this:
19786
19787@smallexample
19788bar = foo.dereference ()
19789@end smallexample
19790
19791The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
19792value pointed to by @code{foo}.
19793@end defmethod
19794
19795@defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
19796If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
19797converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
19798throw an exception.
19799
19800Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
19801@code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
19802language.
19803
19804For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
19805array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
19806by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
19807argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
19808ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
19809
19810If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
19811naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
19812@code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
19813the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
19814@code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
19815to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
19816@var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
19817(@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
19818will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
19819
19820The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
19821argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
19822
19823If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
19824fetched and converted to the given length.
19825@end defmethod
19826
19827@defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
19828If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
19829converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
19830In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
19831
19832If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
19833naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
19834@samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
19835@var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
19836recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
19837
19838When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
19839used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
19840@var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
19841@value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
19842the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
19843please see @ref{Character Sets}.
19844
19845If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
19846fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
19847the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
19848and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
19849@end defmethod
19850@end table
19851
19852@node Types In Python
19853@subsubsection Types In Python
19854@cindex types in Python
19855@cindex Python, working with types
19856
19857@tindex gdb.Type
19858@value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
19859@code{gdb.Type}.
19860
19861The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
19862module:
19863
19864@findex gdb.lookup_type
19865@defun lookup_type name [block]
19866This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
19867type to look up. It must be a string.
19868
19869Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
19870If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
19871@end defun
19872
19873An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
19874
19875@table @code
19876@defivar Type code
19877The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
19878@code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
19879@end defivar
19880
19881@defivar Type sizeof
19882The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
19883target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
19884unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
19885@end defivar
19886
19887@defivar Type tag
19888The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
19889@code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
19890languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
19891@code{None} is returned.
19892@end defivar
19893@end table
19894
19895The following methods are provided:
19896
19897@table @code
19898@defmethod Type fields
19899For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
19900types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
19901have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
19902field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
19903represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
19904into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
19905
19906Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
19907@table @code
19908@item bitpos
19909This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
19910C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
19911position of the field.
19912
19913@item name
19914The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
19915
19916@item artificial
19917This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
19918it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
19919always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
19920
19921@item is_base_class
19922This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
19923structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
19924if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
19925@code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
19926
19927@item bitsize
19928If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
19929non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
19930this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
19931
19932@item type
19933The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
19934but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
19935@end table
19936@end defmethod
19937
19938@defmethod Type const
19939Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19940@code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
19941@end defmethod
19942
19943@defmethod Type volatile
19944Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19945@code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
19946@end defmethod
19947
19948@defmethod Type unqualified
19949Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
19950variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
19951@code{volatile}.
19952@end defmethod
19953
19954@defmethod Type range
19955Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
19956low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
19957the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
19958@code{RuntimeError} exception.
19959@end defmethod
19960
19961@defmethod Type reference
19962Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
19963type.
19964@end defmethod
19965
19966@defmethod Type pointer
19967Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
19968type.
19969@end defmethod
19970
19971@defmethod Type strip_typedefs
19972Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
19973after removing all layers of typedefs.
19974@end defmethod
19975
19976@defmethod Type target
19977Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
19978of this type.
19979
19980For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
19981object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
19982the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
19983the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
19984the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
19985target type is the aliased type.
19986
19987If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
19988exception.
19989@end defmethod
19990
19991@defmethod Type template_argument n
19992If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
19993return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
19994@var{n}th template argument.
19995
19996If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
19997exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
19998
19999@var{name} is searched for globally.
20000@end defmethod
20001@end table
20002
20003
20004Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
20005into. The available type categories are represented by constants
20006defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20007
20008@table @code
20009@findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
20010@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
20011@item TYPE_CODE_PTR
20012The type is a pointer.
20013
20014@findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20015@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20016@item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
20017The type is an array.
20018
20019@findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20020@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20021@item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
20022The type is a structure.
20023
20024@findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
20025@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
20026@item TYPE_CODE_UNION
20027The type is a union.
20028
20029@findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20030@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20031@item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
20032The type is an enum.
20033
20034@findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20035@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20036@item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
20037A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
20038
20039@findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20040@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20041@item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
20042The type is a function.
20043
20044@findex TYPE_CODE_INT
20045@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
20046@item TYPE_CODE_INT
20047The type is an integer type.
20048
20049@findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
20050@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
20051@item TYPE_CODE_FLT
20052A floating point type.
20053
20054@findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
20055@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
20056@item TYPE_CODE_VOID
20057The special type @code{void}.
20058
20059@findex TYPE_CODE_SET
20060@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
20061@item TYPE_CODE_SET
20062A Pascal set type.
20063
20064@findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20065@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20066@item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
20067A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
20068
20069@findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
20070@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
20071@item TYPE_CODE_STRING
20072A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
20073language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
20074
20075@findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20076@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20077@item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
20078A string of bits.
20079
20080@findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20081@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20082@item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
20083An unknown or erroneous type.
20084
20085@findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20086@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20087@item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
20088A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
20089
20090@findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20091@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20092@item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
20093A pointer-to-member-function.
20094
20095@findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20096@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20097@item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
20098A pointer-to-member.
20099
20100@findex TYPE_CODE_REF
20101@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
20102@item TYPE_CODE_REF
20103A reference type.
20104
20105@findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20106@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20107@item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
20108A character type.
20109
20110@findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20111@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20112@item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
20113A boolean type.
20114
20115@findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20116@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20117@item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
20118A complex float type.
20119
20120@findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20121@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20122@item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
20123A typedef to some other type.
20124
20125@findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20126@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20127@item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
20128A C@t{++} namespace.
20129
20130@findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20131@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20132@item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
20133A decimal floating point type.
20134
20135@findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20136@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20137@item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
20138A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
20139convenience functions.
20140@end table
20141
20142@node Pretty Printing
20143@subsubsection Pretty Printing
20144
20145@value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values
20146using Python code. The pretty-printer API allows application-specific
20147code to greatly simplify the display of complex objects. This
20148mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
20149
20150For example, here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a
20151pretty-printer:
20152
20153@smallexample
20154(@value{GDBP}) print s
20155$1 = @{
20156 static npos = 4294967295,
20157 _M_dataplus = @{
20158 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
20159 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{<No data fields>@}, <No data fields>@},
20160 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>, std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
20161 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
20162 @}
20163@}
20164@end smallexample
20165
20166After a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} has been installed, only
20167the contents are printed:
20168
20169@smallexample
20170(@value{GDBP}) print s
20171$2 = "abcd"
20172@end smallexample
20173
20174A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
20175specific interface, defined here.
20176
20177@defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
20178@value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
20179children of the pretty-printer's value.
20180
20181This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
20182protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
20183two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
20184second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
20185object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
20186
20187This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
20188as though the value has no children.
20189@end defop
20190
20191@defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
20192The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
20193formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
20194consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
20195printed.
20196
20197This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
20198string.
20199
20200Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
20201
20202@table @samp
20203@item array
20204Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
20205uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
20206@code{set print array}.
20207
20208@item map
20209Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
20210children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
20211values.
20212
20213@item string
20214Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
20215printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
20216kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
20217string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
20218adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
20219@code{set print elements}, and the like.
20220@end table
20221@end defop
20222
20223@defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
20224@value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
20225representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
20226
20227When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
20228then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
20229@code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
20230the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
20231depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
20232print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
20233the result of @code{children}.
20234
20235If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
20236
20237Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
20238then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
20239another pretty-printer.
20240
20241If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
20242@code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
20243the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
20244pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
20245strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
20246
20247If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
20248@end defop
20249
20250@node Selecting Pretty-Printers
20251@subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
20252
20253The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
20254functions that have been registered via addition as a pretty-printer.
20255Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
20256attribute.
20257
20258A function on one of these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
20259argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
20260interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing}). If a function
20261cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
20262@code{None}.
20263
20264@value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
20265@code{gdb.Objfile} and iteratively calls each function in the list for
20266that @code{gdb.Objfile} until it receives a pretty-printer object.
20267After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
20268@code{gdb.pretty-printers} list, again calling each function until an
20269object is returned.
20270
20271The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
20272given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
20273and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
20274object is returned.
20275
20276Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
20277written:
20278
20279@smallexample
20280class StdStringPrinter:
20281 "Print a std::string"
20282
20283 def __init__ (self, val):
20284 self.val = val
20285
20286 def to_string (self):
20287 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
20288
20289 def display_hint (self):
20290 return 'string'
20291@end smallexample
20292
20293And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
20294example above might be written.
20295
20296@smallexample
20297def str_lookup_function (val):
20298
20299 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
20300 regex = re.compile ("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
20301 if lookup_tag == None:
20302 return None
20303 if regex.match (lookup_tag):
20304 return StdStringPrinter (val)
20305
20306 return None
20307@end smallexample
20308
20309The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
20310match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
20311printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
20312returns @code{None}.
20313
20314We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
20315package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
20316further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
20317This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
20318your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
20319different names.
20320
20321You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
20322can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
20323ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
20324printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
20325the current objfile.
20326
20327Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
20328inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
20329Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
20330@value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
20331Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
20332because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
20333printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
20334printers for the specific version of the library used by each
20335inferior.
20336
20337To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
20338this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
20339
20340@smallexample
20341def register_printers (objfile):
20342 objfile.pretty_printers.add (str_lookup_function)
20343@end smallexample
20344
20345@noindent
20346And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
20347
20348@smallexample
20349import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
20350gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers (gdb.current_objfile ())
20351@end smallexample
20352
20353@node Commands In Python
20354@subsubsection Commands In Python
20355
20356@cindex commands in python
20357@cindex python commands
20358You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
20359command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
20360class, most commonly using a subclass.
20361
20362@defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
20363The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
20364with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
20365subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
20366
20367@var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
20368multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
20369commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
20370an exception is raised.
20371
20372There is no support for multi-line commands.
20373
20374@var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
20375defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
20376new command in the help system.
20377
20378@var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
20379one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
20380tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
20381given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
20382@code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
20383error will occur when completion is attempted.
20384
20385@var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
20386command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
20387registered.
20388
20389The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
20390documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
20391documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
20392not documented.'' is used.
20393@end defmethod
20394
20395@cindex don't repeat Python command
20396@defmethod Command dont_repeat
20397By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
20398blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
20399behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
20400to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
20401@end defmethod
20402
20403@defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
20404This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
20405
20406@var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
20407leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
20408
20409@var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
20410command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
20411that the command came from elsewhere.
20412
20413If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
20414@code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
20415@end defmethod
20416
20417@cindex completion of Python commands
20418@defmethod Command complete text word
20419This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
20420completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
20421this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
20422(@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
20423complete}).
20424
20425The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
20426holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
20427@var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
20428using a word-breaking heuristic.
20429
20430The @code{complete} method can return several values:
20431@itemize @bullet
20432@item
20433If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
20434used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
20435contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
20436allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
20437string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
20438sequence are ignored.
20439
20440@item
20441If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
20442below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
20443function is invoked, and its result is used.
20444
20445@item
20446All other results are treated as though there were no available
20447completions.
20448@end itemize
20449@end defmethod
20450
20451When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
20452some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
20453commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
20454listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
20455command. The available classifications are represented by constants
20456defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20457
20458@table @code
20459@findex COMMAND_NONE
20460@findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
20461@item COMMAND_NONE
20462The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
20463this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
20464
20465@findex COMMAND_RUNNING
20466@findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
20467@item COMMAND_RUNNING
20468The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
20469@code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
20470Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20471commands in this category.
20472
20473@findex COMMAND_DATA
20474@findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
20475@item COMMAND_DATA
20476The command is related to data or variables. For example,
20477@code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
20478@kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
20479in this category.
20480
20481@findex COMMAND_STACK
20482@findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
20483@item COMMAND_STACK
20484The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
20485@code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
20486category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
20487list of commands in this category.
20488
20489@findex COMMAND_FILES
20490@findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
20491@item COMMAND_FILES
20492This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
20493@code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
20494Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20495commands in this category.
20496
20497@findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
20498@findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
20499@item COMMAND_SUPPORT
20500This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
20501things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
20502but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
20503@code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
20504@kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20505commands in this category.
20506
20507@findex COMMAND_STATUS
20508@findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
20509@item COMMAND_STATUS
20510The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
20511state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
20512and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
20513@value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
20514
20515@findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20516@findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20517@item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
20518The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
20519@code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
20520breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
20521this category.
20522
20523@findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20524@findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20525@item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
20526The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
20527@code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
20528@kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20529commands in this category.
20530
20531@findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
20532@findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
20533@item COMMAND_OBSCURE
20534The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
20535general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
20536@code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
20537obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
20538category.
20539
20540@findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20541@findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20542@item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
20543The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
20544@code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
20545Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
20546commands in this category.
20547@end table
20548
20549A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
20550specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
20551from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
20552constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
20553
20554@table @code
20555@findex COMPLETE_NONE
20556@findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
20557@item COMPLETE_NONE
20558This constant means that no completion should be done.
20559
20560@findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
20561@findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
20562@item COMPLETE_FILENAME
20563This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
20564
20565@findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
20566@findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
20567@item COMPLETE_LOCATION
20568This constant means that location completion should be done.
20569@xref{Specify Location}.
20570
20571@findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
20572@findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
20573@item COMPLETE_COMMAND
20574This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
20575command names.
20576
20577@findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20578@findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20579@item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
20580This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
20581as the source.
20582@end table
20583
20584The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
20585implemented in Python:
20586
20587@smallexample
20588class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
20589 """Greet the whole world."""
20590
20591 def __init__ (self):
20592 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
20593
20594 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
20595 print "Hello, World!"
20596
20597HelloWorld ()
20598@end smallexample
20599
20600The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
20601registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
20602Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
20603@code{gdb} module explicitly.
20604
20605@node Functions In Python
20606@subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
20607
20608@cindex writing convenience functions
20609@cindex convenience functions in python
20610@cindex python convenience functions
20611@tindex gdb.Function
20612@tindex Function
20613You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
20614in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
20615class @code{gdb.Function}.
20616
20617@defmethod Function __init__ name
20618The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
20619@value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
20620a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
20621variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
20622the given @var{name}.
20623
20624The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
20625string for the new class.
20626@end defmethod
20627
20628@defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
20629When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
20630to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
20631@code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
20632predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
20633available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
20634standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
20635function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
20636
20637The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
20638expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
20639to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
20640@end defmethod
20641
20642The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
20643be implemented in Python:
20644
20645@smallexample
20646class Greet (gdb.Function):
20647 """Return string to greet someone.
20648Takes a name as argument."""
20649
20650 def __init__ (self):
20651 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
20652
20653 def invoke (self, name):
20654 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
20655
20656Greet ()
20657@end smallexample
20658
20659The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
20660registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
20661Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
20662@code{gdb} module explicitly.
20663
20664@node Objfiles In Python
20665@subsubsection Objfiles In Python
20666
20667@cindex objfiles in python
20668@tindex gdb.Objfile
20669@tindex Objfile
20670@value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
20671symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
20672executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
20673separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
20674@value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
20675
20676The following objfile-related functions are available in the
20677@code{gdb} module:
20678
20679@findex gdb.current_objfile
20680@defun current_objfile
20681When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
20682sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
20683function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
20684this function returns @code{None}.
20685@end defun
20686
20687@findex gdb.objfiles
20688@defun objfiles
20689Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
20690@xref{Objfiles In Python}.
20691@end defun
20692
20693Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
20694class.
20695
20696@defivar Objfile filename
20697The file name of the objfile as a string.
20698@end defivar
20699
20700@defivar Objfile pretty_printers
20701The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
20702used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
20703function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
20704search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
20705which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing}, for more
20706information.
20707@end defivar
20708
20709@node Frames In Python
20710@subsubsection Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20711
20712@cindex frames in python
20713When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
20714stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
20715represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
20716while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
20717to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{RuntimeError}
20718exception.
20719
20720Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
20721operator, like:
20722
20723@smallexample
20724(@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
20725True
20726@end smallexample
20727
20728The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
20729
20730@findex gdb.selected_frame
20731@defun selected_frame
20732Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
20733@end defun
20734
20735@defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
20736Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
20737frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
20738@code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
20739@end defun
20740
20741A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
20742
20743@table @code
20744@defmethod Frame is_valid
20745Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
20746A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
20747exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
20748an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
20749@end defmethod
20750
20751@defmethod Frame name
20752Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
20753obtained.
20754@end defmethod
20755
20756@defmethod Frame type
20757Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of
20758@code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, @code{gdb.DUMMY_FRAME}, @code{gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME}
20759or @code{gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME}.
20760@end defmethod
20761
20762@defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
20763Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
20764more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
20765@code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
20766function to a string.
20767@end defmethod
20768
20769@defmethod Frame pc
20770Returns the frame's resume address.
20771@end defmethod
20772
20773@defmethod Frame older
20774Return the frame that called this frame.
20775@end defmethod
20776
20777@defmethod Frame newer
20778Return the frame called by this frame.
20779@end defmethod
20780
20781@defmethod Frame read_var variable
20782Return the value of the given variable in this frame. @var{variable} must
20783be a string.
20784@end defmethod
20785@end table
20786
20787@node Lazy Strings In Python
20788@subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
20789
20790@cindex lazy strings in python
20791@tindex gdb.LazyString
20792
20793A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
20794encoded until it is needed.
20795
20796A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
20797@code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
20798that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
20799to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
20800difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
20801a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
20802differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
20803retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
20804wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
20805
20806A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
20807
20808@defmethod LazyString value
20809Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
20810will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
20811retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
20812@code{gdb.LazyString}.
20813@end defmethod
20814
20815@defivar LazyString address
20816This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
20817writable.
20818@end defivar
20819
20820@defivar LazyString length
20821This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
20822length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
20823first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
20824@end defivar
20825
20826@defivar LazyString encoding
20827This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
20828when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
20829set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
20830most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
20831is not writable.
20832@end defivar
20833
20834@defivar LazyString type
20835This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
20836type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
20837resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
20838@code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
20839writable.
20840@end defivar
20841
20842@node Interpreters
20843@chapter Command Interpreters
20844@cindex command interpreters
20845
20846@value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
20847infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
20848between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
20849
20850@value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
20851interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
20852and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
20853describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
20854
20855By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
20856However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
20857interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
20858startup options. Defined interpreters include:
20859
20860@table @code
20861@item console
20862@cindex console interpreter
20863The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
20864used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
20865@value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
20866
20867@item mi
20868@cindex mi interpreter
20869The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
20870by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
20871or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
20872Interface}.
20873
20874@item mi2
20875@cindex mi2 interpreter
20876The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
20877
20878@item mi1
20879@cindex mi1 interpreter
20880The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
20881
20882@end table
20883
20884@cindex invoke another interpreter
20885The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
20886switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
20887precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
20888enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
20889@value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
20890the IDE inoperable!
20891
20892@kindex interpreter-exec
20893Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
20894commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
20895command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
20896@code{interpreter-exec} command:
20897
20898@smallexample
20899interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
20900@end smallexample
20901
20902@sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
20903@value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
20904
20905@node TUI
20906@chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
20907@cindex TUI
20908@cindex Text User Interface
20909
20910@menu
20911* TUI Overview:: TUI overview
20912* TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
20913* TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
20914* TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
20915* TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
20916@end menu
20917
20918The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
20919interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
20920file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
20921commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
20922on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
20923is available.
20924
20925@pindex @value{GDBTUI}
20926The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
20927either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
20928You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
20929using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
20930@xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
20931
20932@node TUI Overview
20933@section TUI Overview
20934
20935In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
20936
20937@table @emph
20938@item command
20939This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
20940prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
20941managed using readline.
20942
20943@item source
20944The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
20945line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
20946
20947@item assembly
20948The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
20949
20950@item register
20951This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
20952when their values change.
20953@end table
20954
20955The source and assembly windows show the current program position
20956by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
20957Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
20958indicates the breakpoint type:
20959
20960@table @code
20961@item B
20962Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
20963
20964@item b
20965Breakpoint which was never hit.
20966
20967@item H
20968Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
20969
20970@item h
20971Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
20972@end table
20973
20974The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
20975
20976@table @code
20977@item +
20978Breakpoint is enabled.
20979
20980@item -
20981Breakpoint is disabled.
20982@end table
20983
20984The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
20985thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
20986changes.
20987
20988These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
20989window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
20990layouts:
20991
20992@itemize @bullet
20993@item
20994source only,
20995
20996@item
20997assembly only,
20998
20999@item
21000source and assembly,
21001
21002@item
21003source and registers, or
21004
21005@item
21006assembly and registers.
21007@end itemize
21008
21009A status line above the command window shows the following information:
21010
21011@table @emph
21012@item target
21013Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
21014(@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
21015
21016@item process
21017Gives the current process or thread number.
21018When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
21019
21020@item function
21021Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
21022The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
21023When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
21024the string @code{??} is displayed.
21025
21026@item line
21027Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
21028When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
21029
21030@item pc
21031Indicates the current program counter address.
21032@end table
21033
21034@node TUI Keys
21035@section TUI Key Bindings
21036@cindex TUI key bindings
21037
21038The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
21039(@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
21040are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
21041
21042@table @kbd
21043@kindex C-x C-a
21044@item C-x C-a
21045@kindex C-x a
21046@itemx C-x a
21047@kindex C-x A
21048@itemx C-x A
21049Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
21050the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
21051its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
21052the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
21053The screen is then refreshed.
21054
21055@kindex C-x 1
21056@item C-x 1
21057Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
21058either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
21059is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
21060
21061Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
21062
21063@kindex C-x 2
21064@item C-x 2
21065Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
21066layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
21067When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
21068previous layout and the new one.
21069
21070Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
21071
21072@kindex C-x o
21073@item C-x o
21074Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
21075(like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
21076gives the focus to the next TUI window.
21077
21078Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
21079
21080@kindex C-x s
21081@item C-x s
21082Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
21083keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
21084@end table
21085
21086The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
21087
21088@table @asis
21089@kindex PgUp
21090@item @key{PgUp}
21091Scroll the active window one page up.
21092
21093@kindex PgDn
21094@item @key{PgDn}
21095Scroll the active window one page down.
21096
21097@kindex Up
21098@item @key{Up}
21099Scroll the active window one line up.
21100
21101@kindex Down
21102@item @key{Down}
21103Scroll the active window one line down.
21104
21105@kindex Left
21106@item @key{Left}
21107Scroll the active window one column left.
21108
21109@kindex Right
21110@item @key{Right}
21111Scroll the active window one column right.
21112
21113@kindex C-L
21114@item @kbd{C-L}
21115Refresh the screen.
21116@end table
21117
21118Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
21119are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
21120window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
21121other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
21122and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
21123
21124@node TUI Single Key Mode
21125@section TUI Single Key Mode
21126@cindex TUI single key mode
21127
21128The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
21129frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
21130switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
21131
21132@table @kbd
21133@kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21134@item c
21135continue
21136
21137@kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21138@item d
21139down
21140
21141@kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21142@item f
21143finish
21144
21145@kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21146@item n
21147next
21148
21149@kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21150@item q
21151exit the SingleKey mode.
21152
21153@kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21154@item r
21155run
21156
21157@kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21158@item s
21159step
21160
21161@kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21162@item u
21163up
21164
21165@kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21166@item v
21167info locals
21168
21169@kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
21170@item w
21171where
21172@end table
21173
21174Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
21175The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
21176it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
21177with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
21178SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
21179this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
21180
21181
21182@node TUI Commands
21183@section TUI-specific Commands
21184@cindex TUI commands
21185
21186The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
21187These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
21188the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
21189of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
21190
21191@table @code
21192@item info win
21193@kindex info win
21194List and give the size of all displayed windows.
21195
21196@item layout next
21197@kindex layout
21198Display the next layout.
21199
21200@item layout prev
21201Display the previous layout.
21202
21203@item layout src
21204Display the source window only.
21205
21206@item layout asm
21207Display the assembly window only.
21208
21209@item layout split
21210Display the source and assembly window.
21211
21212@item layout regs
21213Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
21214
21215@item focus next
21216@kindex focus
21217Make the next window active for scrolling.
21218
21219@item focus prev
21220Make the previous window active for scrolling.
21221
21222@item focus src
21223Make the source window active for scrolling.
21224
21225@item focus asm
21226Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
21227
21228@item focus regs
21229Make the register window active for scrolling.
21230
21231@item focus cmd
21232Make the command window active for scrolling.
21233
21234@item refresh
21235@kindex refresh
21236Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
21237
21238@item tui reg float
21239@kindex tui reg
21240Show the floating point registers in the register window.
21241
21242@item tui reg general
21243Show the general registers in the register window.
21244
21245@item tui reg next
21246Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
21247their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
21248following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
21249@code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
21250
21251@item tui reg system
21252Show the system registers in the register window.
21253
21254@item update
21255@kindex update
21256Update the source window and the current execution point.
21257
21258@item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
21259@itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
21260@kindex winheight
21261Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
21262lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
21263decrease it.
21264
21265@item tabset @var{nchars}
21266@kindex tabset
21267Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
21268@end table
21269
21270@node TUI Configuration
21271@section TUI Configuration Variables
21272@cindex TUI configuration variables
21273
21274Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
21275
21276@table @code
21277@item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
21278@kindex set tui border-kind
21279Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
21280The possible values are the following:
21281@table @code
21282@item space
21283Use a space character to draw the border.
21284
21285@item ascii
21286Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
21287
21288@item acs
21289Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
21290drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
21291@end table
21292
21293@item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
21294@kindex set tui border-mode
21295@itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
21296@kindex set tui active-border-mode
21297Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
21298or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
21299@table @code
21300@item normal
21301Use normal attributes to display the border.
21302
21303@item standout
21304Use standout mode.
21305
21306@item reverse
21307Use reverse video mode.
21308
21309@item half
21310Use half bright mode.
21311
21312@item half-standout
21313Use half bright and standout mode.
21314
21315@item bold
21316Use extra bright or bold mode.
21317
21318@item bold-standout
21319Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
21320@end table
21321@end table
21322
21323@node Emacs
21324@chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
21325
21326@cindex Emacs
21327@cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
21328A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
21329edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
21330@value{GDBN}.
21331
21332To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
21333executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
21334@value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
21335created Emacs buffer.
21336@c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
21337
21338Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
21339things:
21340
21341@itemize @bullet
21342@item
21343All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
21344the GUD buffer.
21345
21346This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
21347and output done by the program you are debugging.
21348
21349This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
21350commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
21351in this way.
21352
21353All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
21354with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
21355way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
21356stop.
21357
21358@item
21359@value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
21360
21361Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
21362source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
21363left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
21364source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
21365and the source.
21366
21367Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
21368usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
21369@end itemize
21370
21371We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
21372a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
21373that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
21374@xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
21375
21376If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
21377gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
21378your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
21379sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
21380with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
21381program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
21382some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
21383@value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
21384buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
21385
21386The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
21387line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
21388that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
21389,Commands to Specify Files}.
21390
21391By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
21392need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
21393keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
21394customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
21395one you want.
21396
21397In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
21398addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
21399
21400@table @kbd
21401@item C-h m
21402Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
21403
21404@item C-c C-s
21405Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
21406update the display window to show the current file and location.
21407
21408@item C-c C-n
21409Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
21410calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
21411to show the current file and location.
21412
21413@item C-c C-i
21414Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
21415display window accordingly.
21416
21417@item C-c C-f
21418Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
21419@code{finish} command.
21420
21421@item C-c C-r
21422Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
21423command.
21424
21425@item C-c <
21426Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
21427(@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
21428like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
21429
21430@item C-c >
21431Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
21432@value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
21433@end table
21434
21435In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
21436tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
21437
21438In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
21439separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
21440Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
21441become the current frame and display the associated source in the
21442source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
21443selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
21444speedbar displays watch expressions.
21445
21446If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
21447it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
21448request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
21449the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
21450frame.
21451
21452The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
21453which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
21454the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
21455communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
21456delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
21457to correspond properly with the code.
21458
21459A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
21460given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
21461Emacs Manual}).
21462
21463@c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
21464@c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
21465@ignore
21466@kindex Emacs Epoch environment
21467@kindex Epoch
21468@kindex inspect
21469
21470Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
21471called the @code{epoch}
21472environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
21473@code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
21474each value is printed in its own window.
21475@end ignore
21476
21477
21478@node GDB/MI
21479@chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
21480
21481@unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
21482
21483@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
21484@sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
21485@value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
21486@option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
21487is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
21488use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
21489
21490This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
21491in the form of a reference manual.
21492
21493Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
21494features described below are incomplete and subject to change
21495(@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
21496
21497@unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
21498
21499@cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
21500This chapter uses the following notation:
21501
21502@itemize @bullet
21503@item
21504@code{|} separates two alternatives.
21505
21506@item
21507@code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
21508it may or may not be given.
21509
21510@item
21511@code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
21512may repeat zero or more times.
21513
21514@item
21515@code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
21516may repeat one or more times.
21517
21518@item
21519@code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
21520@end itemize
21521
21522@ignore
21523@heading Dependencies
21524@end ignore
21525
21526@menu
21527* GDB/MI General Design::
21528* GDB/MI Command Syntax::
21529* GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
21530* GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
21531* GDB/MI Output Records::
21532* GDB/MI Simple Examples::
21533* GDB/MI Command Description Format::
21534* GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
21535* GDB/MI Program Context::
21536* GDB/MI Thread Commands::
21537* GDB/MI Program Execution::
21538* GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
21539* GDB/MI Variable Objects::
21540* GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
21541* GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
21542* GDB/MI Symbol Query::
21543* GDB/MI File Commands::
21544@ignore
21545* GDB/MI Kod Commands::
21546* GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
21547* GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
21548@end ignore
21549* GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
21550* GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
21551* GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
21552@end menu
21553
21554@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21555@node GDB/MI General Design
21556@section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
21557@cindex GDB/MI General Design
21558
21559Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
21560parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
21561and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
21562indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
21563For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
21564requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
21565response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
21566Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
21567target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
21568a command and reported as part of that command response.
21569
21570The important examples of notifications are:
21571@itemize @bullet
21572
21573@item
21574Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
21575target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
21576be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
21577commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
21578different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
21579happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
21580command itself was successfully executed.
21581
21582@item
21583Console output, and status notifications. Console output
21584notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
21585diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
21586report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
21587this information in command response would mean no output is produced
21588until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
21589
21590@item
21591General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
21592the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
21593a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
21594be included in command response, using notification allows for more
21595orthogonal frontend design.
21596
21597@end itemize
21598
21599There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
21600@value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
21601the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
21602processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
21603we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
21604the user interface.
21605
21606
21607@menu
21608* Context management::
21609* Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
21610* Thread groups::
21611@end menu
21612
21613@node Context management
21614@subsection Context management
21615
21616In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
21617done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
21618Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
21619be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
21620and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
21621because a command line user would not want to specify that information
21622explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
21623@value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
21624to what thread and frame are the current ones.
21625
21626In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
21627useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
21628itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
21629each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
21630want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
21631increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
21632frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
21633should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
21634make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
21635@samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
21636for thread and frame to operate on.
21637
21638Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
21639a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
21640operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
21641current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
21642it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
21643another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
21644the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
21645one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
21646change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
21647No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
21648
21649Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
21650frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
21651right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
21652simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
21653before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
21654to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
21655if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
21656thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
21657optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
21658sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
21659selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
21660change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
21661problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
21662all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
21663right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
21664@samp{--frame} options.
21665
21666@node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
21667@subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
21668
21669On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
21670even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
21671command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
21672specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
21673@code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
21674either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
21675frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
21676find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
21677@code{-list-target-features} command.
21678
21679Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
21680many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
21681running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
21682when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
21683it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
21684are running.
21685
21686When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
21687target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
21688some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
21689stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
21690modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
21691that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
21692@code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
21693context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
21694stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
21695@samp{--thread} option).
21696
21697Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
21698highly target dependent. However, the two commands
21699@code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
21700to find the state of a thread, will always work.
21701
21702@node Thread groups
21703@subsection Thread groups
21704@value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
21705On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
21706hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
21707processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
21708mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
21709
21710The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
21711target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
21712accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
21713thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
21714neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
21715current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
21716that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
21717into processes.
21718
21719To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
21720hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
21721@dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
21722thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
21723and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
21724command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
21725thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
21726debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
21727to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
21728the members of specific thread group.
21729
21730To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
21731wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
21732introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
21733@value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
21734@code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
21735groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
21736In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
21737after attaching to that thread group.
21738
21739@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21740@node GDB/MI Command Syntax
21741@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
21742
21743@menu
21744* GDB/MI Input Syntax::
21745* GDB/MI Output Syntax::
21746@end menu
21747
21748@node GDB/MI Input Syntax
21749@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
21750
21751@cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
21752@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
21753@table @code
21754@item @var{command} @expansion{}
21755@code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
21756
21757@item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
21758@code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
21759@var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
21760
21761@item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
21762@code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
21763@code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
21764
21765@item @var{token} @expansion{}
21766"any sequence of digits"
21767
21768@item @var{option} @expansion{}
21769@code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
21770
21771@item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
21772@code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
21773
21774@item @var{operation} @expansion{}
21775@emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
21776
21777@item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
21778@emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
21779"-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
21780
21781@item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
21782@code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
21783
21784@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
21785@code{CR | CR-LF}
21786@end table
21787
21788@noindent
21789Notes:
21790
21791@itemize @bullet
21792@item
21793The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
21794output is described below.
21795
21796@item
21797The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
21798finishes.
21799
21800@item
21801Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
21802list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
21803followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
21804parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
21805@samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
21806@end itemize
21807
21808Pragmatics:
21809
21810@itemize @bullet
21811@item
21812We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
21813
21814@item
21815We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
21816@end itemize
21817
21818@node GDB/MI Output Syntax
21819@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
21820
21821@cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
21822@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
21823The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
21824followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
21825is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
21826terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
21827
21828If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
21829corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
21830@var{token}.
21831
21832@table @code
21833@item @var{output} @expansion{}
21834@code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
21835
21836@item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
21837@code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
21838
21839@item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
21840@code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
21841
21842@item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
21843@code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
21844
21845@item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
21846@code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
21847
21848@item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
21849@code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
21850
21851@item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
21852@code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
21853
21854@item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
21855@code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
21856
21857@item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
21858@code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
21859
21860@item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
21861@code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
21862depending on the needs---this is still in development).
21863
21864@item @var{result} @expansion{}
21865@code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
21866
21867@item @var{variable} @expansion{}
21868@code{ @var{string} }
21869
21870@item @var{value} @expansion{}
21871@code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
21872
21873@item @var{const} @expansion{}
21874@code{@var{c-string}}
21875
21876@item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
21877@code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
21878
21879@item @var{list} @expansion{}
21880@code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
21881@var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
21882
21883@item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
21884@code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
21885
21886@item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
21887@code{"~" @var{c-string}}
21888
21889@item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
21890@code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
21891
21892@item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
21893@code{"&" @var{c-string}}
21894
21895@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
21896@code{CR | CR-LF}
21897
21898@item @var{token} @expansion{}
21899@emph{any sequence of digits}.
21900@end table
21901
21902@noindent
21903Notes:
21904
21905@itemize @bullet
21906@item
21907All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
21908
21909@item
21910The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
21911for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
21912may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
21913output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
21914all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
21915target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
21916prior command.
21917
21918@item
21919@cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21920@var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
21921progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
21922prefixed by @samp{+}.
21923
21924@item
21925@cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21926@var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
21927(stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
21928@samp{*}.
21929
21930@item
21931@cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21932@var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
21933client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
21934output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
21935
21936@item
21937@cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21938@var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
21939console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
21940output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
21941
21942@item
21943@cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21944@var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
21945All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
21946
21947@item
21948@cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21949@var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
21950instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
21951the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
21952
21953@item
21954@cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21955New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
21956@var{values}.
21957
21958
21959@end itemize
21960
21961@xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
21962details about the various output records.
21963
21964@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21965@node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
21966@section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
21967
21968@cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
21969@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
21970
21971For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
21972but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
21973that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
21974command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
21975@code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
21976@samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
21977
21978This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
21979recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
21980(@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
21981
21982@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21983@node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
21984@section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
21985@cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
21986
21987The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
21988program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
21989
21990Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
21991by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
21992to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
21993section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
21994might change.
21995
21996Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
21997for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
21998list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
21999parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
22000
22001@itemize @bullet
22002@item
22003New MI commands may be added.
22004
22005@item
22006New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
22007
22008@item
22009The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
22010@code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
22011
22012@c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
22013@c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
22014
22015@c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
22016@c resolve inconsistencies.
22017@end itemize
22018
22019If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
22020will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
22021output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
22022@value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
22023responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
22024
22025@c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
22026@c version?
22027
22028The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
22029end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
22030follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
22031@email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
22032@cindex mailing lists
22033
22034@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22035@node GDB/MI Output Records
22036@section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
22037
22038@menu
22039* GDB/MI Result Records::
22040* GDB/MI Stream Records::
22041* GDB/MI Async Records::
22042* GDB/MI Frame Information::
22043* GDB/MI Thread Information::
22044@end menu
22045
22046@node GDB/MI Result Records
22047@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
22048
22049@cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
22050@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
22051In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
22052@sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
22053
22054@table @code
22055@findex ^done
22056@item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
22057The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
22058values.
22059
22060@item "^running"
22061@findex ^running
22062This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
22063was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
22064target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
22065all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
22066identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
22067which threads are resumed.
22068
22069@item "^connected"
22070@findex ^connected
22071@value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
22072
22073@item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
22074@findex ^error
22075The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
22076error message.
22077
22078@item "^exit"
22079@findex ^exit
22080@value{GDBN} has terminated.
22081
22082@end table
22083
22084@node GDB/MI Stream Records
22085@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
22086
22087@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
22088@cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
22089@value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
22090target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
22091funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
22092
22093Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
22094identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
22095Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
22096@code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
22097line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
22098
22099@table @code
22100@item "~" @var{string-output}
22101The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
22102CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
22103
22104@item "@@" @var{string-output}
22105The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
22106target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
22107asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
22108
22109@item "&" @var{string-output}
22110The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
22111internals.
22112@end table
22113
22114@node GDB/MI Async Records
22115@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
22116
22117@cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
22118@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
22119@dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
22120additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
22121consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
22122target activity (e.g., target stopped).
22123
22124The following is the list of possible async records:
22125
22126@table @code
22127
22128@item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
22129The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
22130specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
22131are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
22132running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
22133The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
22134only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
22135several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
22136all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
22137be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
22138
22139@item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
22140The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
22141following values:
22142
22143@table @code
22144@item breakpoint-hit
22145A breakpoint was reached.
22146@item watchpoint-trigger
22147A watchpoint was triggered.
22148@item read-watchpoint-trigger
22149A read watchpoint was triggered.
22150@item access-watchpoint-trigger
22151An access watchpoint was triggered.
22152@item function-finished
22153An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
22154@item location-reached
22155An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
22156@item watchpoint-scope
22157A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
22158@item end-stepping-range
22159An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
22160similar CLI command was accomplished.
22161@item exited-signalled
22162The inferior exited because of a signal.
22163@item exited
22164The inferior exited.
22165@item exited-normally
22166The inferior exited normally.
22167@item signal-received
22168A signal was received by the inferior.
22169@end table
22170
22171The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
22172-- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
22173mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
22174stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
22175If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
22176value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
22177field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
22178always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
22179several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
22180processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
22181if such information is not available.
22182
22183@item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
22184@itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
22185A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
22186from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
22187thread group.
22188
22189@item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
22190@itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
22191A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
22192contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
22193field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
22194
22195@item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
22196Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
22197command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
22198command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
22199to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
22200invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
22201@code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
22202
22203We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
22204highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
22205that thread.
22206
22207@item =library-loaded,...
22208Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
22209notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
22210@var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
22211opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
22212@var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
22213library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
22214debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
22215@var{symbols-loaded} field reports if the debug symbols for this
22216library are loaded.
22217
22218@item =library-unloaded,...
22219Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
22220has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
22221the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification
22222
22223@end table
22224
22225@node GDB/MI Frame Information
22226@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
22227
22228Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
22229frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
22230fields:
22231
22232@table @code
22233@item level
22234The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
22235zero. This field is always present.
22236
22237@item func
22238The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
22239be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
22240
22241@item addr
22242The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
22243
22244@item file
22245The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
22246address. This field may be absent.
22247
22248@item line
22249The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
22250may be absent.
22251
22252@item from
22253The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
22254corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
22255
22256@end table
22257
22258@node GDB/MI Thread Information
22259@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
22260
22261Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
22262uses a tuple with the following fields:
22263
22264@table @code
22265@item id
22266The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
22267always present.
22268
22269@item target-id
22270Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
22271
22272@item details
22273Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
22274It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
22275frontend. This field is optional.
22276
22277@item state
22278Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
22279thread is presently running. This field is always present.
22280
22281@item core
22282The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
22283thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
22284@end table
22285
22286
22287@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22288@node GDB/MI Simple Examples
22289@section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
22290@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
22291
22292This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
22293the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
22294following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
22295the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
22296
22297Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
22298readability, they don't appear in the real output.
22299
22300@subheading Setting a Breakpoint
22301
22302Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
22303information of the breakpoint.
22304
22305@smallexample
22306-> -break-insert main
22307<- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
22308 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
22309 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
22310<- (gdb)
22311@end smallexample
22312
22313@subheading Program Execution
22314
22315Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
22316reason that execution stopped.
22317
22318@smallexample
22319-> -exec-run
22320<- ^running
22321<- (gdb)
22322<- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
22323 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
22324 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
22325 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
22326<- (gdb)
22327-> -exec-continue
22328<- ^running
22329<- (gdb)
22330<- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
22331<- (gdb)
22332@end smallexample
22333
22334@subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
22335
22336Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
22337
22338@smallexample
22339-> (gdb)
22340<- -gdb-exit
22341<- ^exit
22342@end smallexample
22343
22344Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
22345take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
22346performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
22347or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
22348@value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
22349fails to exit in reasonable time.
22350
22351@subheading A Bad Command
22352
22353Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
22354
22355@smallexample
22356-> -rubbish
22357<- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
22358<- (gdb)
22359@end smallexample
22360
22361
22362@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22363@node GDB/MI Command Description Format
22364@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
22365
22366The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
22367commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
22368
22369@subheading Motivation
22370
22371The motivation for this collection of commands.
22372
22373@subheading Introduction
22374
22375A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
22376
22377@subheading Commands
22378
22379For each command in the block, the following is described:
22380
22381@subsubheading Synopsis
22382
22383@smallexample
22384 -command @var{args}@dots{}
22385@end smallexample
22386
22387@subsubheading Result
22388
22389@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22390
22391The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
22392
22393@subsubheading Example
22394
22395Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
22396not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
22397
22398
22399@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22400@node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
22401@section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
22402
22403@cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
22404@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
22405This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
22406breakpoints.
22407
22408@subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
22409@findex -break-after
22410
22411@subsubheading Synopsis
22412
22413@smallexample
22414 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
22415@end smallexample
22416
22417The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
22418hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
22419the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
22420@samp{-break-list} command below.
22421
22422@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22423
22424The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
22425
22426@subsubheading Example
22427
22428@smallexample
22429(gdb)
22430-break-insert main
22431^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
22432enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
22433fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
22434(gdb)
22435-break-after 1 3
22436~
22437^done
22438(gdb)
22439-break-list
22440^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22441hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22442@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22443@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22444@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22445@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22446@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22447body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22448addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
22449line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
22450(gdb)
22451@end smallexample
22452
22453@ignore
22454@subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
22455@findex -break-catch
22456@end ignore
22457
22458@subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
22459@findex -break-commands
22460
22461@subsubheading Synopsis
22462
22463@smallexample
22464 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
22465@end smallexample
22466
22467Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
22468@var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
22469are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
22470commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
22471functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
22472some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
22473
22474@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22475
22476The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
22477
22478@subsubheading Example
22479
22480@smallexample
22481(gdb)
22482-break-insert main
22483^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
22484enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
22485fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
22486(gdb)
22487-break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
22488^done
22489(gdb)
22490@end smallexample
22491
22492@subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
22493@findex -break-condition
22494
22495@subsubheading Synopsis
22496
22497@smallexample
22498 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
22499@end smallexample
22500
22501Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
22502@var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
22503@samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
22504command below).
22505
22506@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22507
22508The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
22509
22510@subsubheading Example
22511
22512@smallexample
22513(gdb)
22514-break-condition 1 1
22515^done
22516(gdb)
22517-break-list
22518^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22519hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22520@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22521@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22522@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22523@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22524@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22525body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22526addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
22527line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
22528(gdb)
22529@end smallexample
22530
22531@subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
22532@findex -break-delete
22533
22534@subsubheading Synopsis
22535
22536@smallexample
22537 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
22538@end smallexample
22539
22540Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
22541list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
22542
22543@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22544
22545The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
22546
22547@subsubheading Example
22548
22549@smallexample
22550(gdb)
22551-break-delete 1
22552^done
22553(gdb)
22554-break-list
22555^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
22556hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22557@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22558@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22559@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22560@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22561@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22562body=[]@}
22563(gdb)
22564@end smallexample
22565
22566@subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
22567@findex -break-disable
22568
22569@subsubheading Synopsis
22570
22571@smallexample
22572 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
22573@end smallexample
22574
22575Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
22576break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
22577
22578@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22579
22580The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
22581
22582@subsubheading Example
22583
22584@smallexample
22585(gdb)
22586-break-disable 2
22587^done
22588(gdb)
22589-break-list
22590^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22591hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22592@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22593@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22594@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22595@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22596@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22597body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
22598addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
22599line="5",times="0"@}]@}
22600(gdb)
22601@end smallexample
22602
22603@subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
22604@findex -break-enable
22605
22606@subsubheading Synopsis
22607
22608@smallexample
22609 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
22610@end smallexample
22611
22612Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
22613
22614@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22615
22616The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
22617
22618@subsubheading Example
22619
22620@smallexample
22621(gdb)
22622-break-enable 2
22623^done
22624(gdb)
22625-break-list
22626^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22627hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22628@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22629@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22630@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22631@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22632@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22633body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22634addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
22635line="5",times="0"@}]@}
22636(gdb)
22637@end smallexample
22638
22639@subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
22640@findex -break-info
22641
22642@subsubheading Synopsis
22643
22644@smallexample
22645 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
22646@end smallexample
22647
22648@c REDUNDANT???
22649Get information about a single breakpoint.
22650
22651@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22652
22653The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
22654
22655@subsubheading Example
22656N.A.
22657
22658@subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
22659@findex -break-insert
22660
22661@subsubheading Synopsis
22662
22663@smallexample
22664 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
22665 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
22666 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
22667@end smallexample
22668
22669@noindent
22670If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
22671
22672@itemize @bullet
22673@item function
22674@c @item +offset
22675@c @item -offset
22676@c @item linenum
22677@item filename:linenum
22678@item filename:function
22679@item *address
22680@end itemize
22681
22682The possible optional parameters of this command are:
22683
22684@table @samp
22685@item -t
22686Insert a temporary breakpoint.
22687@item -h
22688Insert a hardware breakpoint.
22689@item -c @var{condition}
22690Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
22691@item -i @var{ignore-count}
22692Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
22693@item -f
22694If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
22695refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
22696breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
22697an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
22698cannot be parsed.
22699@item -d
22700Create a disabled breakpoint.
22701@end table
22702
22703@subsubheading Result
22704
22705The result is in the form:
22706
22707@smallexample
22708^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
22709enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
22710fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
22711times="@var{times}"@}
22712@end smallexample
22713
22714@noindent
22715where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
22716@var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
22717inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
22718this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
22719and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
22720(always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
22721which use the same output).
22722
22723Note: this format is open to change.
22724@c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
22725
22726@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22727
22728The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
22729@samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
22730
22731@subsubheading Example
22732
22733@smallexample
22734(gdb)
22735-break-insert main
22736^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
22737fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
22738(gdb)
22739-break-insert -t foo
22740^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
22741fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
22742(gdb)
22743-break-list
22744^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22745hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22746@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22747@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22748@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22749@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22750@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22751body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22752addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
22753fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
22754bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
22755addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
22756fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
22757(gdb)
22758-break-insert -r foo.*
22759~int foo(int, int);
22760^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
22761"fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
22762(gdb)
22763@end smallexample
22764
22765@subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
22766@findex -break-list
22767
22768@subsubheading Synopsis
22769
22770@smallexample
22771 -break-list
22772@end smallexample
22773
22774Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
22775
22776@table @samp
22777@item Number
22778number of the breakpoint
22779@item Type
22780type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
22781@item Disposition
22782should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
22783or @samp{nokeep}
22784@item Enabled
22785is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
22786@item Address
22787memory location at which the breakpoint is set
22788@item What
22789logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
22790name, line number
22791@item Times
22792number of times the breakpoint has been hit
22793@end table
22794
22795If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
22796@code{body} field is an empty list.
22797
22798@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22799
22800The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
22801
22802@subsubheading Example
22803
22804@smallexample
22805(gdb)
22806-break-list
22807^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22808hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22809@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22810@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22811@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22812@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22813@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22814body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22815addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
22816bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22817addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
22818line="13",times="0"@}]@}
22819(gdb)
22820@end smallexample
22821
22822Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
22823
22824@smallexample
22825(gdb)
22826-break-list
22827^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
22828hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22829@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22830@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22831@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22832@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22833@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22834body=[]@}
22835(gdb)
22836@end smallexample
22837
22838@subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
22839@findex -break-watch
22840
22841@subsubheading Synopsis
22842
22843@smallexample
22844 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
22845@end smallexample
22846
22847Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
22848@dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
22849read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
22850option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
22851trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
22852either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
22853i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
22854@xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
22855
22856Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
22857breakpoints inserted.
22858
22859@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22860
22861The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
22862@samp{rwatch}.
22863
22864@subsubheading Example
22865
22866Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
22867
22868@smallexample
22869(gdb)
22870-break-watch x
22871^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
22872(gdb)
22873-exec-continue
22874^running
22875(gdb)
22876*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
22877value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
22878frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
22879fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
22880(gdb)
22881@end smallexample
22882
22883Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
22884the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
22885for the watchpoint going out of scope.
22886
22887@smallexample
22888(gdb)
22889-break-watch C
22890^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
22891(gdb)
22892-exec-continue
22893^running
22894(gdb)
22895*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
22896wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
22897frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
22898file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22899fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
22900(gdb)
22901-exec-continue
22902^running
22903(gdb)
22904*stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
22905frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
22906value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22907file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22908fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22909(gdb)
22910@end smallexample
22911
22912Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
22913execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
22914deleted.
22915
22916@smallexample
22917(gdb)
22918-break-watch C
22919^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
22920(gdb)
22921-break-list
22922^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22923hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22924@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22925@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22926@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22927@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22928@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22929body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22930addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22931file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22932fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
22933bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
22934enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
22935(gdb)
22936-exec-continue
22937^running
22938(gdb)
22939*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
22940value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
22941frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
22942file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22943fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
22944(gdb)
22945-break-list
22946^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22947hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22948@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22949@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22950@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22951@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22952@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22953body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22954addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22955file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22956fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
22957bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
22958enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
22959(gdb)
22960-exec-continue
22961^running
22962^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
22963frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
22964value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22965file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22966fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22967(gdb)
22968-break-list
22969^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22970hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22971@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22972@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22973@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22974@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22975@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22976body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22977addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22978file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22979fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
22980times="1"@}]@}
22981(gdb)
22982@end smallexample
22983
22984@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22985@node GDB/MI Program Context
22986@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
22987
22988@subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
22989@findex -exec-arguments
22990
22991
22992@subsubheading Synopsis
22993
22994@smallexample
22995 -exec-arguments @var{args}
22996@end smallexample
22997
22998Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
22999@samp{-exec-run}.
23000
23001@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23002
23003The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
23004
23005@subsubheading Example
23006
23007@smallexample
23008(gdb)
23009-exec-arguments -v word
23010^done
23011(gdb)
23012@end smallexample
23013
23014
23015@ignore
23016@subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
23017@findex -exec-show-arguments
23018
23019@subsubheading Synopsis
23020
23021@smallexample
23022 -exec-show-arguments
23023@end smallexample
23024
23025Print the arguments of the program.
23026
23027@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23028
23029The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
23030
23031@subsubheading Example
23032N.A.
23033@end ignore
23034
23035
23036@subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
23037@findex -environment-cd
23038
23039@subsubheading Synopsis
23040
23041@smallexample
23042 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
23043@end smallexample
23044
23045Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
23046
23047@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23048
23049The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
23050
23051@subsubheading Example
23052
23053@smallexample
23054(gdb)
23055-environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
23056^done
23057(gdb)
23058@end smallexample
23059
23060
23061@subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
23062@findex -environment-directory
23063
23064@subsubheading Synopsis
23065
23066@smallexample
23067 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
23068@end smallexample
23069
23070Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
23071If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
23072search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
23073@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
23074occurs as normal.
23075Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
23076multiple directories in a single command
23077results in the directories added to the beginning of the
23078search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
23079If blanks are needed as
23080part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
23081the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
23082by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
23083character must not be used
23084in any directory name.
23085If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
23086
23087@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23088
23089The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
23090
23091@subsubheading Example
23092
23093@smallexample
23094(gdb)
23095-environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
23096^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
23097(gdb)
23098-environment-directory ""
23099^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
23100(gdb)
23101-environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
23102^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
23103(gdb)
23104-environment-directory -r
23105^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
23106(gdb)
23107@end smallexample
23108
23109
23110@subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
23111@findex -environment-path
23112
23113@subsubheading Synopsis
23114
23115@smallexample
23116 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
23117@end smallexample
23118
23119Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
23120If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
23121search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
23122supplied in addition to the
23123@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
23124occurs as normal.
23125Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
23126multiple directories in a single command
23127results in the directories added to the beginning of the
23128search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
23129If blanks are needed as
23130part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
23131the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
23132by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
23133character must not be used
23134in any directory name.
23135If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
23136
23137
23138@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23139
23140The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
23141
23142@subsubheading Example
23143
23144@smallexample
23145(gdb)
23146-environment-path
23147^done,path="/usr/bin"
23148(gdb)
23149-environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
23150^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
23151(gdb)
23152-environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
23153^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
23154(gdb)
23155@end smallexample
23156
23157
23158@subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
23159@findex -environment-pwd
23160
23161@subsubheading Synopsis
23162
23163@smallexample
23164 -environment-pwd
23165@end smallexample
23166
23167Show the current working directory.
23168
23169@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23170
23171The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
23172
23173@subsubheading Example
23174
23175@smallexample
23176(gdb)
23177-environment-pwd
23178^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
23179(gdb)
23180@end smallexample
23181
23182@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23183@node GDB/MI Thread Commands
23184@section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
23185
23186
23187@subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
23188@findex -thread-info
23189
23190@subsubheading Synopsis
23191
23192@smallexample
23193 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
23194@end smallexample
23195
23196Reports information about either a specific thread, if
23197the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
23198threads. When printing information about all threads,
23199also reports the current thread.
23200
23201@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23202
23203The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
23204about all threads.
23205
23206@subsubheading Example
23207
23208@smallexample
23209-thread-info
23210^done,threads=[
23211@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
23212 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
23213@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
23214 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
23215 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
23216current-thread-id="1"
23217(gdb)
23218@end smallexample
23219
23220The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
23221
23222@table @code
23223@item stopped
23224The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
23225threads.
23226
23227@item running
23228The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
23229threads.
23230
23231@end table
23232
23233@subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
23234@findex -thread-list-ids
23235
23236@subsubheading Synopsis
23237
23238@smallexample
23239 -thread-list-ids
23240@end smallexample
23241
23242Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
23243end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
23244
23245This command is retained for historical reasons, the
23246@code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
23247
23248@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23249
23250Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
23251
23252@subsubheading Example
23253
23254@smallexample
23255(gdb)
23256-thread-list-ids
23257^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
23258current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
23259(gdb)
23260@end smallexample
23261
23262
23263@subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
23264@findex -thread-select
23265
23266@subsubheading Synopsis
23267
23268@smallexample
23269 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
23270@end smallexample
23271
23272Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
23273current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
23274
23275This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
23276@samp{--thread} option to each command.
23277
23278@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23279
23280The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
23281
23282@subsubheading Example
23283
23284@smallexample
23285(gdb)
23286-exec-next
23287^running
23288(gdb)
23289*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
23290file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
23291(gdb)
23292-thread-list-ids
23293^done,
23294thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
23295number-of-threads="3"
23296(gdb)
23297-thread-select 3
23298^done,new-thread-id="3",
23299frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
23300args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
23301@{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
23302(gdb)
23303@end smallexample
23304
23305@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23306@node GDB/MI Program Execution
23307@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
23308
23309These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
23310record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
23311asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
23312other cases.
23313
23314@subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
23315@findex -exec-continue
23316
23317@subsubheading Synopsis
23318
23319@smallexample
23320 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
23321@end smallexample
23322
23323Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
23324encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
23325(@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
23326depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
23327non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
23328specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
23329(or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
23330@samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
23331@samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
23332@samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
23333thread group are resumed.
23334
23335@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23336
23337The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
23338
23339@subsubheading Example
23340
23341@smallexample
23342-exec-continue
23343^running
23344(gdb)
23345@@Hello world
23346*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
23347func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
23348line="13"@}
23349(gdb)
23350@end smallexample
23351
23352
23353@subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
23354@findex -exec-finish
23355
23356@subsubheading Synopsis
23357
23358@smallexample
23359 -exec-finish
23360@end smallexample
23361
23362Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
23363function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
23364
23365@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23366
23367The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
23368
23369@subsubheading Example
23370
23371Function returning @code{void}.
23372
23373@smallexample
23374-exec-finish
23375^running
23376(gdb)
23377@@hello from foo
23378*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
23379file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
23380(gdb)
23381@end smallexample
23382
23383Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
23384@value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
23385value itself.
23386
23387@smallexample
23388-exec-finish
23389^running
23390(gdb)
23391*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
23392args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
23393file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23394gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
23395(gdb)
23396@end smallexample
23397
23398
23399@subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
23400@findex -exec-interrupt
23401
23402@subsubheading Synopsis
23403
23404@smallexample
23405 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
23406@end smallexample
23407
23408Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
23409associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
23410that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
23411appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
23412interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
23413
23414Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
23415asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
23416@samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
23417reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
23418
23419In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
23420All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
23421specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
23422threads in that group will be interrupted.
23423
23424@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23425
23426The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
23427
23428@subsubheading Example
23429
23430@smallexample
23431(gdb)
23432111-exec-continue
23433111^running
23434
23435(gdb)
23436222-exec-interrupt
23437222^done
23438(gdb)
23439111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
23440frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
23441fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
23442(gdb)
23443
23444(gdb)
23445-exec-interrupt
23446^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
23447(gdb)
23448@end smallexample
23449
23450@subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
23451@findex -exec-jump
23452
23453@subsubheading Synopsis
23454
23455@smallexample
23456 -exec-jump @var{location}
23457@end smallexample
23458
23459Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
23460parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
23461different forms of @var{location}.
23462
23463@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23464
23465The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
23466
23467@subsubheading Example
23468
23469@smallexample
23470-exec-jump foo.c:10
23471*running,thread-id="all"
23472^running
23473@end smallexample
23474
23475
23476@subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
23477@findex -exec-next
23478
23479@subsubheading Synopsis
23480
23481@smallexample
23482 -exec-next
23483@end smallexample
23484
23485Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
23486of the next source line is reached.
23487
23488@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23489
23490The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
23491
23492@subsubheading Example
23493
23494@smallexample
23495-exec-next
23496^running
23497(gdb)
23498*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
23499(gdb)
23500@end smallexample
23501
23502
23503@subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
23504@findex -exec-next-instruction
23505
23506@subsubheading Synopsis
23507
23508@smallexample
23509 -exec-next-instruction
23510@end smallexample
23511
23512Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
23513call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
23514instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
23515printed as well.
23516
23517@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23518
23519The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
23520
23521@subsubheading Example
23522
23523@smallexample
23524(gdb)
23525-exec-next-instruction
23526^running
23527
23528(gdb)
23529*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
23530addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
23531(gdb)
23532@end smallexample
23533
23534
23535@subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
23536@findex -exec-return
23537
23538@subsubheading Synopsis
23539
23540@smallexample
23541 -exec-return
23542@end smallexample
23543
23544Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
23545Displays the new current frame.
23546
23547@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23548
23549The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
23550
23551@subsubheading Example
23552
23553@smallexample
23554(gdb)
23555200-break-insert callee4
23556200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
23557file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
23558(gdb)
23559000-exec-run
23560000^running
23561(gdb)
23562000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
23563frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
23564file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23565fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
23566(gdb)
23567205-break-delete
23568205^done
23569(gdb)
23570111-exec-return
23571111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
23572args=[@{name="strarg",
23573value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
23574file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23575fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
23576(gdb)
23577@end smallexample
23578
23579
23580@subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
23581@findex -exec-run
23582
23583@subsubheading Synopsis
23584
23585@smallexample
23586 -exec-run
23587@end smallexample
23588
23589Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
23590executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
23591exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
23592the program has exited exceptionally.
23593
23594@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23595
23596The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
23597
23598@subsubheading Examples
23599
23600@smallexample
23601(gdb)
23602-break-insert main
23603^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
23604(gdb)
23605-exec-run
23606^running
23607(gdb)
23608*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
23609frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
23610fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
23611(gdb)
23612@end smallexample
23613
23614@noindent
23615Program exited normally:
23616
23617@smallexample
23618(gdb)
23619-exec-run
23620^running
23621(gdb)
23622x = 55
23623*stopped,reason="exited-normally"
23624(gdb)
23625@end smallexample
23626
23627@noindent
23628Program exited exceptionally:
23629
23630@smallexample
23631(gdb)
23632-exec-run
23633^running
23634(gdb)
23635x = 55
23636*stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
23637(gdb)
23638@end smallexample
23639
23640Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
23641@code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
23642
23643@smallexample
23644(gdb)
23645*stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
23646signal-meaning="Interrupt"
23647@end smallexample
23648
23649
23650@c @subheading -exec-signal
23651
23652
23653@subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
23654@findex -exec-step
23655
23656@subsubheading Synopsis
23657
23658@smallexample
23659 -exec-step
23660@end smallexample
23661
23662Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
23663of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
23664function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
23665function.
23666
23667@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23668
23669The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
23670
23671@subsubheading Example
23672
23673Stepping into a function:
23674
23675@smallexample
23676-exec-step
23677^running
23678(gdb)
23679*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
23680frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
23681@{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
23682fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
23683(gdb)
23684@end smallexample
23685
23686Regular stepping:
23687
23688@smallexample
23689-exec-step
23690^running
23691(gdb)
23692*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
23693(gdb)
23694@end smallexample
23695
23696
23697@subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
23698@findex -exec-step-instruction
23699
23700@subsubheading Synopsis
23701
23702@smallexample
23703 -exec-step-instruction
23704@end smallexample
23705
23706Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
23707output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
23708we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
23709case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
23710well.
23711
23712@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23713
23714The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
23715
23716@subsubheading Example
23717
23718@smallexample
23719(gdb)
23720-exec-step-instruction
23721^running
23722
23723(gdb)
23724*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
23725frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
23726fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
23727(gdb)
23728-exec-step-instruction
23729^running
23730
23731(gdb)
23732*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
23733frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
23734fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
23735(gdb)
23736@end smallexample
23737
23738
23739@subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
23740@findex -exec-until
23741
23742@subsubheading Synopsis
23743
23744@smallexample
23745 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
23746@end smallexample
23747
23748Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
23749argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
23750until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
23751reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
23752
23753@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23754
23755The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
23756
23757@subsubheading Example
23758
23759@smallexample
23760(gdb)
23761-exec-until recursive2.c:6
23762^running
23763(gdb)
23764x = 55
23765*stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
23766file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
23767(gdb)
23768@end smallexample
23769
23770@ignore
23771@subheading -file-clear
23772Is this going away????
23773@end ignore
23774
23775@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23776@node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
23777@section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
23778
23779
23780@subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
23781@findex -stack-info-frame
23782
23783@subsubheading Synopsis
23784
23785@smallexample
23786 -stack-info-frame
23787@end smallexample
23788
23789Get info on the selected frame.
23790
23791@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23792
23793The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
23794(without arguments).
23795
23796@subsubheading Example
23797
23798@smallexample
23799(gdb)
23800-stack-info-frame
23801^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
23802file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23803fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
23804(gdb)
23805@end smallexample
23806
23807@subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
23808@findex -stack-info-depth
23809
23810@subsubheading Synopsis
23811
23812@smallexample
23813 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
23814@end smallexample
23815
23816Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
23817is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
23818
23819@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23820
23821There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
23822
23823@subsubheading Example
23824
23825For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
23826
23827@smallexample
23828(gdb)
23829-stack-info-depth
23830^done,depth="12"
23831(gdb)
23832-stack-info-depth 4
23833^done,depth="4"
23834(gdb)
23835-stack-info-depth 12
23836^done,depth="12"
23837(gdb)
23838-stack-info-depth 11
23839^done,depth="11"
23840(gdb)
23841-stack-info-depth 13
23842^done,depth="12"
23843(gdb)
23844@end smallexample
23845
23846@subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
23847@findex -stack-list-arguments
23848
23849@subsubheading Synopsis
23850
23851@smallexample
23852 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
23853 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
23854@end smallexample
23855
23856Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
23857and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
23858@var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
23859call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
23860at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
23861larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
23862@var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
23863which case only existing frames will be returned.
23864
23865If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
23866the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
23867values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
23868type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
23869structures and unions.
23870
23871Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
23872deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
23873
23874@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23875
23876@value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
23877@samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
23878functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
23879
23880@subsubheading Example
23881
23882@smallexample
23883(gdb)
23884-stack-list-frames
23885^done,
23886stack=[
23887frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
23888file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23889fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
23890frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
23891file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23892fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
23893frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
23894file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23895fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
23896frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
23897file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23898fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
23899frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
23900file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
23901fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
23902(gdb)
23903-stack-list-arguments 0
23904^done,
23905stack-args=[
23906frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
23907frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
23908frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
23909frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
23910frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
23911(gdb)
23912-stack-list-arguments 1
23913^done,
23914stack-args=[
23915frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
23916frame=@{level="1",
23917 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
23918frame=@{level="2",args=[
23919@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23920@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
23921@{frame=@{level="3",args=[
23922@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23923@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
23924@{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
23925frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
23926(gdb)
23927-stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
23928^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
23929(gdb)
23930-stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
23931^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
23932args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23933@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
23934(gdb)
23935@end smallexample
23936
23937@c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
23938
23939
23940@subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
23941@findex -stack-list-frames
23942
23943@subsubheading Synopsis
23944
23945@smallexample
23946 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
23947@end smallexample
23948
23949List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
23950following info:
23951
23952@table @samp
23953@item @var{level}
23954The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
23955@item @var{addr}
23956The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
23957@item @var{func}
23958Function name.
23959@item @var{file}
23960File name of the source file where the function lives.
23961@item @var{line}
23962Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
23963@end table
23964
23965If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
23966whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
23967levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
23968are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
23969an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
23970frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
23971actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
23972
23973@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23974
23975The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
23976
23977@subsubheading Example
23978
23979Full stack backtrace:
23980
23981@smallexample
23982(gdb)
23983-stack-list-frames
23984^done,stack=
23985[frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
23986 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
23987frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23988 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23989frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23990 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23991frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23992 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23993frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23994 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23995frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23996 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23997frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23998 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23999frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24000 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24001frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24002 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24003frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24004 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24005frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24006 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24007frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
24008 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
24009(gdb)
24010@end smallexample
24011
24012Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
24013
24014@smallexample
24015(gdb)
24016-stack-list-frames 3 5
24017^done,stack=
24018[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24019 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24020frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24021 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
24022frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24023 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
24024(gdb)
24025@end smallexample
24026
24027Show a single frame:
24028
24029@smallexample
24030(gdb)
24031-stack-list-frames 3 3
24032^done,stack=
24033[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
24034 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
24035(gdb)
24036@end smallexample
24037
24038
24039@subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
24040@findex -stack-list-locals
24041
24042@subsubheading Synopsis
24043
24044@smallexample
24045 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
24046@end smallexample
24047
24048Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
24049@var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
24050the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
24051values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
24052type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
24053structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
24054display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
24055other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
24056more detail.
24057
24058This command is deprecated in favor of the
24059@samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
24060
24061@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24062
24063@samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
24064
24065@subsubheading Example
24066
24067@smallexample
24068(gdb)
24069-stack-list-locals 0
24070^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
24071(gdb)
24072-stack-list-locals --all-values
24073^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
24074 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
24075-stack-list-locals --simple-values
24076^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
24077 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
24078(gdb)
24079@end smallexample
24080
24081@subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
24082@findex -stack-list-variables
24083
24084@subsubheading Synopsis
24085
24086@smallexample
24087 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
24088@end smallexample
24089
24090Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
24091@var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
24092the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
24093values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
24094type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
24095structures and unions.
24096
24097@subsubheading Example
24098
24099@smallexample
24100(gdb)
24101-stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
24102^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
24103(gdb)
24104@end smallexample
24105
24106
24107@subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
24108@findex -stack-select-frame
24109
24110@subsubheading Synopsis
24111
24112@smallexample
24113 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
24114@end smallexample
24115
24116Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
24117the stack.
24118
24119This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
24120option to every command.
24121
24122@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24123
24124The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
24125@samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
24126
24127@subsubheading Example
24128
24129@smallexample
24130(gdb)
24131-stack-select-frame 2
24132^done
24133(gdb)
24134@end smallexample
24135
24136@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24137@node GDB/MI Variable Objects
24138@section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
24139
24140@ignore
24141
24142@subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
24143
24144For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
24145expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
24146used by @code{Insight}.
24147
24148The two main reasons for that are:
24149
24150@enumerate 1
24151@item
24152It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
24153
24154@item
24155It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
24156now).
24157@end enumerate
24158
24159The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
24160slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
24161describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
24162hints about their use.
24163
24164@emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
24165expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
24166least, the following operations:
24167
24168@itemize @bullet
24169@item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
24170@item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
24171@item @code{-stack-list-locals}
24172@item @code{-stack-select-frame}
24173@end itemize
24174
24175@end ignore
24176
24177@subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
24178
24179@cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
24180
24181Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
24182changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
24183work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
24184simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
24185is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
24186frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
24187expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
24188expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
24189variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
24190operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
24191object, or to change display format.
24192
24193Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
24194that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
24195a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
24196element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
24197children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
24198leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
24199objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
24200is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
24201child will be created.
24202
24203For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
24204string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
24205obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
24206that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
24207contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
24208
24209A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
24210the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
24211variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
24212operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
24213be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
24214objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
24215real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
24216variables that frontend has created.
24217
24218The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
24219might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
24220and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
24221relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
24222to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
24223visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
24224called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
24225implicitly updated.
24226
24227Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
24228fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
24229object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
24230variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
24231variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
24232expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
24233frame. Consider this example:
24234
24235@smallexample
24236void do_work(...)
24237@{
24238 struct work_state state;
24239
24240 if (...)
24241 do_work(...);
24242@}
24243@end smallexample
24244
24245If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
24246this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
24247object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
24248@code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
24249object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
24250
24251If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
24252refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
24253thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
24254variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
24255thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
24256and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
24257
24258The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
24259access this functionality:
24260
24261@multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
24262@item @strong{Operation}
24263@tab @strong{Description}
24264
24265@item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
24266@tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
24267@item @code{-var-create}
24268@tab create a variable object
24269@item @code{-var-delete}
24270@tab delete the variable object and/or its children
24271@item @code{-var-set-format}
24272@tab set the display format of this variable
24273@item @code{-var-show-format}
24274@tab show the display format of this variable
24275@item @code{-var-info-num-children}
24276@tab tells how many children this object has
24277@item @code{-var-list-children}
24278@tab return a list of the object's children
24279@item @code{-var-info-type}
24280@tab show the type of this variable object
24281@item @code{-var-info-expression}
24282@tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
24283@item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
24284@tab print full expression that this variable object represents
24285@item @code{-var-show-attributes}
24286@tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
24287@item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
24288@tab get the value of this variable
24289@item @code{-var-assign}
24290@tab set the value of this variable
24291@item @code{-var-update}
24292@tab update the variable and its children
24293@item @code{-var-set-frozen}
24294@tab set frozeness attribute
24295@item @code{-var-set-update-range}
24296@tab set range of children to display on update
24297@end multitable
24298
24299In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
24300how it can be used.
24301
24302@subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
24303
24304@subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
24305@findex -enable-pretty-printing
24306
24307@smallexample
24308-enable-pretty-printing
24309@end smallexample
24310
24311@value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
24312MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
24313implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
24314request that this functionality be enabled.
24315
24316Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
24317
24318Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
24319this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
24320
24321This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
24322may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
24323
24324@subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
24325@findex -var-create
24326
24327@subsubheading Synopsis
24328
24329@smallexample
24330 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
24331 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
24332@end smallexample
24333
24334This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
24335a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
24336register.
24337
24338The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
24339referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
24340system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
24341unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
24342The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
24343
24344The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
24345specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
24346frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
24347object must be created.
24348
24349@var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
24350begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
24351
24352@itemize @bullet
24353@item
24354@samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
24355
24356@item
24357@samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
24358
24359@item
24360@samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
24361@end itemize
24362
24363@cindex dynamic varobj
24364A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
24365case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
24366have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
24367@code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
24368will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
24369compatibility for existing clients.
24370
24371@subsubheading Result
24372
24373This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
24374are:
24375
24376@table @samp
24377@item name
24378The name of the varobj.
24379
24380@item numchild
24381The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
24382reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
24383@samp{has_more} attribute.
24384
24385@item value
24386The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
24387aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
24388will not be interesting.
24389
24390@item type
24391The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
24392would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
24393
24394@item thread-id
24395If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
24396thread's identifier.
24397
24398@item has_more
24399For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
24400children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
24401
24402@item dynamic
24403This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
24404varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
24405then this attribute will not be present.
24406
24407@item displayhint
24408A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
24409value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
24410@code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing}.
24411@end table
24412
24413Typical output will look like this:
24414
24415@smallexample
24416 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
24417 has_more="@var{has_more}"
24418@end smallexample
24419
24420
24421@subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
24422@findex -var-delete
24423
24424@subsubheading Synopsis
24425
24426@smallexample
24427 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
24428@end smallexample
24429
24430Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
24431With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
24432
24433Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
24434
24435
24436@subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
24437@findex -var-set-format
24438
24439@subsubheading Synopsis
24440
24441@smallexample
24442 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
24443@end smallexample
24444
24445Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
24446@var{format-spec}.
24447
24448@anchor{-var-set-format}
24449The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
24450
24451@smallexample
24452 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
24453 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
24454@end smallexample
24455
24456The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
24457based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
24458for pointers, etc.).
24459
24460For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
24461variable itself, and the children are not affected.
24462
24463@subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
24464@findex -var-show-format
24465
24466@subsubheading Synopsis
24467
24468@smallexample
24469 -var-show-format @var{name}
24470@end smallexample
24471
24472Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
24473
24474@smallexample
24475 @var{format} @expansion{}
24476 @var{format-spec}
24477@end smallexample
24478
24479
24480@subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
24481@findex -var-info-num-children
24482
24483@subsubheading Synopsis
24484
24485@smallexample
24486 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
24487@end smallexample
24488
24489Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
24490
24491@smallexample
24492 numchild=@var{n}
24493@end smallexample
24494
24495Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
24496It will return the current number of children, but more children may
24497be available.
24498
24499
24500@subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
24501@findex -var-list-children
24502
24503@subsubheading Synopsis
24504
24505@smallexample
24506 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
24507@end smallexample
24508@anchor{-var-list-children}
24509
24510Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
24511create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
24512a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
24513@code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
24514@var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
24515values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
24516value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
24517and unions.
24518
24519@var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
24520to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
24521reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
24522at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
24523reported.
24524
24525If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
24526@code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
24527For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
24528intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
24529update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
24530front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
24531then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
24532different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
24533the visible items.
24534
24535For each child the following results are returned:
24536
24537@table @var
24538
24539@item name
24540Name of the variable object created for this child.
24541
24542@item exp
24543The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
24544For example this may be the name of a structure member.
24545
24546For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
24547expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
24548
24549For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
24550designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
24551@samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
24552type and value are not present.
24553
24554A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
24555pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
24556available at all with a dynamic varobj.
24557
24558@item numchild
24559Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
245600.
24561
24562@item type
24563The type of the child.
24564
24565@item value
24566If values were requested, this is the value.
24567
24568@item thread-id
24569If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
24570Otherwise this result is not present.
24571
24572@item frozen
24573If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
24574@end table
24575
24576The result may have its own attributes:
24577
24578@table @samp
24579@item displayhint
24580A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
24581value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
24582@code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing}.
24583
24584@item has_more
24585This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
24586remaining after the end of the selected range.
24587@end table
24588
24589@subsubheading Example
24590
24591@smallexample
24592(gdb)
24593 -var-list-children n
24594 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
24595 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
24596(gdb)
24597 -var-list-children --all-values n
24598 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
24599 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
24600@end smallexample
24601
24602
24603@subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
24604@findex -var-info-type
24605
24606@subsubheading Synopsis
24607
24608@smallexample
24609 -var-info-type @var{name}
24610@end smallexample
24611
24612Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
24613returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
24614@value{GDBN} CLI:
24615
24616@smallexample
24617 type=@var{typename}
24618@end smallexample
24619
24620
24621@subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
24622@findex -var-info-expression
24623
24624@subsubheading Synopsis
24625
24626@smallexample
24627 -var-info-expression @var{name}
24628@end smallexample
24629
24630Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
24631variable object in user interface. The string is generally
24632not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
24633
24634For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
24635@code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
24636
24637@smallexample
24638(gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
24639^done,lang="C",exp="1"
24640@end smallexample
24641
24642@noindent
24643Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
24644
24645Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
24646includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
24647is of limited use.
24648
24649@subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
24650@findex -var-info-path-expression
24651
24652@subsubheading Synopsis
24653
24654@smallexample
24655 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
24656@end smallexample
24657
24658Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
24659context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
24660Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
24661result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
24662the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
24663watchpoint from a variable object.
24664
24665This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
24666and will give an error when invoked on one.
24667
24668For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
24669@code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
24670@code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
24671@code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
24672@code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
24673@smallexample
24674(gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
24675^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
24676@end smallexample
24677
24678@subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
24679@findex -var-show-attributes
24680
24681@subsubheading Synopsis
24682
24683@smallexample
24684 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
24685@end smallexample
24686
24687List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
24688
24689@smallexample
24690 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
24691@end smallexample
24692
24693@noindent
24694where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
24695
24696@subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
24697@findex -var-evaluate-expression
24698
24699@subsubheading Synopsis
24700
24701@smallexample
24702 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
24703@end smallexample
24704
24705Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
24706object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
24707can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
24708this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
24709(@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
24710the current display format will be used. The current display format
24711can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
24712
24713@smallexample
24714 value=@var{value}
24715@end smallexample
24716
24717Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
24718before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
24719
24720@subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
24721@findex -var-assign
24722
24723@subsubheading Synopsis
24724
24725@smallexample
24726 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
24727@end smallexample
24728
24729Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
24730by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
24731value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
24732subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
24733
24734@subsubheading Example
24735
24736@smallexample
24737(gdb)
24738-var-assign var1 3
24739^done,value="3"
24740(gdb)
24741-var-update *
24742^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
24743(gdb)
24744@end smallexample
24745
24746@subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
24747@findex -var-update
24748
24749@subsubheading Synopsis
24750
24751@smallexample
24752 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
24753@end smallexample
24754
24755Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
24756@var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
24757list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
24758be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
24759@code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
24760@code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
24761object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
24762for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
24763@var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
24764names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
24765as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
24766recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
24767number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
24768
24769With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
24770currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
24771diagnostic.
24772
24773If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
24774only the selected range of children will be reported.
24775
24776@code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
24777@samp{changelist}.
24778
24779Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
24780
24781@table @samp
24782@item name
24783The name of the varobj.
24784
24785@item value
24786If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
24787present and will hold the value of the varobj.
24788
24789@item in_scope
24790@anchor{-var-update}
24791This field is a string which may take one of three values:
24792
24793@table @code
24794@item "true"
24795The variable object's current value is valid.
24796
24797@item "false"
24798The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
24799hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
24800scope.
24801
24802@item "invalid"
24803The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
24804This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
24805either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
24806command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
24807objects.
24808@end table
24809
24810In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
24811be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
24812
24813@item type_changed
24814This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
24815changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
24816be @samp{false}.
24817
24818@item new_type
24819If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
24820hold the new type.
24821
24822@item new_num_children
24823For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
24824type changed, this will be the new number of children.
24825
24826The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
24827valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
24828@value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
24829instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
24830children which may be available.
24831
24832The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
24833number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
24834detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
24835only happen at the end of the update range).
24836
24837@item displayhint
24838The display hint, if any.
24839
24840@item has_more
24841This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
24842available outside the varobj's update range.
24843
24844@item dynamic
24845This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
24846varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
24847then this attribute will not be present.
24848
24849@item new_children
24850If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
24851update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
24852be listed in this attribute.
24853@end table
24854
24855@subsubheading Example
24856
24857@smallexample
24858(gdb)
24859-var-assign var1 3
24860^done,value="3"
24861(gdb)
24862-var-update --all-values var1
24863^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
24864type_changed="false"@}]
24865(gdb)
24866@end smallexample
24867
24868@subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
24869@findex -var-set-frozen
24870@anchor{-var-set-frozen}
24871
24872@subsubheading Synopsis
24873
24874@smallexample
24875 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
24876@end smallexample
24877
24878Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
24879@var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
24880frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
24881frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
24882implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
24883a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
24884@code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
24885values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
24886implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
24887Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
24888@code{-var-update} does.
24889
24890@subsubheading Example
24891
24892@smallexample
24893(gdb)
24894-var-set-frozen V 1
24895^done
24896(gdb)
24897@end smallexample
24898
24899@subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
24900@findex -var-set-update-range
24901@anchor{-var-set-update-range}
24902
24903@subsubheading Synopsis
24904
24905@smallexample
24906 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
24907@end smallexample
24908
24909Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
24910@code{-var-update}.
24911
24912@var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
24913@var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
24914children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
24915(zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
24916
24917@subsubheading Example
24918
24919@smallexample
24920(gdb)
24921-var-set-update-range V 1 2
24922^done
24923@end smallexample
24924
24925@subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
24926@findex -var-set-visualizer
24927@anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
24928
24929@subsubheading Synopsis
24930
24931@smallexample
24932 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
24933@end smallexample
24934
24935Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
24936
24937@var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
24938@samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
24939
24940If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
24941This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
24942single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
24943the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
24944Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
24945When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
24946pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
24947
24948The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
24949select a visualizer by following the built-in process
24950(@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
24951a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
24952
24953This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
24954command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
24955can be used to check this.
24956
24957@subsubheading Example
24958
24959Resetting the visualizer:
24960
24961@smallexample
24962(gdb)
24963-var-set-visualizer V None
24964^done
24965@end smallexample
24966
24967Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
24968
24969@smallexample
24970(gdb)
24971-var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
24972^done
24973@end smallexample
24974
24975Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
24976can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
24977
24978@smallexample
24979(gdb)
24980-var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
24981^done
24982@end smallexample
24983
24984@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24985@node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
24986@section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
24987
24988@cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
24989@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
24990This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
24991examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
24992
24993@c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
24994@c @subheading -data-assign
24995@c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
24996@c @subsubheading GDB Command
24997@c set variable
24998@c @subsubheading Example
24999@c N.A.
25000
25001@subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
25002@findex -data-disassemble
25003
25004@subsubheading Synopsis
25005
25006@smallexample
25007 -data-disassemble
25008 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
25009 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
25010 -- @var{mode}
25011@end smallexample
25012
25013@noindent
25014Where:
25015
25016@table @samp
25017@item @var{start-addr}
25018is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
25019@item @var{end-addr}
25020is the end address
25021@item @var{filename}
25022is the name of the file to disassemble
25023@item @var{linenum}
25024is the line number to disassemble around
25025@item @var{lines}
25026is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
25027the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
25028specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
25029@var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
25030@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
25031displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
25032@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
25033are displayed.
25034@item @var{mode}
25035is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
25036disassembly).
25037@end table
25038
25039@subsubheading Result
25040
25041The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
25042
25043@itemize @bullet
25044@item Address
25045@item Func-name
25046@item Offset
25047@item Instruction
25048@end itemize
25049
25050Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
25051directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
25052
25053@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25054
25055There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
25056
25057@subsubheading Example
25058
25059Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
25060
25061@smallexample
25062(gdb)
25063-data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
25064^done,
25065asm_insns=[
25066@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
25067inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
25068@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
25069inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
25070@{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
25071inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
25072@{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
25073inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
25074@{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
25075inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
25076(gdb)
25077@end smallexample
25078
25079Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
25080@code{main}.
25081
25082@smallexample
25083-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
25084^done,asm_insns=[
25085@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
25086inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
25087@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
25088inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
25089@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
25090inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
25091[@dots{}]
25092@{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
25093@{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
25094(gdb)
25095@end smallexample
25096
25097Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
25098
25099@smallexample
25100(gdb)
25101-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
25102^done,asm_insns=[
25103@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
25104inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
25105@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
25106inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
25107@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
25108inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
25109(gdb)
25110@end smallexample
25111
25112Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
25113
25114@smallexample
25115(gdb)
25116-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
25117^done,asm_insns=[
25118src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
25119file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
25120 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
25121@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
25122inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
25123src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
25124file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
25125 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
25126@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
25127inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
25128@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
25129inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
25130(gdb)
25131@end smallexample
25132
25133
25134@subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
25135@findex -data-evaluate-expression
25136
25137@subsubheading Synopsis
25138
25139@smallexample
25140 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
25141@end smallexample
25142
25143Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
25144inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
25145If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
25146
25147@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25148
25149The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
25150@samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
25151@samp{gdb_eval} command.
25152
25153@subsubheading Example
25154
25155In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
25156@dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
25157Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
25158output.
25159
25160@smallexample
25161211-data-evaluate-expression A
25162211^done,value="1"
25163(gdb)
25164311-data-evaluate-expression &A
25165311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
25166(gdb)
25167411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
25168411^done,value="4"
25169(gdb)
25170511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
25171511^done,value="4"
25172(gdb)
25173@end smallexample
25174
25175
25176@subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
25177@findex -data-list-changed-registers
25178
25179@subsubheading Synopsis
25180
25181@smallexample
25182 -data-list-changed-registers
25183@end smallexample
25184
25185Display a list of the registers that have changed.
25186
25187@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25188
25189@value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
25190has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
25191
25192@subsubheading Example
25193
25194On a PPC MBX board:
25195
25196@smallexample
25197(gdb)
25198-exec-continue
25199^running
25200
25201(gdb)
25202*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
25203func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
25204line="5"@}
25205(gdb)
25206-data-list-changed-registers
25207^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
25208"10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
25209"24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
25210(gdb)
25211@end smallexample
25212
25213
25214@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
25215@findex -data-list-register-names
25216
25217@subsubheading Synopsis
25218
25219@smallexample
25220 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
25221@end smallexample
25222
25223Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
25224are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
25225integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
25226names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
25227consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
25228include empty register names.
25229
25230@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25231
25232@value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
25233@samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
25234corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
25235
25236@subsubheading Example
25237
25238For the PPC MBX board:
25239@smallexample
25240(gdb)
25241-data-list-register-names
25242^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
25243"r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
25244"r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
25245"r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
25246"f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
25247"f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
25248"", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
25249(gdb)
25250-data-list-register-names 1 2 3
25251^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
25252(gdb)
25253@end smallexample
25254
25255@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
25256@findex -data-list-register-values
25257
25258@subsubheading Synopsis
25259
25260@smallexample
25261 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
25262@end smallexample
25263
25264Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
25265which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
25266list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
25267numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
25268
25269Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
25270
25271@table @code
25272@item x
25273Hexadecimal
25274@item o
25275Octal
25276@item t
25277Binary
25278@item d
25279Decimal
25280@item r
25281Raw
25282@item N
25283Natural
25284@end table
25285
25286@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25287
25288The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
25289all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
25290
25291@subsubheading Example
25292
25293For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
25294don't appear in the actual output):
25295
25296@smallexample
25297(gdb)
25298-data-list-register-values r 64 65
25299^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
25300@{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
25301(gdb)
25302-data-list-register-values x
25303^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
25304@{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
25305@{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
25306@{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
25307@{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
25308@{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
25309@{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
25310@{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
25311@{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
25312@{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
25313@{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
25314@{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
25315@{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
25316@{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
25317@{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
25318@{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
25319@{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
25320@{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
25321@{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
25322@{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
25323@{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
25324@{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
25325@{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
25326@{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
25327@{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
25328@{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
25329@{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
25330@{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
25331@{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
25332@{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
25333@{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
25334@{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
25335@{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
25336@{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
25337@{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
25338@{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
25339(gdb)
25340@end smallexample
25341
25342
25343@subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
25344@findex -data-read-memory
25345
25346@subsubheading Synopsis
25347
25348@smallexample
25349 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
25350 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
25351 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
25352@end smallexample
25353
25354@noindent
25355where:
25356
25357@table @samp
25358@item @var{address}
25359An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
25360read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
25361quoted using the C convention.
25362
25363@item @var{word-format}
25364The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
25365same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
25366,Output Formats}).
25367
25368@item @var{word-size}
25369The size of each memory word in bytes.
25370
25371@item @var{nr-rows}
25372The number of rows in the output table.
25373
25374@item @var{nr-cols}
25375The number of columns in the output table.
25376
25377@item @var{aschar}
25378If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
25379value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
25380member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
25381characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
25382
25383@item @var{byte-offset}
25384An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
25385@end table
25386
25387This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
25388@var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
25389@code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
25390(returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
25391of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
25392using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
25393in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
25394@samp{addr}.
25395
25396The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
25397@samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
25398@samp{prev-page}.
25399
25400@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25401
25402The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
25403@samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
25404
25405@subsubheading Example
25406
25407Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
25408@code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
25409word. Display each word in hex.
25410
25411@smallexample
25412(gdb)
254139-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
254149^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
25415next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
25416prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
25417@{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
25418@{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
25419@{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
25420(gdb)
25421@end smallexample
25422
25423Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
25424display as a single word formatted in decimal.
25425
25426@smallexample
25427(gdb)
254285-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
254295^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
25430next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
25431next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
25432@{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
25433(gdb)
25434@end smallexample
25435
25436Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
25437as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
25438used as the non-printable character.
25439
25440@smallexample
25441(gdb)
254424-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
254434^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
25444next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
25445next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
25446@{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
25447@{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
25448@{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
25449@{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
25450@{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
25451@{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
25452@{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
25453@{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
25454(gdb)
25455@end smallexample
25456
25457@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25458@node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
25459@section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
25460
25461The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
25462
25463@c @subheading -trace-actions
25464
25465@c @subheading -trace-delete
25466
25467@c @subheading -trace-disable
25468
25469@c @subheading -trace-dump
25470
25471@c @subheading -trace-enable
25472
25473@c @subheading -trace-exists
25474
25475@c @subheading -trace-find
25476
25477@c @subheading -trace-frame-number
25478
25479@c @subheading -trace-info
25480
25481@c @subheading -trace-insert
25482
25483@c @subheading -trace-list
25484
25485@c @subheading -trace-pass-count
25486
25487@c @subheading -trace-save
25488
25489@c @subheading -trace-start
25490
25491@c @subheading -trace-stop
25492
25493
25494@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25495@node GDB/MI Symbol Query
25496@section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
25497
25498
25499@ignore
25500@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
25501@findex -symbol-info-address
25502
25503@subsubheading Synopsis
25504
25505@smallexample
25506 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
25507@end smallexample
25508
25509Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
25510
25511@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25512
25513The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
25514
25515@subsubheading Example
25516N.A.
25517
25518
25519@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
25520@findex -symbol-info-file
25521
25522@subsubheading Synopsis
25523
25524@smallexample
25525 -symbol-info-file
25526@end smallexample
25527
25528Show the file for the symbol.
25529
25530@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25531
25532There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
25533@samp{gdb_find_file}.
25534
25535@subsubheading Example
25536N.A.
25537
25538
25539@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
25540@findex -symbol-info-function
25541
25542@subsubheading Synopsis
25543
25544@smallexample
25545 -symbol-info-function
25546@end smallexample
25547
25548Show which function the symbol lives in.
25549
25550@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25551
25552@samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
25553
25554@subsubheading Example
25555N.A.
25556
25557
25558@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
25559@findex -symbol-info-line
25560
25561@subsubheading Synopsis
25562
25563@smallexample
25564 -symbol-info-line
25565@end smallexample
25566
25567Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
25568
25569@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25570
25571The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
25572@code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
25573
25574@subsubheading Example
25575N.A.
25576
25577
25578@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
25579@findex -symbol-info-symbol
25580
25581@subsubheading Synopsis
25582
25583@smallexample
25584 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
25585@end smallexample
25586
25587Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
25588
25589@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25590
25591The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
25592
25593@subsubheading Example
25594N.A.
25595
25596
25597@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
25598@findex -symbol-list-functions
25599
25600@subsubheading Synopsis
25601
25602@smallexample
25603 -symbol-list-functions
25604@end smallexample
25605
25606List the functions in the executable.
25607
25608@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25609
25610@samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
25611@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
25612
25613@subsubheading Example
25614N.A.
25615@end ignore
25616
25617
25618@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
25619@findex -symbol-list-lines
25620
25621@subsubheading Synopsis
25622
25623@smallexample
25624 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
25625@end smallexample
25626
25627Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
25628addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
25629ascending PC order.
25630
25631@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25632
25633There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
25634
25635@subsubheading Example
25636@smallexample
25637(gdb)
25638-symbol-list-lines basics.c
25639^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
25640(gdb)
25641@end smallexample
25642
25643
25644@ignore
25645@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
25646@findex -symbol-list-types
25647
25648@subsubheading Synopsis
25649
25650@smallexample
25651 -symbol-list-types
25652@end smallexample
25653
25654List all the type names.
25655
25656@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25657
25658The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
25659@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
25660
25661@subsubheading Example
25662N.A.
25663
25664
25665@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
25666@findex -symbol-list-variables
25667
25668@subsubheading Synopsis
25669
25670@smallexample
25671 -symbol-list-variables
25672@end smallexample
25673
25674List all the global and static variable names.
25675
25676@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25677
25678@samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
25679
25680@subsubheading Example
25681N.A.
25682
25683
25684@subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
25685@findex -symbol-locate
25686
25687@subsubheading Synopsis
25688
25689@smallexample
25690 -symbol-locate
25691@end smallexample
25692
25693@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25694
25695@samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
25696
25697@subsubheading Example
25698N.A.
25699
25700
25701@subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
25702@findex -symbol-type
25703
25704@subsubheading Synopsis
25705
25706@smallexample
25707 -symbol-type @var{variable}
25708@end smallexample
25709
25710Show type of @var{variable}.
25711
25712@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25713
25714The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
25715@samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
25716
25717@subsubheading Example
25718N.A.
25719@end ignore
25720
25721
25722@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25723@node GDB/MI File Commands
25724@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
25725
25726This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
25727and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
25728
25729@subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
25730@findex -file-exec-and-symbols
25731
25732@subsubheading Synopsis
25733
25734@smallexample
25735 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
25736@end smallexample
25737
25738Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
25739which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
25740command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
25741are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
25742error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
25743notification.
25744
25745@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25746
25747The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
25748
25749@subsubheading Example
25750
25751@smallexample
25752(gdb)
25753-file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
25754^done
25755(gdb)
25756@end smallexample
25757
25758
25759@subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
25760@findex -file-exec-file
25761
25762@subsubheading Synopsis
25763
25764@smallexample
25765 -file-exec-file @var{file}
25766@end smallexample
25767
25768Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
25769@samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
25770from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
25771about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
25772notification.
25773
25774@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25775
25776The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
25777
25778@subsubheading Example
25779
25780@smallexample
25781(gdb)
25782-file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
25783^done
25784(gdb)
25785@end smallexample
25786
25787
25788@ignore
25789@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
25790@findex -file-list-exec-sections
25791
25792@subsubheading Synopsis
25793
25794@smallexample
25795 -file-list-exec-sections
25796@end smallexample
25797
25798List the sections of the current executable file.
25799
25800@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25801
25802The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
25803information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
25804@samp{gdb_load_info}.
25805
25806@subsubheading Example
25807N.A.
25808@end ignore
25809
25810
25811@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
25812@findex -file-list-exec-source-file
25813
25814@subsubheading Synopsis
25815
25816@smallexample
25817 -file-list-exec-source-file
25818@end smallexample
25819
25820List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
25821to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
25822information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
25823whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
25824
25825@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25826
25827The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
25828
25829@subsubheading Example
25830
25831@smallexample
25832(gdb)
25833123-file-list-exec-source-file
25834123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
25835(gdb)
25836@end smallexample
25837
25838
25839@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
25840@findex -file-list-exec-source-files
25841
25842@subsubheading Synopsis
25843
25844@smallexample
25845 -file-list-exec-source-files
25846@end smallexample
25847
25848List the source files for the current executable.
25849
25850It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
25851the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
25852
25853@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25854
25855The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
25856@code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
25857
25858@subsubheading Example
25859@smallexample
25860(gdb)
25861-file-list-exec-source-files
25862^done,files=[
25863@{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
25864@{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
25865@{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
25866(gdb)
25867@end smallexample
25868
25869@ignore
25870@subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
25871@findex -file-list-shared-libraries
25872
25873@subsubheading Synopsis
25874
25875@smallexample
25876 -file-list-shared-libraries
25877@end smallexample
25878
25879List the shared libraries in the program.
25880
25881@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25882
25883The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
25884
25885@subsubheading Example
25886N.A.
25887
25888
25889@subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
25890@findex -file-list-symbol-files
25891
25892@subsubheading Synopsis
25893
25894@smallexample
25895 -file-list-symbol-files
25896@end smallexample
25897
25898List symbol files.
25899
25900@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25901
25902The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
25903
25904@subsubheading Example
25905N.A.
25906@end ignore
25907
25908
25909@subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
25910@findex -file-symbol-file
25911
25912@subsubheading Synopsis
25913
25914@smallexample
25915 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
25916@end smallexample
25917
25918Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
25919used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
25920produced, except for a completion notification.
25921
25922@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25923
25924The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
25925
25926@subsubheading Example
25927
25928@smallexample
25929(gdb)
25930-file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
25931^done
25932(gdb)
25933@end smallexample
25934
25935@ignore
25936@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25937@node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
25938@section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
25939
25940The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
25941
25942@c @subheading -overlay-auto
25943
25944@c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
25945
25946@c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
25947
25948@c @subheading -overlay-map
25949
25950@c @subheading -overlay-off
25951
25952@c @subheading -overlay-on
25953
25954@c @subheading -overlay-unmap
25955
25956@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25957@node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
25958@section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
25959
25960Signal handling commands are not implemented.
25961
25962@c @subheading -signal-handle
25963
25964@c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
25965
25966@c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
25967@end ignore
25968
25969
25970@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25971@node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
25972@section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
25973
25974
25975@subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
25976@findex -target-attach
25977
25978@subsubheading Synopsis
25979
25980@smallexample
25981 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
25982@end smallexample
25983
25984Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
25985@value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
25986group, the id previously returned by
25987@samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
25988
25989@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25990
25991The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
25992
25993@subsubheading Example
25994@smallexample
25995(gdb)
25996-target-attach 34
25997=thread-created,id="1"
25998*stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
25999^done
26000(gdb)
26001@end smallexample
26002
26003@ignore
26004@subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
26005@findex -target-compare-sections
26006
26007@subsubheading Synopsis
26008
26009@smallexample
26010 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
26011@end smallexample
26012
26013Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
26014Without the argument, all sections are compared.
26015
26016@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26017
26018The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
26019
26020@subsubheading Example
26021N.A.
26022@end ignore
26023
26024
26025@subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
26026@findex -target-detach
26027
26028@subsubheading Synopsis
26029
26030@smallexample
26031 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
26032@end smallexample
26033
26034Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
26035If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
26036the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
26037
26038@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26039
26040The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
26041
26042@subsubheading Example
26043
26044@smallexample
26045(gdb)
26046-target-detach
26047^done
26048(gdb)
26049@end smallexample
26050
26051
26052@subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
26053@findex -target-disconnect
26054
26055@subsubheading Synopsis
26056
26057@smallexample
26058 -target-disconnect
26059@end smallexample
26060
26061Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
26062generally not resumed.
26063
26064@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26065
26066The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
26067
26068@subsubheading Example
26069
26070@smallexample
26071(gdb)
26072-target-disconnect
26073^done
26074(gdb)
26075@end smallexample
26076
26077
26078@subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
26079@findex -target-download
26080
26081@subsubheading Synopsis
26082
26083@smallexample
26084 -target-download
26085@end smallexample
26086
26087Loads the executable onto the remote target.
26088It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
26089
26090@table @samp
26091@item section
26092The name of the section.
26093@item section-sent
26094The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
26095@item section-size
26096The size of the section.
26097@item total-sent
26098The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
26099@item total-size
26100The size of the overall executable to download.
26101@end table
26102
26103@noindent
26104Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
26105@sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
26106
26107In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
26108downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
26109
26110@table @samp
26111@item section
26112The name of the section.
26113@item section-size
26114The size of the section.
26115@item total-size
26116The size of the overall executable to download.
26117@end table
26118
26119@noindent
26120At the end, a summary is printed.
26121
26122@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26123
26124The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
26125
26126@subsubheading Example
26127
26128Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
26129have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
26130
26131@smallexample
26132(gdb)
26133-target-download
26134+download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
26135+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
26136total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
26137+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
26138total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
26139+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
26140total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
26141+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
26142total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
26143+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
26144total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
26145+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
26146total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
26147+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
26148total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
26149+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
26150total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
26151+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
26152total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
26153+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
26154total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
26155+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
26156total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
26157+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
26158total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
26159+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
26160total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
26161+download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
26162+download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
26163+download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
26164+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
26165total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
26166+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
26167total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
26168+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
26169total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
26170+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
26171total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
26172+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
26173total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
26174+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
26175total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
26176^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
26177write-rate="429"
26178(gdb)
26179@end smallexample
26180
26181
26182@ignore
26183@subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
26184@findex -target-exec-status
26185
26186@subsubheading Synopsis
26187
26188@smallexample
26189 -target-exec-status
26190@end smallexample
26191
26192Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
26193not, for instance).
26194
26195@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26196
26197There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
26198
26199@subsubheading Example
26200N.A.
26201
26202
26203@subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
26204@findex -target-list-available-targets
26205
26206@subsubheading Synopsis
26207
26208@smallexample
26209 -target-list-available-targets
26210@end smallexample
26211
26212List the possible targets to connect to.
26213
26214@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26215
26216The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
26217
26218@subsubheading Example
26219N.A.
26220
26221
26222@subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
26223@findex -target-list-current-targets
26224
26225@subsubheading Synopsis
26226
26227@smallexample
26228 -target-list-current-targets
26229@end smallexample
26230
26231Describe the current target.
26232
26233@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26234
26235The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
26236other things).
26237
26238@subsubheading Example
26239N.A.
26240
26241
26242@subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
26243@findex -target-list-parameters
26244
26245@subsubheading Synopsis
26246
26247@smallexample
26248 -target-list-parameters
26249@end smallexample
26250
26251@c ????
26252@end ignore
26253
26254@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26255
26256No equivalent.
26257
26258@subsubheading Example
26259N.A.
26260
26261
26262@subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
26263@findex -target-select
26264
26265@subsubheading Synopsis
26266
26267@smallexample
26268 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
26269@end smallexample
26270
26271Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
26272
26273@table @samp
26274@item @var{type}
26275The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
26276@item @var{parameters}
26277Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
26278Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
26279@end table
26280
26281The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
26282which the target program is, in the following form:
26283
26284@smallexample
26285^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
26286 args=[@var{arg list}]
26287@end smallexample
26288
26289@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26290
26291The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
26292
26293@subsubheading Example
26294
26295@smallexample
26296(gdb)
26297-target-select remote /dev/ttya
26298^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
26299(gdb)
26300@end smallexample
26301
26302@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26303@node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
26304@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
26305
26306
26307@subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
26308@findex -target-file-put
26309
26310@subsubheading Synopsis
26311
26312@smallexample
26313 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
26314@end smallexample
26315
26316Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
26317@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
26318
26319@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26320
26321The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
26322
26323@subsubheading Example
26324
26325@smallexample
26326(gdb)
26327-target-file-put localfile remotefile
26328^done
26329(gdb)
26330@end smallexample
26331
26332
26333@subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
26334@findex -target-file-get
26335
26336@subsubheading Synopsis
26337
26338@smallexample
26339 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
26340@end smallexample
26341
26342Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
26343on the host system.
26344
26345@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26346
26347The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
26348
26349@subsubheading Example
26350
26351@smallexample
26352(gdb)
26353-target-file-get remotefile localfile
26354^done
26355(gdb)
26356@end smallexample
26357
26358
26359@subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
26360@findex -target-file-delete
26361
26362@subsubheading Synopsis
26363
26364@smallexample
26365 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
26366@end smallexample
26367
26368Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
26369
26370@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26371
26372The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
26373
26374@subsubheading Example
26375
26376@smallexample
26377(gdb)
26378-target-file-delete remotefile
26379^done
26380(gdb)
26381@end smallexample
26382
26383
26384@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26385@node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
26386@section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
26387
26388@c @subheading -gdb-complete
26389
26390@subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
26391@findex -gdb-exit
26392
26393@subsubheading Synopsis
26394
26395@smallexample
26396 -gdb-exit
26397@end smallexample
26398
26399Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
26400
26401@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26402
26403Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
26404
26405@subsubheading Example
26406
26407@smallexample
26408(gdb)
26409-gdb-exit
26410^exit
26411@end smallexample
26412
26413
26414@ignore
26415@subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
26416@findex -exec-abort
26417
26418@subsubheading Synopsis
26419
26420@smallexample
26421 -exec-abort
26422@end smallexample
26423
26424Kill the inferior running program.
26425
26426@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26427
26428The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
26429
26430@subsubheading Example
26431N.A.
26432@end ignore
26433
26434
26435@subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
26436@findex -gdb-set
26437
26438@subsubheading Synopsis
26439
26440@smallexample
26441 -gdb-set
26442@end smallexample
26443
26444Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
26445@c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
26446
26447@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26448
26449The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
26450
26451@subsubheading Example
26452
26453@smallexample
26454(gdb)
26455-gdb-set $foo=3
26456^done
26457(gdb)
26458@end smallexample
26459
26460
26461@subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
26462@findex -gdb-show
26463
26464@subsubheading Synopsis
26465
26466@smallexample
26467 -gdb-show
26468@end smallexample
26469
26470Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
26471
26472@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26473
26474The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
26475
26476@subsubheading Example
26477
26478@smallexample
26479(gdb)
26480-gdb-show annotate
26481^done,value="0"
26482(gdb)
26483@end smallexample
26484
26485@c @subheading -gdb-source
26486
26487
26488@subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
26489@findex -gdb-version
26490
26491@subsubheading Synopsis
26492
26493@smallexample
26494 -gdb-version
26495@end smallexample
26496
26497Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
26498
26499@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26500
26501The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
26502default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
26503
26504@subsubheading Example
26505
26506@c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
26507@c box in TeX.
26508@smallexample
26509(gdb)
26510-gdb-version
26511~GNU gdb 5.2.1
26512~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
26513~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
26514~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
26515~ certain conditions.
26516~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
26517~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
26518~ details.
26519~This GDB was configured as
26520 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
26521^done
26522(gdb)
26523@end smallexample
26524
26525@subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
26526@findex -list-features
26527
26528Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
26529this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
26530or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
26531important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
26532of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
26533startup.
26534
26535The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
26536available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
26537have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
26538is given below.
26539
26540Example output:
26541
26542@smallexample
26543(gdb) -list-features
26544^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
26545@end smallexample
26546
26547The current list of features is:
26548
26549@table @samp
26550@item frozen-varobjs
26551Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
26552as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
26553of @code{-varobj-create}.
26554@item pending-breakpoints
26555Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
26556@item python
26557Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
26558pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
26559@samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
26560@item thread-info
26561Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
26562
26563@end table
26564
26565@subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
26566@findex -list-target-features
26567
26568Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
26569target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
26570unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
26571features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
26572a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
26573@code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
26574may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
26575Example output:
26576
26577@smallexample
26578(gdb) -list-features
26579^done,result=["async"]
26580@end smallexample
26581
26582The current list of features is:
26583
26584@table @samp
26585@item async
26586Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
26587execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
26588while the target is running.
26589
26590@end table
26591
26592@subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
26593@findex -list-thread-groups
26594
26595@subheading Synopsis
26596
26597@smallexample
26598-list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
26599@end smallexample
26600
26601Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
26602group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
26603When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
26604thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
26605top-level thread groups.
26606
26607Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
26608With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
26609available on the target.
26610
26611The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
26612a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
26613as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
26614Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
26615each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
26616requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
26617are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
26618of the @samp{group} result is described below.
26619
26620To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
26621together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
26622and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
26623permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
26624will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
26625@samp{threads} field.
26626
26627In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
26628the following caveats:
26629
26630@itemize @bullet
26631@item
26632When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
26633be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
26634anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
26635
26636@item
26637When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
26638be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
26639be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
26640not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
26641The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
26642is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
26643
26644@end itemize
26645
26646The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
26647have the following fields:
26648
26649@table @code
26650@item id
26651Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
26652
26653@item type
26654The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
26655valid type.
26656
26657@item pid
26658The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
26659for thread groups of type @samp{process}.
26660
26661@item num_children
26662The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
26663absent for an available thread group.
26664
26665@item threads
26666This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
26667thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
26668specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
26669
26670@item cores
26671This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
26672thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
26673such information is not available.
26674
26675@end table
26676
26677@subheading Example
26678
26679@smallexample
26680@value{GDBP}
26681-list-thread-groups
26682^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
26683-list-thread-groups 17
26684^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
26685 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
26686@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
26687 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
26688 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
26689-list-thread-groups --available
26690^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
26691-list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
26692 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
26693 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
26694 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
26695-list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
26696^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
26697 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
26698 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
26699@end smallexample
26700
26701@subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
26702@findex -interpreter-exec
26703
26704@subheading Synopsis
26705
26706@smallexample
26707-interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
26708@end smallexample
26709@anchor{-interpreter-exec}
26710
26711Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
26712
26713@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
26714
26715The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
26716
26717@subheading Example
26718
26719@smallexample
26720(gdb)
26721-interpreter-exec console "break main"
26722&"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
26723&"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
26724~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
26725^done
26726(gdb)
26727@end smallexample
26728
26729@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
26730@findex -inferior-tty-set
26731
26732@subheading Synopsis
26733
26734@smallexample
26735-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
26736@end smallexample
26737
26738Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
26739
26740@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
26741
26742The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
26743
26744@subheading Example
26745
26746@smallexample
26747(gdb)
26748-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
26749^done
26750(gdb)
26751@end smallexample
26752
26753@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
26754@findex -inferior-tty-show
26755
26756@subheading Synopsis
26757
26758@smallexample
26759-inferior-tty-show
26760@end smallexample
26761
26762Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
26763
26764@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
26765
26766The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
26767
26768@subheading Example
26769
26770@smallexample
26771(gdb)
26772-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
26773^done
26774(gdb)
26775-inferior-tty-show
26776^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
26777(gdb)
26778@end smallexample
26779
26780@subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
26781@findex -enable-timings
26782
26783@subheading Synopsis
26784
26785@smallexample
26786-enable-timings [yes | no]
26787@end smallexample
26788
26789Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
26790command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
26791developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
26792equivalent to @samp{yes}.
26793
26794@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
26795
26796No equivalent.
26797
26798@subheading Example
26799
26800@smallexample
26801(gdb)
26802-enable-timings
26803^done
26804(gdb)
26805-break-insert main
26806^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26807addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
26808fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
26809time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
26810(gdb)
26811-enable-timings no
26812^done
26813(gdb)
26814-exec-run
26815^running
26816(gdb)
26817*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
26818frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
26819@{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
26820fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
26821(gdb)
26822@end smallexample
26823
26824@node Annotations
26825@chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
26826
26827This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
26828designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
26829similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
26830relatively high level.
26831
26832The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
26833(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
26834
26835@ignore
26836This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
26837@end ignore
26838
26839@menu
26840* Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
26841* Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
26842* Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
26843* Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
26844* Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
26845* Annotations for Running::
26846 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
26847* Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
26848@end menu
26849
26850@node Annotations Overview
26851@section What is an Annotation?
26852@cindex annotations
26853
26854Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
26855characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
26856information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
26857is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
26858information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
26859additional information, and a newline. The additional information
26860cannot contain newline characters.
26861
26862Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
26863characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
26864no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
26865@samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
26866annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
26867means those three characters as output.
26868
26869The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
26870@option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
26871how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
26872values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
26873is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
26874subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
26875for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
26876been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
26877Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
26878
26879@table @code
26880@kindex set annotate
26881@item set annotate @var{level}
26882The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
26883annotations to the specified @var{level}.
26884
26885@item show annotate
26886@kindex show annotate
26887Show the current annotation level.
26888@end table
26889
26890This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
26891
26892A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
26893
26894@smallexample
26895$ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
26896GNU gdb 6.0
26897Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
26898GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
26899and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
26900under certain conditions.
26901Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
26902There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
26903for details.
26904This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
26905
26906^Z^Zpre-prompt
26907(@value{GDBP})
26908^Z^Zprompt
26909@kbd{quit}
26910
26911^Z^Zpost-prompt
26912$
26913@end smallexample
26914
26915Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
26916@value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
26917denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
26918output from @value{GDBN}.
26919
26920@node Server Prefix
26921@section The Server Prefix
26922@cindex server prefix
26923
26924If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
26925the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
26926command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
26927means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
26928a transparent manner.
26929
26930The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
26931the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
26932value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
26933@code{print} command.
26934
26935Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
26936(@pxref{confirmation requests}).
26937
26938@node Prompting
26939@section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
26940
26941@cindex annotations for prompts
26942When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
26943to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
26944over, etc.
26945
26946Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
26947input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
26948denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
26949annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
26950annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
26951associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
26952features the following annotations:
26953
26954@smallexample
26955^Z^Zpre-prompt
26956^Z^Zprompt
26957^Z^Zpost-prompt
26958@end smallexample
26959
26960The input types are
26961
26962@table @code
26963@findex pre-prompt annotation
26964@findex prompt annotation
26965@findex post-prompt annotation
26966@item prompt
26967When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
26968
26969@findex pre-commands annotation
26970@findex commands annotation
26971@findex post-commands annotation
26972@item commands
26973When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
26974command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
26975
26976@findex pre-overload-choice annotation
26977@findex overload-choice annotation
26978@findex post-overload-choice annotation
26979@item overload-choice
26980When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
26981
26982@findex pre-query annotation
26983@findex query annotation
26984@findex post-query annotation
26985@item query
26986When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
26987
26988@findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
26989@findex prompt-for-continue annotation
26990@findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
26991@item prompt-for-continue
26992When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
26993expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
26994prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
26995presence of annotations.
26996@end table
26997
26998@node Errors
26999@section Errors
27000@cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
27001
27002@findex quit annotation
27003@smallexample
27004^Z^Zquit
27005@end smallexample
27006
27007This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
27008
27009@findex error annotation
27010@smallexample
27011^Z^Zerror
27012@end smallexample
27013
27014This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
27015
27016Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
27017in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
27018@code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
27019cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
27020cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
27021does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
27022to the top level.
27023
27024@findex error-begin annotation
27025A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
27026
27027@smallexample
27028^Z^Zerror-begin
27029@end smallexample
27030
27031Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
27032message.
27033
27034Warning messages are not yet annotated.
27035@c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
27036@c range_error(), and possibly other places.
27037
27038@node Invalidation
27039@section Invalidation Notices
27040
27041@cindex annotations for invalidation messages
27042The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
27043changed.
27044
27045@table @code
27046@findex frames-invalid annotation
27047@item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
27048
27049The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
27050have changed.
27051
27052@findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
27053@item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
27054
27055The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
27056deleted a breakpoint.
27057@end table
27058
27059@node Annotations for Running
27060@section Running the Program
27061@cindex annotations for running programs
27062
27063@findex starting annotation
27064@findex stopping annotation
27065When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
27066@code{step} or @code{continue},
27067
27068@smallexample
27069^Z^Zstarting
27070@end smallexample
27071
27072is output. When the program stops,
27073
27074@smallexample
27075^Z^Zstopped
27076@end smallexample
27077
27078is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
27079annotations describe how the program stopped.
27080
27081@table @code
27082@findex exited annotation
27083@item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
27084The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
27085successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
27086
27087@findex signalled annotation
27088@findex signal-name annotation
27089@findex signal-name-end annotation
27090@findex signal-string annotation
27091@findex signal-string-end annotation
27092@item ^Z^Zsignalled
27093The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
27094annotation continues:
27095
27096@smallexample
27097@var{intro-text}
27098^Z^Zsignal-name
27099@var{name}
27100^Z^Zsignal-name-end
27101@var{middle-text}
27102^Z^Zsignal-string
27103@var{string}
27104^Z^Zsignal-string-end
27105@var{end-text}
27106@end smallexample
27107
27108@noindent
27109where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
27110@code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
27111as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
27112@var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
27113user's benefit and have no particular format.
27114
27115@findex signal annotation
27116@item ^Z^Zsignal
27117The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
27118just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
27119terminated with it.
27120
27121@findex breakpoint annotation
27122@item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
27123The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
27124
27125@findex watchpoint annotation
27126@item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
27127The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
27128@end table
27129
27130@node Source Annotations
27131@section Displaying Source
27132@cindex annotations for source display
27133
27134@findex source annotation
27135The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
27136
27137@smallexample
27138^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
27139@end smallexample
27140
27141where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
27142file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
27143first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
27144within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
27145debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
27146@var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
27147line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
27148@var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
27149source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
27150followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
27151depend on the language).
27152
27153@node JIT Interface
27154@chapter JIT Compilation Interface
27155@cindex just-in-time compilation
27156@cindex JIT compilation interface
27157
27158This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
27159interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
27160executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
27161performance while maintaining platform independence.
27162
27163Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
27164portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
27165object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
27166and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
27167@value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
27168symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
27169
27170If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
27171it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
27172you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
27173of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
27174LLVM JIT.
27175
27176Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
27177JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
27178variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
27179attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
27180find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
27181out about additional code.
27182
27183@menu
27184* Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
27185* Registering Code:: Steps to register code
27186* Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
27187@end menu
27188
27189@node Declarations
27190@section JIT Declarations
27191
27192These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
27193implement the interface:
27194
27195@smallexample
27196typedef enum
27197@{
27198 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
27199 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
27200 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
27201@} jit_actions_t;
27202
27203struct jit_code_entry
27204@{
27205 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
27206 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
27207 const char *symfile_addr;
27208 uint64_t symfile_size;
27209@};
27210
27211struct jit_descriptor
27212@{
27213 uint32_t version;
27214 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
27215 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
27216 uint32_t action_flag;
27217 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
27218 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
27219@};
27220
27221/* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
27222void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
27223
27224/* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
27225 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
27226struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
27227@end smallexample
27228
27229If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
27230modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
27231a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
27232
27233@node Registering Code
27234@section Registering Code
27235
27236To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
27237
27238@itemize @bullet
27239@item
27240Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
27241information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
27242
27243@item
27244Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
27245file.
27246
27247@item
27248Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
27249
27250@item
27251Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
27252
27253@item
27254Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
27255@code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
27256@end itemize
27257
27258When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
27259@code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
27260new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
27261@value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
27262
27263@node Unregistering Code
27264@section Unregistering Code
27265
27266If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
27267
27268@itemize @bullet
27269@item
27270Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
27271
27272@item
27273Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
27274
27275@item
27276Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
27277@code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
27278@end itemize
27279
27280If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
27281and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
27282
27283@node GDB Bugs
27284@chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
27285@cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
27286@cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
27287
27288Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
27289
27290Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
27291may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
27292the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
27293reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
27294
27295In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
27296information that enables us to fix the bug.
27297
27298@menu
27299* Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
27300* Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
27301@end menu
27302
27303@node Bug Criteria
27304@section Have You Found a Bug?
27305@cindex bug criteria
27306
27307If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
27308
27309@itemize @bullet
27310@cindex fatal signal
27311@cindex debugger crash
27312@cindex crash of debugger
27313@item
27314If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
27315@value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
27316
27317@cindex error on valid input
27318@item
27319If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
27320bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
27321somewhere in the connection to the target.)
27322
27323@cindex invalid input
27324@item
27325If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
27326that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
27327``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
27328for traditional practice''.
27329
27330@item
27331If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
27332for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
27333@end itemize
27334
27335@node Bug Reporting
27336@section How to Report Bugs
27337@cindex bug reports
27338@cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
27339
27340A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
27341If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
27342contact that organization first.
27343
27344You can find contact information for many support companies and
27345individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
27346distribution.
27347@c should add a web page ref...
27348
27349@ifset BUGURL
27350@ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
27351In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
27352@value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
27353@uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
27354page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
27355be used.
27356
27357@strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
27358@samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
27359not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
27360@samp{bug-gdb}.
27361
27362The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
27363serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
27364the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
27365newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
27366problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
27367path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
27368we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
27369bug reports to the mailing list.
27370@end ifset
27371@ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
27372In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
27373@value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
27374@end ifclear
27375@end ifset
27376
27377The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
27378@strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
27379fact or leave it out, state it!
27380
27381Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
27382problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
27383assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
27384Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
27385stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
27386name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
27387of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
27388the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
27389easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
27390
27391Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
27392bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
27393you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
27394self-contained.
27395
27396Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
27397bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
27398@emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
27399bugs properly.
27400
27401To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
27402
27403@itemize @bullet
27404@item
27405The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
27406with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
27407version}.
27408
27409Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
27410the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
27411
27412@item
27413The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
27414version number.
27415
27416@item
27417What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
27418``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
27419
27420@item
27421What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
27422debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
27423C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
27424to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
27425those compilers.
27426
27427@item
27428The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
27429observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
27430you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
27431Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
27432
27433If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
27434and then we might not encounter the bug.
27435
27436@item
27437A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
27438reproduce the bug.
27439
27440@item
27441A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
27442incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
27443
27444Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
27445will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
27446not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
27447a chance to make a mistake.
27448
27449Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
27450say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
27451copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
27452the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
27453crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
27454ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
27455us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
27456to draw any conclusion from our observations.
27457
27458@pindex script
27459@cindex recording a session script
27460To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
27461such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
27462Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
27463include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
27464
27465Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
27466inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
27467
27468@item
27469If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
27470diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
27471it by context, not by line number.
27472
27473The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
27474sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
27475
27476@end itemize
27477
27478Here are some things that are not necessary:
27479
27480@itemize @bullet
27481@item
27482A description of the envelope of the bug.
27483
27484Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
27485which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
27486changes will not affect it.
27487
27488This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
27489will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
27490with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
27491We recommend that you save your time for something else.
27492
27493Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
27494of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
27495output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
27496less time, and so on.
27497
27498However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
27499report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
27500
27501@item
27502A patch for the bug.
27503
27504A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
27505the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
27506a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
27507to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
27508
27509Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
27510construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
27511through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
27512to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
27513
27514And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
27515patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
27516help us to understand.
27517
27518@item
27519A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
27520
27521Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
27522things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
27523@end itemize
27524
27525@c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
27526@c and consists of the two following files:
27527@c rluser.texinfo
27528@c inc-hist.texinfo
27529@c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
27530@c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
27531@include rluser.texi
27532@include inc-hist.texinfo
27533
27534
27535@node Formatting Documentation
27536@appendix Formatting Documentation
27537
27538@cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
27539@cindex reference card
27540The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
27541for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
27542subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
27543@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
27544release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
27545you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
27546
27547The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
27548can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
27549
27550@smallexample
27551make refcard.dvi
27552@end smallexample
27553
27554The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
27555mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
27556that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
27557high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
27558your @sc{dvi} output program.
27559
27560@cindex documentation
27561
27562All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
27563distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
27564a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
27565on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
27566formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
27567and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
27568
27569@value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
27570version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
27571file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
27572subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
27573necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
27574but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
27575Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
27576@sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
27577
27578If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
27579Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
27580@code{makeinfo}.
27581
27582If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
27583@value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
27584version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
27585
27586@smallexample
27587cd gdb
27588make gdb.info
27589@end smallexample
27590
27591If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
27592a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
27593Texinfo definitions file.
27594
27595@TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
27596produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
27597document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
27598has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
27599command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
27600(for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
27601require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
27602
27603@TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
27604@file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
27605written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
27606typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
27607and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
27608directory.
27609
27610If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
27611typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
27612subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
27613@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
27614
27615@smallexample
27616make gdb.dvi
27617@end smallexample
27618
27619Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
27620
27621@node Installing GDB
27622@appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
27623@cindex installation
27624
27625@menu
27626* Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
27627* Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
27628* Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
27629* Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
27630* Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
27631* System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
27632@end menu
27633
27634@node Requirements
27635@section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
27636@cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
27637
27638Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
27639Other packages will be used only if they are found.
27640
27641@heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
27642@table @asis
27643@item ISO C90 compiler
27644@value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
27645working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
27646
27647@end table
27648
27649@heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
27650@table @asis
27651@item Expat
27652@anchor{Expat}
27653@value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
27654included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
27655can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
27656The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
27657standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
27658use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
27659
27660Expat is used for:
27661
27662@itemize @bullet
27663@item
27664Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
27665@item
27666Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
27667@item
27668Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
27669@item
27670MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
27671@end itemize
27672
27673@item zlib
27674@cindex compressed debug sections
27675@value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
27676compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
27677of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
27678is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
27679information in such binaries.
27680
27681The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
27682distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
27683@url{http://zlib.net}.
27684
27685@item iconv
27686@value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
27687Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
27688on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
27689other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
27690
27691On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
27692have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
27693@option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
27694
27695@value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
27696arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
27697in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
27698if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
27699implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
27700by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
27701Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
27702Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
27703@end table
27704
27705@node Running Configure
27706@section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
27707@cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
27708@value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
27709of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
27710build the @code{gdb} program.
27711@iftex
27712@c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
27713@footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
27714look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
27715installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
27716@end iftex
27717
27718The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
27719@value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
27720appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
27721
27722For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
27723@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
27724
27725@table @code
27726@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
27727script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
27728
27729@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
27730the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
27731
27732@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
27733source for the Binary File Descriptor library
27734
27735@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
27736@sc{gnu} include files
27737
27738@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
27739source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
27740
27741@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
27742source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
27743
27744@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
27745source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
27746
27747@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
27748source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
27749
27750@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
27751source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
27752@end table
27753
27754The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
27755from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
27756this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
27757
27758First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
27759if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
27760identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
27761argument.
27762
27763For example:
27764
27765@smallexample
27766cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
27767./configure @var{host}
27768make
27769@end smallexample
27770
27771@noindent
27772where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
27773@samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
27774(You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
27775correct value by examining your system.)
27776
27777Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
27778@file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
27779libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
27780binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
27781
27782@need 750
27783@file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
27784system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
27785shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
27786
27787@smallexample
27788sh configure @var{host}
27789@end smallexample
27790
27791If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
27792directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
27793@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
27794@file{configure}
27795creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
27796you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
27797
27798You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
27799source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
27800@file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
27801that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
27802if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
27803of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
27804configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
27805directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
27806about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
27807
27808You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
27809However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
27810the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
27811that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
27812let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
27813
27814@node Separate Objdir
27815@section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
27816
27817If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
27818you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
27819host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
27820allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
27821rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
27822handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
27823@code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
27824program specified there.
27825
27826To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
27827with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
27828(You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
27829itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
27830would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
27831the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
27832
27833For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
27834separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
27835
27836@smallexample
27837@group
27838cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
27839mkdir ../gdb-sun4
27840cd ../gdb-sun4
27841../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
27842make
27843@end group
27844@end smallexample
27845
27846When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
27847directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
27848(and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
27849the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
27850directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
27851@file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
27852
27853Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
27854instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
27855like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
27856one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
27857build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
27858
27859One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
27860directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
27861@value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
27862programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
27863You specify a cross-debugging target by
27864giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
27865
27866When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
27867it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
27868called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
27869
27870The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
27871directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
27872directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
27873directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
27874will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
27875
27876When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
27877directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
27878if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
27879with each other.
27880
27881@node Config Names
27882@section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
27883
27884The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
27885script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
27886aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
27887of information in the following pattern:
27888
27889@smallexample
27890@var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
27891@end smallexample
27892
27893For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
27894or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
27895option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
27896
27897The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
27898any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
27899aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
27900@code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
27901script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
27902abbreviations---for example:
27903
27904@smallexample
27905% sh config.sub i386-linux
27906i386-pc-linux-gnu
27907% sh config.sub alpha-linux
27908alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
27909% sh config.sub hp9k700
27910hppa1.1-hp-hpux
27911% sh config.sub sun4
27912sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
27913% sh config.sub sun3
27914m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
27915% sh config.sub i986v
27916Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
27917@end smallexample
27918
27919@noindent
27920@code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
27921directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
27922
27923@node Configure Options
27924@section @file{configure} Options
27925
27926Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
27927are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
27928several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
27929Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
27930
27931@smallexample
27932configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
27933 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
27934 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
27935 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
27936 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
27937 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
27938 @var{host}
27939@end smallexample
27940
27941@noindent
27942You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
27943@samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
27944@samp{--}.
27945
27946@table @code
27947@item --help
27948Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
27949
27950@item --prefix=@var{dir}
27951Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
27952@file{@var{dir}}.
27953
27954@item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
27955Configure the source to install programs under directory
27956@file{@var{dir}}.
27957
27958@c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
27959@need 2000
27960@item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
27961@strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
27962@code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
27963Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
27964@value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
27965build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
27966directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
27967the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
27968directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
27969the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
27970@var{dirname}.
27971
27972@item --norecursion
27973Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
27974propagate configuration to subdirectories.
27975
27976@item --target=@var{target}
27977Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
27978@var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
27979programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
27980
27981There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
27982
27983@item @var{host} @dots{}
27984Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
27985
27986There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
27987@end table
27988
27989There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
27990needed for special purposes only.
27991
27992@node System-wide configuration
27993@section System-wide configuration and settings
27994@cindex system-wide init file
27995
27996@value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
27997this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
27998@value{GDBN} does during startup}).
27999
28000Here is the corresponding configure option:
28001
28002@table @code
28003@item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
28004Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
28005@var{file}.
28006@end table
28007
28008If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
28009it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
28010
28011@itemize @bullet
28012@item
28013If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
28014it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
28015are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
28016if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
28017init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
28018@file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
28019
28020@item
28021By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
28022it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
28023@option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
28024then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
28025wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
28026@end itemize
28027
28028@node Maintenance Commands
28029@appendix Maintenance Commands
28030@cindex maintenance commands
28031@cindex internal commands
28032
28033In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
28034includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
28035that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
28036provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
28037messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
28038
28039@table @code
28040@kindex maint agent
28041@kindex maint agent-eval
28042@item maint agent @var{expression}
28043@itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
28044Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
28045This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
28046(@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
28047expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
28048@samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
28049to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
28050globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
28051of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
28052the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
28053addition and return the sum.
28054
28055@kindex maint info breakpoints
28056@item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
28057Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
28058breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
28059internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
28060breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
28061is shown:
28062
28063@table @code
28064@item breakpoint
28065Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
28066
28067@item watchpoint
28068Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
28069
28070@item longjmp
28071Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
28072@code{longjmp} calls.
28073
28074@item longjmp resume
28075Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
28076
28077@item until
28078Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
28079
28080@item finish
28081Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
28082
28083@item shlib events
28084Shared library events.
28085
28086@end table
28087
28088@kindex set displaced-stepping
28089@kindex show displaced-stepping
28090@cindex displaced stepping support
28091@cindex out-of-line single-stepping
28092@item set displaced-stepping
28093@itemx show displaced-stepping
28094Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
28095if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
28096over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
28097an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
28098breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
28099
28100@table @code
28101@item set displaced-stepping on
28102If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
28103displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
28104
28105@item set displaced-stepping off
28106@value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
28107even if such is supported by the target architecture.
28108
28109@cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
28110@item set displaced-stepping auto
28111This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
28112only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
28113architecture supports displaced stepping.
28114@end table
28115
28116@kindex maint check-symtabs
28117@item maint check-symtabs
28118Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
28119
28120@kindex maint cplus first_component
28121@item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
28122Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
28123
28124@kindex maint cplus namespace
28125@item maint cplus namespace
28126Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
28127
28128@kindex maint demangle
28129@item maint demangle @var{name}
28130Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
28131
28132@kindex maint deprecate
28133@kindex maint undeprecate
28134@cindex deprecated commands
28135@item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
28136@itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
28137Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
28138cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
28139argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
28140favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
28141the replacement as part of the warning.
28142
28143@kindex maint dump-me
28144@item maint dump-me
28145@cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
28146Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
28147This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
28148with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
28149
28150@kindex maint internal-error
28151@kindex maint internal-warning
28152@item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
28153@itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
28154Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
28155or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
28156or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
28157internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
28158either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
28159@value{GDBN} session.
28160
28161These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
28162used as the text of the error or warning message.
28163
28164Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
28165
28166@smallexample
28167(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
28168@dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
28169A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
28170debugging may prove unreliable.
28171Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
28172Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
28173(@value{GDBP})
28174@end smallexample
28175
28176@cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
28177@cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
28178
28179@kindex maint set internal-error
28180@kindex maint show internal-error
28181@kindex maint set internal-warning
28182@kindex maint show internal-warning
28183@item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
28184@itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
28185@itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
28186@itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
28187When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
28188gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
28189core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
28190override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
28191described in the table below.
28192
28193@table @samp
28194@item quit
28195You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
28196quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
28197
28198@item corefile
28199You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
28200create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
28201@end table
28202
28203@kindex maint packet
28204@item maint packet @var{text}
28205If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
28206then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
28207displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
28208@samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
28209checksum.
28210
28211@kindex maint print architecture
28212@item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28213Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
28214@var{file} names the file where the output goes.
28215
28216@kindex maint print c-tdesc
28217@item maint print c-tdesc
28218Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
28219a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
28220when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
28221
28222@kindex maint print dummy-frames
28223@item maint print dummy-frames
28224Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
28225
28226@smallexample
28227(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
28228@dots{}
28229(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
28230Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
2823158 return (a + b);
28232The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
28233@dots{}
28234(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
282350x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
28236 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
28237 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
28238(@value{GDBP})
28239@end smallexample
28240
28241Takes an optional file parameter.
28242
28243@kindex maint print registers
28244@kindex maint print raw-registers
28245@kindex maint print cooked-registers
28246@kindex maint print register-groups
28247@item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28248@itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28249@itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28250@itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28251Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
28252
28253The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
28254the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
28255includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
28256@code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
28257register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
28258@value{GDBN} Internals}.
28259
28260These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
28261write the information.
28262
28263@kindex maint print reggroups
28264@item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
28265Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
28266optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
28267information.
28268
28269The register groups info looks like this:
28270
28271@smallexample
28272(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
28273 Group Type
28274 general user
28275 float user
28276 all user
28277 vector user
28278 system user
28279 save internal
28280 restore internal
28281@end smallexample
28282
28283@kindex flushregs
28284@item flushregs
28285This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
28286
28287@kindex maint print objfiles
28288@cindex info for known object files
28289@item maint print objfiles
28290Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
28291command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
28292and symtabs.
28293
28294@kindex maint print statistics
28295@cindex bcache statistics
28296@item maint print statistics
28297This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
28298about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
28299statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
28300of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
28301defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
28302the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
28303used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
28304sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
28305average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
28306savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
28307lengths.
28308
28309@kindex maint print target-stack
28310@cindex target stack description
28311@item maint print target-stack
28312A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
28313kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
28314so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
28315In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
28316until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
28317address.
28318
28319This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
28320the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
28321
28322@kindex maint print type
28323@cindex type chain of a data type
28324@item maint print type @var{expr}
28325Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
28326can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
28327that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
28328a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
28329data structures, including its flags and contained types.
28330
28331@kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
28332@kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
28333@item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
28334@itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
28335Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
28336
28337@cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
28338In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
28339produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
28340reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
28341This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
28342cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
28343compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
28344memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
28345slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
28346
28347@kindex maint set profile
28348@kindex maint show profile
28349@cindex profiling GDB
28350@item maint set profile
28351@itemx maint show profile
28352Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
28353
28354Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
28355command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
28356collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
28357exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
28358if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
28359(often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
28360data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
28361
28362Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
28363compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
28364
28365@kindex maint set show-debug-regs
28366@kindex maint show show-debug-regs
28367@cindex hardware debug registers
28368@item maint set show-debug-regs
28369@itemx maint show show-debug-regs
28370Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
28371registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
28372enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
28373removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
28374triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
28375
28376@kindex maint space
28377@cindex memory used by commands
28378@item maint space
28379Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
28380nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
28381took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
28382by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
28383switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
28384
28385@kindex maint time
28386@cindex time of command execution
28387@item maint time
28388Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
28389set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
28390took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
28391The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
28392there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
28393by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
28394it's not possibly currently
28395This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
28396@option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
28397
28398@kindex maint translate-address
28399@item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
28400Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
28401@var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
28402@value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
28403the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
28404the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
28405command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
28406
28407If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
28408is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
28409executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
28410
28411@end table
28412
28413The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
28414@value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
28415
28416@table @code
28417@item set watchdog @var{nsec}
28418@kindex set watchdog
28419@cindex watchdog timer
28420@cindex timeout for commands
28421Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
28422target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
28423reports and error and the command is aborted.
28424
28425@item show watchdog
28426Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
28427@end table
28428
28429@node Remote Protocol
28430@appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
28431
28432@menu
28433* Overview::
28434* Packets::
28435* Stop Reply Packets::
28436* General Query Packets::
28437* Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
28438* Tracepoint Packets::
28439* Host I/O Packets::
28440* Interrupts::
28441* Notification Packets::
28442* Remote Non-Stop::
28443* Packet Acknowledgment::
28444* Examples::
28445* File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
28446* Library List Format::
28447* Memory Map Format::
28448* Thread List Format::
28449@end menu
28450
28451@node Overview
28452@section Overview
28453
28454There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
28455protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
28456machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
28457recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
28458
28459In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
28460transmitted and received data, respectively.
28461
28462@cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
28463@cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
28464@cindex remote serial protocol
28465All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
28466and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
28467@var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
28468@samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
28469@samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
28470
28471@smallexample
28472@code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
28473@end smallexample
28474@noindent
28475
28476@cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
28477@noindent
28478The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
28479characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
28480eight bit unsigned checksum).
28481
28482Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
28483specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
28484
28485@smallexample
28486@code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
28487@end smallexample
28488
28489@cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
28490@noindent
28491That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
28492has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
28493since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
28494
28495When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
28496response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
28497the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
28498retransmission):
28499
28500@smallexample
28501-> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
28502<- @code{+}
28503@end smallexample
28504@noindent
28505
28506The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
28507once a connection is established.
28508@xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
28509
28510The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
28511debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
28512the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
28513when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
28514threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
28515behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
28516execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
28517
28518@var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
28519exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
28520exceptions).
28521
28522@cindex remote protocol, field separator
28523Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
28524@samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
28525@sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
28526
28527Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
28528@samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
28529would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
28530
28531@cindex remote protocol, binary data
28532@anchor{Binary Data}
28533Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
28534digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
28535protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
28536Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
28537connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
28538binary data.
28539
28540The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
28541as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
28542character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
28543For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
28544bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
28545@code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
28546@samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
28547must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
28548is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
28549(described next).
28550
28551Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
28552Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
28553instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
28554repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
28555binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
28556@code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
28557produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
28558code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
28559encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
28560@samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
28561after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
285623}} more times.
28563
28564The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
28565greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
28566seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
28567five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
28568@samp{0*"00}.
28569
28570The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
28571error number. That number is not well defined.
28572
28573@cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
28574For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
28575(@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
28576protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
28577on that response.
28578
28579A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
28580@samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
28581optional.
28582
28583@node Packets
28584@section Packets
28585
28586The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
28587@var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
28588@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
28589I/O extension of the remote protocol.
28590
28591Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
28592syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
28593include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
28594part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
28595separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
28596@var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
28597bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
28598@var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
28599@samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
28600@var{baz}.
28601
28602@cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
28603@anchor{thread-id syntax}
28604Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
28605a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
28606interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
28607can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
28608pick any thread.
28609
28610In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
28611which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
28612process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
28613The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
28614format described above: a positive number with target-specific
28615interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
28616to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
28617indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
28618@samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
28619error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
28620@samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
28621for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
28622ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
28623
28624The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
28625@value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
28626feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
28627more information.
28628
28629Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
28630letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
28631
28632Here are the packet descriptions.
28633
28634@table @samp
28635
28636@item !
28637@cindex @samp{!} packet
28638@anchor{extended mode}
28639Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
28640persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
28641debugged.
28642
28643Reply:
28644@table @samp
28645@item OK
28646The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
28647@end table
28648
28649@item ?
28650@cindex @samp{?} packet
28651Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
28652step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
28653target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
28654
28655Reply:
28656@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28657
28658@item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
28659@cindex @samp{A} packet
28660Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
28661specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
28662@var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
28663
28664Reply:
28665@table @samp
28666@item OK
28667The arguments were set.
28668@item E @var{NN}
28669An error occurred.
28670@end table
28671
28672@item b @var{baud}
28673@cindex @samp{b} packet
28674(Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
28675Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
28676
28677JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
28678received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
28679problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
28680
28681Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
28682it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
28683some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
28684switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
28685of view, nothing actually happened.}
28686
28687@item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
28688@cindex @samp{B} packet
28689Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
28690breakpoint at @var{addr}.
28691
28692Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
28693(@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
28694
28695@cindex @samp{bc} packet
28696@anchor{bc}
28697@item bc
28698Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
28699@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
28700
28701Reply:
28702@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28703
28704@cindex @samp{bs} packet
28705@anchor{bs}
28706@item bs
28707Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
28708@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
28709
28710Reply:
28711@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28712
28713@item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
28714@cindex @samp{c} packet
28715Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
28716resume at current address.
28717
28718Reply:
28719@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28720
28721@item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
28722@cindex @samp{C} packet
28723Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
28724@samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
28725
28726Reply:
28727@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28728
28729@item d
28730@cindex @samp{d} packet
28731Toggle debug flag.
28732
28733Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
28734(@pxref{General Query Packets}).
28735
28736@item D
28737@itemx D;@var{pid}
28738@cindex @samp{D} packet
28739The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
28740remote system. It is sent to the remote target
28741before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
28742
28743The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
28744protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
28745detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
28746big-endian hex string.
28747
28748Reply:
28749@table @samp
28750@item OK
28751for success
28752@item E @var{NN}
28753for an error
28754@end table
28755
28756@item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
28757@cindex @samp{F} packet
28758A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
28759This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
28760Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
28761
28762@item g
28763@anchor{read registers packet}
28764@cindex @samp{g} packet
28765Read general registers.
28766
28767Reply:
28768@table @samp
28769@item @var{XX@dots{}}
28770Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
28771with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
28772each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
28773determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
28774@code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
28775specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
28776@item E @var{NN}
28777for an error.
28778@end table
28779
28780@item G @var{XX@dots{}}
28781@cindex @samp{G} packet
28782Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
28783description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
28784
28785Reply:
28786@table @samp
28787@item OK
28788for success
28789@item E @var{NN}
28790for an error
28791@end table
28792
28793@item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
28794@cindex @samp{H} packet
28795Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
28796@samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
28797should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
28798operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
28799interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
28800
28801Reply:
28802@table @samp
28803@item OK
28804for success
28805@item E @var{NN}
28806for an error
28807@end table
28808
28809@c FIXME: JTC:
28810@c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
28811@c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
28812@c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
28813@c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
28814@c described. For example:
28815@c
28816@c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
28817@c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
28818@c otherwise returns current registers.
28819@c
28820@c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
28821@c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
28822@c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
28823
28824@item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
28825@anchor{cycle step packet}
28826@cindex @samp{i} packet
28827Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
28828present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
28829step starting at that address.
28830
28831@item I
28832@cindex @samp{I} packet
28833Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
28834step packet}.
28835
28836@item k
28837@cindex @samp{k} packet
28838Kill request.
28839
28840FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
28841thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
28842thread?)}.
28843
28844@item m @var{addr},@var{length}
28845@cindex @samp{m} packet
28846Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
28847Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
28848
28849The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
28850data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
28851and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
28852use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
28853suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
28854@cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
28855@cindex size of remote memory accesses
28856@cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
28857
28858Reply:
28859@table @samp
28860@item @var{XX@dots{}}
28861Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
28862number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
28863server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
28864@item E @var{NN}
28865@var{NN} is errno
28866@end table
28867
28868@item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
28869@cindex @samp{M} packet
28870Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
28871@var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
28872hexadecimal number.
28873
28874Reply:
28875@table @samp
28876@item OK
28877for success
28878@item E @var{NN}
28879for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
28880written).
28881@end table
28882
28883@item p @var{n}
28884@cindex @samp{p} packet
28885Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
28886@xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
28887register value is encoded.
28888
28889Reply:
28890@table @samp
28891@item @var{XX@dots{}}
28892the register's value
28893@item E @var{NN}
28894for an error
28895@item
28896Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
28897@end table
28898
28899@item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
28900@anchor{write register packet}
28901@cindex @samp{P} packet
28902Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
28903number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
28904digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
28905
28906Reply:
28907@table @samp
28908@item OK
28909for success
28910@item E @var{NN}
28911for an error
28912@end table
28913
28914@item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
28915@itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
28916@cindex @samp{q} packet
28917@cindex @samp{Q} packet
28918General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
28919described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
28920
28921@item r
28922@cindex @samp{r} packet
28923Reset the entire system.
28924
28925Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
28926
28927@item R @var{XX}
28928@cindex @samp{R} packet
28929Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
28930This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
28931
28932The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
28933
28934@item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
28935@cindex @samp{s} packet
28936Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
28937@var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
28938
28939Reply:
28940@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28941
28942@item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
28943@anchor{step with signal packet}
28944@cindex @samp{S} packet
28945Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
28946requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
28947
28948Reply:
28949@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
28950
28951@item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
28952@cindex @samp{t} packet
28953Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
28954@var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
28955@var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
28956
28957@item T @var{thread-id}
28958@cindex @samp{T} packet
28959Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
28960
28961Reply:
28962@table @samp
28963@item OK
28964thread is still alive
28965@item E @var{NN}
28966thread is dead
28967@end table
28968
28969@item v
28970Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
28971up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
28972
28973@item vAttach;@var{pid}
28974@cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
28975Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
28976The process ID is a
28977hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
28978threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
28979attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
28980
28981@c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
28982@c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
28983@c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
28984@c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
28985@c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
28986@c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
28987@c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
28988@c stopping or restarting threads.
28989
28990This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
28991
28992Reply:
28993@table @samp
28994@item E @var{nn}
28995for an error
28996@item @r{Any stop packet}
28997for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
28998@item OK
28999for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
29000@end table
29001
29002@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
29003@cindex @samp{vCont} packet
29004Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
29005If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
29006threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
29007specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
29008in their current state in non-stop mode.
29009Specifying multiple
29010default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
29011Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
29012
29013Currently supported actions are:
29014
29015@table @samp
29016@item c
29017Continue.
29018@item C @var{sig}
29019Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
29020@item s
29021Step.
29022@item S @var{sig}
29023Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
29024@item t
29025Stop.
29026@end table
29027
29028The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
29029@samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
29030not supported in @samp{vCont}.
29031
29032The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
29033(@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
29034A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
29035When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
29036the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
29037signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
29038as an implementation detail.
29039
29040Reply:
29041@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
29042
29043@item vCont?
29044@cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
29045Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
29046
29047Reply:
29048@table @samp
29049@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
29050The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
29051command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
29052@item
29053The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
29054@end table
29055
29056@item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
29057@cindex @samp{vFile} packet
29058Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
29059see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
29060
29061@item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
29062@cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
29063Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
29064@var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
29065its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
29066flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
29067Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
29068together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
29069stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
29070packet is received.
29071
29072The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
29073multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
29074this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
29075in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
29076@var{thread-id}.
29077
29078Reply:
29079@table @samp
29080@item OK
29081for success
29082@item E @var{NN}
29083for an error
29084@end table
29085
29086@item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
29087@cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
29088Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
29089is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
29090packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
29091@samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
29092not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
29093(although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
29094have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
29095@samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
29096neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
29097target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
29098
29099
29100Reply:
29101@table @samp
29102@item OK
29103for success
29104@item E.memtype
29105for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
29106@item E @var{NN}
29107for an error
29108@end table
29109
29110@item vFlashDone
29111@cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
29112Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
29113The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
29114@samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
29115@samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
29116regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
29117request is completed.
29118
29119@item vKill;@var{pid}
29120@cindex @samp{vKill} packet
29121Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
29122hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
29123preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
29124supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
29125
29126Reply:
29127@table @samp
29128@item E @var{nn}
29129for an error
29130@item OK
29131for success
29132@end table
29133
29134@item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
29135@cindex @samp{vRun} packet
29136Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
29137command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
29138@var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
29139(e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
29140state.
29141
29142@c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
29143
29144This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
29145
29146Reply:
29147@table @samp
29148@item E @var{nn}
29149for an error
29150@item @r{Any stop packet}
29151for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
29152@end table
29153
29154@item vStopped
29155@anchor{vStopped packet}
29156@cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
29157
29158In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
29159reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
29160
29161Reply:
29162@table @samp
29163@item @r{Any stop packet}
29164if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
29165@item OK
29166if there are no unreported stop events
29167@end table
29168
29169@item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
29170@anchor{X packet}
29171@cindex @samp{X} packet
29172Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
29173@var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
29174@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
29175
29176Reply:
29177@table @samp
29178@item OK
29179for success
29180@item E @var{NN}
29181for an error
29182@end table
29183
29184@item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
29185@itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
29186@anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
29187@cindex @samp{z} packet
29188@cindex @samp{Z} packets
29189Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
29190watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
29191
29192Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
29193separately.
29194
29195@emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
29196for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
29197remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
29198@samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
29199avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
29200be implemented in an idempotent way.}
29201
29202@item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29203@itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29204@cindex @samp{z0} packet
29205@cindex @samp{Z0} packet
29206Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
29207@var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
29208
29209A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
29210@var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
29211@var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
29212the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
29213and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
29214architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
29215see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
29216
29217@emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
29218code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
29219overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
29220target, is not defined.}
29221
29222Reply:
29223@table @samp
29224@item OK
29225success
29226@item
29227not supported
29228@item E @var{NN}
29229for an error
29230@end table
29231
29232@item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29233@itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29234@cindex @samp{z1} packet
29235@cindex @samp{Z1} packet
29236Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
29237address @var{addr}.
29238
29239A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
29240dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
29241has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
29242
29243@emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
29244movement.}
29245
29246Reply:
29247@table @samp
29248@item OK
29249success
29250@item
29251not supported
29252@item E @var{NN}
29253for an error
29254@end table
29255
29256@item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29257@itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29258@cindex @samp{z2} packet
29259@cindex @samp{Z2} packet
29260Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
29261@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
29262
29263Reply:
29264@table @samp
29265@item OK
29266success
29267@item
29268not supported
29269@item E @var{NN}
29270for an error
29271@end table
29272
29273@item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29274@itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29275@cindex @samp{z3} packet
29276@cindex @samp{Z3} packet
29277Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
29278@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
29279
29280Reply:
29281@table @samp
29282@item OK
29283success
29284@item
29285not supported
29286@item E @var{NN}
29287for an error
29288@end table
29289
29290@item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29291@itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
29292@cindex @samp{z4} packet
29293@cindex @samp{Z4} packet
29294Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
29295@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
29296
29297Reply:
29298@table @samp
29299@item OK
29300success
29301@item
29302not supported
29303@item E @var{NN}
29304for an error
29305@end table
29306
29307@end table
29308
29309@node Stop Reply Packets
29310@section Stop Reply Packets
29311@cindex stop reply packets
29312
29313The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
29314@samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
29315receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
29316and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
29317when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
29318number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
29319@value{GDBN} source code.
29320
29321As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
29322reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
29323syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
29324components.
29325
29326@table @samp
29327
29328@item S @var{AA}
29329The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
29330number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
29331@var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
29332
29333@item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
29334@cindex @samp{T} packet reply
29335The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
29336number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
29337@samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
29338and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
29339round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
29340this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
29341
29342@itemize @bullet
29343@item
29344If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
29345corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
29346series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
29347two-digit hex number.
29348
29349@item
29350If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
29351the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
29352
29353@item
29354If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
29355the core on which the stop event was detected.
29356
29357@item
29358If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
29359specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
29360reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
29361signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
29362
29363@item
29364Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
29365and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
29366future.
29367@end itemize
29368
29369The currently defined stop reasons are:
29370
29371@table @samp
29372@item watch
29373@itemx rwatch
29374@itemx awatch
29375The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
29376hex.
29377
29378@cindex shared library events, remote reply
29379@item library
29380The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
29381@value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
29382list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
29383
29384@cindex replay log events, remote reply
29385@item replaylog
29386The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
29387logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
29388beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
29389will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
29390for more information.
29391@end table
29392
29393@item W @var{AA}
29394@itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
29395The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
29396applicable to certain targets.
29397
29398The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
29399process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
29400multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
29401The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
29402
29403@item X @var{AA}
29404@itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
29405The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
29406
29407The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
29408terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
29409support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
29410extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
29411
29412@item O @var{XX}@dots{}
29413@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
29414written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
29415while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
29416for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
29417
29418@item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
29419@var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
29420be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
29421correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
29422@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
29423system calls.
29424
29425@samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
29426this very system call.
29427
29428The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
29429call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
29430with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
29431reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
29432or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
29433Protocol Extension}, for more details.
29434
29435@end table
29436
29437@node General Query Packets
29438@section General Query Packets
29439@cindex remote query requests
29440
29441Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
29442packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
29443query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
29444sending information to and from the stub.
29445
29446The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
29447indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
29448@value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
29449definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
29450conventions:
29451
29452@itemize @bullet
29453@item
29454The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
29455@item
29456Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
29457letter.
29458@item
29459The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
29460lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
29461the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
29462foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
29463@end itemize
29464
29465The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
29466parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
29467separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
29468full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
29469in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
29470with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
29471packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
29472for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
29473are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
29474existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
29475packet.}.
29476
29477Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
29478has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
29479explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
29480templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
29481@value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
29482
29483Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
29484
29485@table @samp
29486
29487@item qC
29488@cindex current thread, remote request
29489@cindex @samp{qC} packet
29490Return the current thread ID.
29491
29492Reply:
29493@table @samp
29494@item QC @var{thread-id}
29495Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
29496@ref{thread-id syntax}.
29497@item @r{(anything else)}
29498Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
29499@end table
29500
29501@item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
29502@cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
29503@cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
29504Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
29505IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
29506significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
29507@code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
29508
29509@emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
29510files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
29511Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
29512separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
29513significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
29514detect trailing zeros.
29515
29516Reply:
29517@table @samp
29518@item E @var{NN}
29519An error (such as memory fault)
29520@item C @var{crc32}
29521The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
29522@end table
29523
29524@item qfThreadInfo
29525@itemx qsThreadInfo
29526@cindex list active threads, remote request
29527@cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
29528@cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
29529Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
29530may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
29531works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
29532obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
29533be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
29534sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
29535
29536NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
29537
29538Reply:
29539@table @samp
29540@item m @var{thread-id}
29541A single thread ID
29542@item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
29543a comma-separated list of thread IDs
29544@item l
29545(lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
29546@end table
29547
29548In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
29549more thread IDs, separated by commas.
29550@value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
29551ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
29552with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
29553Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
29554fields.
29555
29556@item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
29557@cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
29558@cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
29559Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
29560by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
29561
29562@var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
29563thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
29564
29565@var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
29566thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
29567information associated with the variable.)
29568
29569@var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
29570the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
29571a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
29572object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
29573Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
29574differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
29575
29576Reply:
29577@table @samp
29578@item @var{XX}@dots{}
29579Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
29580local storage requested.
29581
29582@item E @var{nn}
29583An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
29584
29585@item
29586An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
29587@end table
29588
29589@item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
29590Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
29591digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
29592subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
29593number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
29594(eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
29595returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
29596
29597Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
29598
29599Reply:
29600@table @samp
29601@item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
29602Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
29603returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
29604and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
29605digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
29606is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
29607digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
29608@end table
29609
29610@item qOffsets
29611@cindex section offsets, remote request
29612@cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
29613Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
29614image.
29615
29616Reply:
29617@table @samp
29618@item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
29619Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
29620Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
29621If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
29622@samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
29623segments by the supplied offsets.
29624
29625@emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
29626@value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
29627to the @code{Bss} section.}
29628
29629@item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
29630Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
29631contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
29632@samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
29633conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
29634@var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
29635does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
29636as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
29637kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
29638@end table
29639
29640@item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
29641@cindex thread information, remote request
29642@cindex @samp{qP} packet
29643Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
29644encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
29645(@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
29646
29647Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
29648(see below).
29649
29650Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
29651
29652@item QNonStop:1
29653@item QNonStop:0
29654@cindex non-stop mode, remote request
29655@cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
29656@anchor{QNonStop}
29657Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
29658@xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
29659
29660Reply:
29661@table @samp
29662@item OK
29663The request succeeded.
29664
29665@item E @var{nn}
29666An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
29667
29668@item
29669An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
29670the stub.
29671@end table
29672
29673This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
29674by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
29675Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
29676@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
29677
29678@item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
29679@cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
29680@cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
29681@anchor{QPassSignals}
29682Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
29683Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
29684(@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
29685strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
29686the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
29687reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
29688combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
29689new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
29690@var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
29691
29692Reply:
29693@table @samp
29694@item OK
29695The request succeeded.
29696
29697@item E @var{nn}
29698An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
29699
29700@item
29701An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
29702the stub.
29703@end table
29704
29705Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
29706command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
29707This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
29708by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
29709
29710@item qRcmd,@var{command}
29711@cindex execute remote command, remote request
29712@cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
29713@var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
29714execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
29715string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
29716with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
29717packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
29718stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
29719
29720Reply:
29721@table @samp
29722@item OK
29723A command response with no output.
29724@item @var{OUTPUT}
29725A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
29726@item E @var{NN}
29727Indicate a badly formed request.
29728@item
29729An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
29730@end table
29731
29732(Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
29733command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
29734conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
29735packets.)
29736
29737@item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
29738@cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
29739@cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
29740@anchor{qSearch memory}
29741Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
29742@var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
29743@var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
29744
29745Reply:
29746@table @samp
29747@item 0
29748The pattern was not found.
29749@item 1,address
29750The pattern was found at @var{address}.
29751@item E @var{NN}
29752A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
29753@item
29754An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
29755@end table
29756
29757@item QStartNoAckMode
29758@cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
29759@anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
29760Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
29761protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
29762
29763Reply:
29764@table @samp
29765@item OK
29766The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
29767@value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
29768but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
29769@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
29770@item
29771An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
29772@end table
29773
29774@item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
29775@cindex supported packets, remote query
29776@cindex features of the remote protocol
29777@cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
29778@anchor{qSupported}
29779Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
29780query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
29781@value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
29782features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
29783at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
29784packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
29785high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
29786be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
29787stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
29788automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
29789reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
29790unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
29791helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
29792versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
29793
29794Reply:
29795@table @samp
29796@item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
29797The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
29798depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
29799possible forms).
29800@item
29801An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
29802or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
29803@end table
29804
29805The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
29806@samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
29807are:
29808
29809@table @samp
29810@item @var{name}=@var{value}
29811The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
29812with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
29813on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
29814@item @var{name}+
29815The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
29816need an associated value.
29817@item @var{name}-
29818The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
29819@item @var{name}?
29820The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
29821@value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
29822needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
29823but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
29824@end table
29825
29826Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
29827supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
29828request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
29829state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
29830a different version of @value{GDBN}.
29831
29832The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
29833are defined:
29834
29835@table @samp
29836@item multiprocess
29837This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
29838extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
29839extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
29840including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
29841@xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
29842@end table
29843
29844Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
29845@var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
29846packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
29847versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
29848for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
29849advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
29850improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
29851an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
29852of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
29853describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
29854all the features it supports.
29855
29856Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
29857responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
29858
29859Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
29860should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
29861require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
29862form response.
29863
29864Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
29865@samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
29866in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
29867stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
29868
29869Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
29870mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
29871architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
29872about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
29873stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
29874
29875These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
29876
29877@multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
29878@c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
29879@c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
29880@item Feature Name
29881@tab Value Required
29882@tab Default
29883@tab Probe Allowed
29884
29885@item @samp{PacketSize}
29886@tab Yes
29887@tab @samp{-}
29888@tab No
29889
29890@item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
29891@tab No
29892@tab @samp{-}
29893@tab Yes
29894
29895@item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
29896@tab No
29897@tab @samp{-}
29898@tab Yes
29899
29900@item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
29901@tab No
29902@tab @samp{-}
29903@tab Yes
29904
29905@item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
29906@tab No
29907@tab @samp{-}
29908@tab Yes
29909
29910@item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
29911@tab No
29912@tab @samp{-}
29913@tab Yes
29914
29915@item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
29916@tab No
29917@tab @samp{-}
29918@tab Yes
29919
29920@item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
29921@tab No
29922@tab @samp{-}
29923@tab Yes
29924
29925@item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
29926@tab No
29927@tab @samp{-}
29928@tab Yes
29929
29930@item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
29931@tab No
29932@tab @samp{-}
29933@tab Yes
29934
29935
29936@item @samp{QNonStop}
29937@tab No
29938@tab @samp{-}
29939@tab Yes
29940
29941@item @samp{QPassSignals}
29942@tab No
29943@tab @samp{-}
29944@tab Yes
29945
29946@item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
29947@tab No
29948@tab @samp{-}
29949@tab Yes
29950
29951@item @samp{multiprocess}
29952@tab No
29953@tab @samp{-}
29954@tab No
29955
29956@item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
29957@tab No
29958@tab @samp{-}
29959@tab No
29960
29961@item @samp{ReverseContinue}
29962@tab No
29963@tab @samp{-}
29964@tab No
29965
29966@item @samp{ReverseStep}
29967@tab No
29968@tab @samp{-}
29969@tab No
29970
29971@end multitable
29972
29973These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
29974
29975@table @samp
29976@cindex packet size, remote protocol
29977@item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
29978The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
29979length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
29980transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
29981data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
29982There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
29983stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
29984byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
29985@value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
29986
29987@item qXfer:auxv:read
29988The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
29989(@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
29990
29991@item qXfer:features:read
29992The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
29993(@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
29994
29995@item qXfer:libraries:read
29996The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
29997(@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
29998
29999@item qXfer:memory-map:read
30000The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
30001(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
30002
30003@item qXfer:spu:read
30004The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
30005(@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
30006
30007@item qXfer:spu:write
30008The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
30009(@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
30010
30011@item qXfer:siginfo:read
30012The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
30013(@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
30014
30015@item qXfer:siginfo:write
30016The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
30017(@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
30018
30019@item qXfer:threads:read
30020The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
30021(@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
30022
30023@item QNonStop
30024The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
30025(@pxref{QNonStop}).
30026
30027@item QPassSignals
30028The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
30029(@pxref{QPassSignals}).
30030
30031@item QStartNoAckMode
30032The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
30033prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
30034
30035@item multiprocess
30036@anchor{multiprocess extensions}
30037@cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
30038The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
30039protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
30040thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
30041add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
30042replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
30043syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
30044debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
30045multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
30046indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
30047
30048@item qXfer:osdata:read
30049The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
30050((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
30051
30052@item ConditionalTracepoints
30053The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
30054for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
30055
30056@item ReverseContinue
30057The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
30058(@pxref{bc}).
30059
30060@item ReverseStep
30061The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
30062(@pxref{bs}).
30063
30064@end table
30065
30066@item qSymbol::
30067@cindex symbol lookup, remote request
30068@cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
30069Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
30070requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
30071
30072Reply:
30073@table @samp
30074@item OK
30075The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
30076@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
30077The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
30078@value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
30079@samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
30080below.
30081@end table
30082
30083@item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
30084Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
30085
30086@var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
30087target has previously requested.
30088
30089@var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
30090@value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
30091will be empty.
30092
30093Reply:
30094@table @samp
30095@item OK
30096The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
30097@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
30098The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
30099encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
30100(if available), until the target ceases to request them.
30101@end table
30102
30103@item qTBuffer
30104@item QTDisconnected
30105@itemx QTDP
30106@itemx QTDV
30107@itemx qTfP
30108@itemx qTfV
30109@itemx QTFrame
30110@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
30111
30112@item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
30113@cindex thread attributes info, remote request
30114@cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
30115Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
30116the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
30117see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
30118string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
30119for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
30120displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
30121examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
30122@samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
30123
30124Reply:
30125@table @samp
30126@item @var{XX}@dots{}
30127Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
30128comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
30129the thread's attributes.
30130@end table
30131
30132(Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
30133the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
30134conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
30135packets.)
30136
30137@item QTSave
30138@item qTsP
30139@item qTsV
30140@itemx QTStart
30141@itemx QTStop
30142@itemx QTinit
30143@itemx QTro
30144@itemx qTStatus
30145@itemx qTV
30146@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
30147
30148@item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
30149@cindex read special object, remote request
30150@cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
30151@anchor{qXfer read}
30152Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
30153identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
30154starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
30155encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
30156additional details about what data to access.
30157
30158Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
30159@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
30160formats, listed below.
30161
30162@table @samp
30163@item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
30164@anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
30165Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
30166auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
30167
30168This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30169by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30170
30171@item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
30172@anchor{qXfer target description read}
30173Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
30174annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
30175always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
30176
30177This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30178by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30179
30180@item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
30181@anchor{qXfer library list read}
30182Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
30183The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
30184(@pxref{qXfer read}).
30185
30186Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
30187not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
30188the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
30189
30190This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30191by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30192
30193@item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
30194@anchor{qXfer memory map read}
30195Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
30196annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
30197(@pxref{qXfer read}).
30198
30199This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30200by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30201
30202@item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
30203@anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
30204Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
30205system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
30206empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
30207
30208This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30209by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
30210(@pxref{qSupported}).
30211
30212@item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
30213@anchor{qXfer spu read}
30214Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
30215annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
30216@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
30217in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
30218in that context to be accessed.
30219
30220This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30221by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
30222(@pxref{qSupported}).
30223
30224@item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
30225@anchor{qXfer threads read}
30226Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
30227annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
30228(@pxref{qXfer read}).
30229
30230This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30231by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30232
30233@item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
30234@anchor{qXfer osdata read}
30235Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
30236@xref{Operating System Information}.
30237
30238@end table
30239
30240Reply:
30241@table @samp
30242@item m @var{data}
30243Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
30244target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
30245it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
30246block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
30247@var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
30248request.
30249
30250@item l @var{data}
30251Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
30252There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
30253than the @var{length} in the request.
30254
30255@item l
30256The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
30257There is no more data to be read.
30258
30259@item E00
30260The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
30261
30262@item E @var{nn}
30263The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
30264@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
30265
30266@item
30267An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
30268the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
30269@end table
30270
30271@item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
30272@cindex write data into object, remote request
30273@anchor{qXfer write}
30274Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
30275identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
30276into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
30277(@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
30278is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
30279to access.
30280
30281Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
30282@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
30283formats, listed below.
30284
30285@table @samp
30286@item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
30287@anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
30288Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
30289The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
30290empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
30291
30292This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30293by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
30294(@pxref{qSupported}).
30295
30296@item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
30297@anchor{qXfer spu write}
30298Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
30299annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
30300@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
30301in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
30302in that context to be accessed.
30303
30304This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
30305by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30306@end table
30307
30308Reply:
30309@table @samp
30310@item @var{nn}
30311@var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
30312This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
30313
30314@item E00
30315The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
30316
30317@item E @var{nn}
30318The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
30319@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
30320
30321@item
30322An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
30323recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
30324@end table
30325
30326@item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
30327Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
30328not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
30329@var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
30330must respond with an empty packet.
30331
30332@item qAttached:@var{pid}
30333@cindex query attached, remote request
30334@cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
30335Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
30336existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
30337protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
30338@var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
30339process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
30340the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
30341
30342This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
30343should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
30344the @code{quit} command.
30345
30346Reply:
30347@table @samp
30348@item 1
30349The remote server attached to an existing process.
30350@item 0
30351The remote server created a new process.
30352@item E @var{NN}
30353A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
30354@end table
30355
30356@end table
30357
30358@node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
30359@section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
30360
30361This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
30362target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
30363details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
30364
30365@subsection ARM
30366
30367@subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
30368
30369These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
30370
30371@table @r
30372
30373@item 2
3037416-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
30375
30376@item 3
3037732-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
30378
30379@item 4
3038032-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
30381
30382@end table
30383
30384@subsection MIPS
30385
30386@subsubsection Register Packet Format
30387
30388The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
30389In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
30390sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
30391to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
30392byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
30393most-significant - least-significant.
30394
30395@table @r
30396
30397@item MIPS32
30398
30399All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
3040032 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
30401registers; fsr; fir; fp.
30402
30403@item MIPS64
30404
30405All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
30406thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
30407as @code{MIPS32}.
30408
30409@end table
30410
30411@node Tracepoint Packets
30412@section Tracepoint Packets
30413@cindex tracepoint packets
30414@cindex packets, tracepoint
30415
30416Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
30417tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
30418
30419@table @samp
30420
30421@item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
30422Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
30423is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
30424the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
30425count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
30426then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
30427the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
30428for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
30429tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
30430by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
30431encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
30432further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
30433actions.
30434
30435Replies:
30436@table @samp
30437@item OK
30438The packet was understood and carried out.
30439@item
30440The packet was not recognized.
30441@end table
30442
30443@item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
30444Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
30445@var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
30446this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
30447another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
30448trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
30449specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
30450
30451In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
30452can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
30453is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
30454actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
30455taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
30456@samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
30457tracepoint actions.
30458
30459The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
30460actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
30461following forms:
30462
30463@table @samp
30464
30465@item R @var{mask}
30466Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
30467a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
30468@var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
30469zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
30470not fit in a 32-bit word.
30471
30472@item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
30473Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
30474number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
30475@samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
30476address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
30477@var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
30478values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
30479
30480@item X @var{len},@var{expr}
30481Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
30482it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
30483@ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
30484two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
30485in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
30486packet).
30487
30488@end table
30489
30490Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
30491packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
30492length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
30493action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
30494actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
30495must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
30496``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
30497separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
30498
30499Replies:
30500@table @samp
30501@item OK
30502The packet was understood and carried out.
30503@item
30504The packet was not recognized.
30505@end table
30506
30507@item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
30508@cindex define trace state variable, remote request
30509@cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
30510Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
30511value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
30512and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
30513the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
30514target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
30515mentioned in expressions.
30516
30517@item QTFrame:@var{n}
30518Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
30519register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
30520request packets from @value{GDBN}.
30521
30522A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
30523requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
30524without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
30525one of the following forms:
30526
30527@table @samp
30528@item F @var{f}
30529The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
30530@var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
30531was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
30532
30533@item T @var{t}
30534The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
30535@var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
30536
30537@end table
30538
30539@item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
30540Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
30541currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
30542@var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
30543
30544@item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
30545Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
30546currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
30547is a hexadecimal number.
30548
30549@item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
30550Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
30551currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
30552and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
30553numbers.
30554
30555@item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
30556Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
30557frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
30558
30559@item QTStart
30560Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
30561hits in the trace frame buffer.
30562
30563@item QTStop
30564End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
30565
30566@item QTinit
30567Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
30568
30569@item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
30570Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
30571will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
30572if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
30573
30574@value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
30575containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
30576still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
30577there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
30578
30579@item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
30580Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
30581disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
30582continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
30583@value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
30584
30585@item qTStatus
30586Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
30587
30588Replies:
30589@table @samp
30590@item T0
30591There is no trace experiment running.
30592@item T1
30593There is a trace experiment running.
30594@end table
30595
30596@item qTV:@var{var}
30597@cindex trace state variable value, remote request
30598@cindex @samp{qTV} packet
30599Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
30600
30601Replies:
30602@table @samp
30603@item V@var{value}
30604The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
30605value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
30606saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
30607user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
30608different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
30609program is running.
30610
30611@item U
30612The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
30613if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
30614was not collected.
30615@end table
30616
30617@item qTfP
30618@itemx qTsP
30619These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
30620the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
30621of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
30622to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
30623that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
30624
30625@item qTfV
30626@itemx qTsV
30627These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
30628target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
30629and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
30630these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
30631trace state variables.
30632
30633@item QTSave:@var{filename}
30634This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
30635@var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
30636as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
30637absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
30638
30639@item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
30640Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
30641starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
30642a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
30643The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
30644in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
30645A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
30646available.
30647
30648@end table
30649
30650@node Host I/O Packets
30651@section Host I/O Packets
30652@cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
30653@cindex file transfer, remote protocol
30654
30655The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
30656operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
30657used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
30658filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
30659layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
30660Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
30661protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
30662Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
30663target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
30664Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
30665
30666The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
30667its arguments. They have this format:
30668
30669@table @samp
30670
30671@item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
30672@var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
30673should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
30674for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
30675the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
30676numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
30677used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
30678hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
30679buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
30680
30681@end table
30682
30683The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
30684
30685@table @samp
30686
30687@item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
30688@var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
30689non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
30690@var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
30691value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
30692operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
30693binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
30694normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
30695documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
30696@var{attachment}.
30697
30698@item
30699An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
30700
30701@end table
30702
30703These are the supported Host I/O operations:
30704
30705@table @samp
30706@item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
30707Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
30708return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
30709@var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
30710(@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
30711of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
30712@xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
30713
30714@item vFile:close: @var{fd}
30715Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
30716-1 if an error occurs.
30717
30718@item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
30719Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
30720@var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
30721relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
30722common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
30723condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
30724returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
30725@var{count} was zero.
30726
30727The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
30728If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
30729attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
30730number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
30731some characters were escaped.
30732
30733@item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
30734Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
30735to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
30736file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
30737separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
30738packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
30739which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
30740error occurred.
30741
30742@item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
30743Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
30744or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
30745
30746@end table
30747
30748@node Interrupts
30749@section Interrupts
30750@cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
30751
30752When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
30753attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
30754a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
30755control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
30756
30757The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
30758mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
30759currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
30760interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
30761@code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
30762
30763@samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
30764transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
30765@code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
30766the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
30767transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
30768and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
30769(@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
30770@code{0x03} as part of its packet.
30771
30772@code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
30773When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
30774it stops execution and connects to gdb.
30775
30776Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
30777precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
30778implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
30779threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
30780currently-executing threads and processes.
30781If the stub is successful at interrupting the
30782running program, it should send one of the stop
30783reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
30784of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
30785for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
30786Interrupts received while the
30787program is stopped are discarded.
30788
30789@node Notification Packets
30790@section Notification Packets
30791@cindex notification packets
30792@cindex packets, notification
30793
30794The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
30795packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
30796may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
30797present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
30798without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
30799are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
30800is not a problem.
30801
30802A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
30803@var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
30804and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
30805as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
30806never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
30807receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
30808to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
30809
30810Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
30811colon characters, followed by a colon character.
30812
30813Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
30814notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
30815timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
30816not they understand it.
30817
30818Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
30819protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
30820future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
30821new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
30822recipients.
30823
30824(Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
30825the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
30826transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
30827are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
30828assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
30829
30830The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
30831defined:
30832
30833@table @samp
30834@item Stop: @var{reply}
30835Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
30836The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
30837described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
30838for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
30839@value{GDBN}.
30840@end table
30841
30842@node Remote Non-Stop
30843@section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
30844
30845@value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
30846multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
30847supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
30848@samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
30849
30850@value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
30851establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
30852does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
30853must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
30854all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
30855probe the target state after a mode change.
30856
30857In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
30858would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
30859asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
30860inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
30861in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
30862mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
30863when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
30864of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
30865affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
30866to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
30867threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
30868
30869Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
30870additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
30871previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
30872synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
30873@value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
30874the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
30875if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
30876ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
30877finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
30878sending any queued stop events.
30879
30880Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
30881notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
30882@value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
30883@value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
30884@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
30885Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
30886the stub so there is no ambiguity.
30887
30888After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
30889acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
30890as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
30891is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
30892send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
30893process normally.
30894
30895Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
30896stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
30897normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
30898@samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
30899permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
30900should process normally.
30901
30902If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
30903additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
30904response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
30905send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
30906notification, and the process shall be repeated.
30907
30908In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
30909follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
30910sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
30911sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
30912it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
30913stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
30914subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
30915using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
30916asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
30917If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
30918or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
30919@samp{OK}.
30920
30921@node Packet Acknowledgment
30922@section Packet Acknowledgment
30923
30924@cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
30925@cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
30926By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
30927the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
30928the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
30929This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
30930unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
30931
30932In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
30933TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
30934It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
30935overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
30936@samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
30937
30938When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
30939expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
30940and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
30941@ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
30942
30943If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
30944no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
30945by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
30946@pxref{qSupported}.
30947If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
30948disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
30949(@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
30950@value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
30951Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
30952@value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
30953response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
30954
30955Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
30956between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
30957it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
30958connection.
30959Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
30960new connection is established,
30961there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
30962for the current connection, once disabled.
30963
30964@node Examples
30965@section Examples
30966
30967Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
30968does not get any direct output:
30969
30970@smallexample
30971-> @code{R00}
30972<- @code{+}
30973@emph{target restarts}
30974-> @code{?}
30975<- @code{+}
30976<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
30977-> @code{+}
30978@end smallexample
30979
30980Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
30981
30982@smallexample
30983-> @code{G1445@dots{}}
30984<- @code{+}
30985-> @code{s}
30986<- @code{+}
30987@emph{time passes}
30988<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
30989-> @code{+}
30990-> @code{g}
30991<- @code{+}
30992<- @code{1455@dots{}}
30993-> @code{+}
30994@end smallexample
30995
30996@node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
30997@section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
30998@cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
30999
31000@menu
31001* File-I/O Overview::
31002* Protocol Basics::
31003* The F Request Packet::
31004* The F Reply Packet::
31005* The Ctrl-C Message::
31006* Console I/O::
31007* List of Supported Calls::
31008* Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
31009* Constants::
31010* File-I/O Examples::
31011@end menu
31012
31013@node File-I/O Overview
31014@subsection File-I/O Overview
31015@cindex file-i/o overview
31016
31017The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
31018target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
31019system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
31020remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
31021actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
31022This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
31023
31024The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
31025It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
31026@value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
31027translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
31028protocol representations when data is transmitted.
31029
31030The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
31031@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
31032or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
31033the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
31034memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
31035the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
31036(@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
31037
31038The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
31039the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
31040after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
31041previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
31042request from @value{GDBN} is required.
31043
31044@smallexample
31045(@value{GDBP}) continue
31046 <- target requests 'system call X'
31047 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
31048 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
31049 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
31050 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
31051@end smallexample
31052
31053The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
31054the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
31055named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
31056system are not supported by this protocol.
31057
31058File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
31059
31060@node Protocol Basics
31061@subsection Protocol Basics
31062@cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
31063
31064The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
31065as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
31066@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
31067the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
31068of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
31069This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
31070to call the appropriate host system call:
31071
31072@itemize @bullet
31073@item
31074A unique identifier for the requested system call.
31075
31076@item
31077All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
31078in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
31079pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
31080Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
31081
31082@end itemize
31083
31084At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
31085
31086@itemize @bullet
31087@item
31088If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
31089system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
31090standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
31091expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
31092packet.
31093
31094@item
31095@value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
31096representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
31097
31098@item
31099@value{GDBN} calls the system call.
31100
31101@item
31102It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
31103
31104@item
31105If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
31106by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
31107target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
31108by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
31109packet.
31110
31111@end itemize
31112
31113Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
31114necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
31115
31116@itemize @bullet
31117@item
31118Return value.
31119
31120@item
31121@code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
31122
31123@item
31124``Ctrl-C'' flag.
31125
31126@end itemize
31127
31128After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
31129the latest continue or step action.
31130
31131@node The F Request Packet
31132@subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
31133@cindex file-i/o request packet
31134@cindex @code{F} request packet
31135
31136The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
31137
31138@table @samp
31139@item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
31140
31141@var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
31142This is just the name of the function.
31143
31144@var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
31145Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
31146of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
31147datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
31148of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
31149comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
31150string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
31151
31152@end table
31153
31154
31155
31156@node The F Reply Packet
31157@subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
31158@cindex file-i/o reply packet
31159@cindex @code{F} reply packet
31160
31161The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
31162
31163@table @samp
31164
31165@item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
31166
31167@var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
31168
31169@var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
31170representation.
31171This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
31172
31173@var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
31174case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
31175The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
31176
31177@smallexample
31178F0,0,C
31179@end smallexample
31180
31181@noindent
31182or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
31183
31184@smallexample
31185F-1,4,C
31186@end smallexample
31187
31188@noindent
31189assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
31190
31191@end table
31192
31193
31194@node The Ctrl-C Message
31195@subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
31196@cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
31197
31198If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
31199reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
31200the target should behave as if it had
31201gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
31202interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
31203(as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
31204packet.
31205
31206It's important for the target to know in which
31207state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
31208
31209@itemize @bullet
31210@item
31211The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
31212
31213@item
31214The system call on the host has been finished.
31215
31216@end itemize
31217
31218These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
31219returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
31220call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
31221on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
31222system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
31223as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
31224
31225@value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
31226yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
31227@code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
31228before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
31229@value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
31230The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
31231or the full action has been completed.
31232
31233@node Console I/O
31234@subsection Console I/O
31235@cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
31236
31237By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
31238descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
31239on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
31240(@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
31241by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
312420 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
31243conditions is met:
31244
31245@itemize @bullet
31246@item
31247The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
31248@code{read}
31249system call is treated as finished.
31250
31251@item
31252The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
31253newline.
31254
31255@item
31256The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
31257character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
31258
31259@end itemize
31260
31261If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
31262the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
31263either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
31264is stopped at the user's request.
31265
31266
31267@node List of Supported Calls
31268@subsection List of Supported Calls
31269@cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
31270
31271@menu
31272* open::
31273* close::
31274* read::
31275* write::
31276* lseek::
31277* rename::
31278* unlink::
31279* stat/fstat::
31280* gettimeofday::
31281* isatty::
31282* system::
31283@end menu
31284
31285@node open
31286@unnumberedsubsubsec open
31287@cindex open, file-i/o system call
31288
31289@table @asis
31290@item Synopsis:
31291@smallexample
31292int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
31293int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
31294@end smallexample
31295
31296@item Request:
31297@samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
31298
31299@noindent
31300@var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
31301
31302@table @code
31303@item O_CREAT
31304If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
31305rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
31306are concerned.
31307
31308@item O_EXCL
31309When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
31310an error and open() fails.
31311
31312@item O_TRUNC
31313If the file already exists and the open mode allows
31314writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
31315truncated to zero length.
31316
31317@item O_APPEND
31318The file is opened in append mode.
31319
31320@item O_RDONLY
31321The file is opened for reading only.
31322
31323@item O_WRONLY
31324The file is opened for writing only.
31325
31326@item O_RDWR
31327The file is opened for reading and writing.
31328@end table
31329
31330@noindent
31331Other bits are silently ignored.
31332
31333
31334@noindent
31335@var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
31336
31337@table @code
31338@item S_IRUSR
31339User has read permission.
31340
31341@item S_IWUSR
31342User has write permission.
31343
31344@item S_IRGRP
31345Group has read permission.
31346
31347@item S_IWGRP
31348Group has write permission.
31349
31350@item S_IROTH
31351Others have read permission.
31352
31353@item S_IWOTH
31354Others have write permission.
31355@end table
31356
31357@noindent
31358Other bits are silently ignored.
31359
31360
31361@item Return value:
31362@code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
31363occurred.
31364
31365@item Errors:
31366
31367@table @code
31368@item EEXIST
31369@var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
31370
31371@item EISDIR
31372@var{pathname} refers to a directory.
31373
31374@item EACCES
31375The requested access is not allowed.
31376
31377@item ENAMETOOLONG
31378@var{pathname} was too long.
31379
31380@item ENOENT
31381A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
31382
31383@item ENODEV
31384@var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
31385
31386@item EROFS
31387@var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
31388write access was requested.
31389
31390@item EFAULT
31391@var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
31392
31393@item ENOSPC
31394No space on device to create the file.
31395
31396@item EMFILE
31397The process already has the maximum number of files open.
31398
31399@item ENFILE
31400The limit on the total number of files open on the system
31401has been reached.
31402
31403@item EINTR
31404The call was interrupted by the user.
31405@end table
31406
31407@end table
31408
31409@node close
31410@unnumberedsubsubsec close
31411@cindex close, file-i/o system call
31412
31413@table @asis
31414@item Synopsis:
31415@smallexample
31416int close(int fd);
31417@end smallexample
31418
31419@item Request:
31420@samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
31421
31422@item Return value:
31423@code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
31424
31425@item Errors:
31426
31427@table @code
31428@item EBADF
31429@var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
31430
31431@item EINTR
31432The call was interrupted by the user.
31433@end table
31434
31435@end table
31436
31437@node read
31438@unnumberedsubsubsec read
31439@cindex read, file-i/o system call
31440
31441@table @asis
31442@item Synopsis:
31443@smallexample
31444int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
31445@end smallexample
31446
31447@item Request:
31448@samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
31449
31450@item Return value:
31451On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
31452Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
31453returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
31454
31455@item Errors:
31456
31457@table @code
31458@item EBADF
31459@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
31460reading.
31461
31462@item EFAULT
31463@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
31464
31465@item EINTR
31466The call was interrupted by the user.
31467@end table
31468
31469@end table
31470
31471@node write
31472@unnumberedsubsubsec write
31473@cindex write, file-i/o system call
31474
31475@table @asis
31476@item Synopsis:
31477@smallexample
31478int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
31479@end smallexample
31480
31481@item Request:
31482@samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
31483
31484@item Return value:
31485On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
31486Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
31487is returned.
31488
31489@item Errors:
31490
31491@table @code
31492@item EBADF
31493@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
31494writing.
31495
31496@item EFAULT
31497@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
31498
31499@item EFBIG
31500An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
31501host-specific maximum file size allowed.
31502
31503@item ENOSPC
31504No space on device to write the data.
31505
31506@item EINTR
31507The call was interrupted by the user.
31508@end table
31509
31510@end table
31511
31512@node lseek
31513@unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
31514@cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
31515
31516@table @asis
31517@item Synopsis:
31518@smallexample
31519long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
31520@end smallexample
31521
31522@item Request:
31523@samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
31524
31525@var{flag} is one of:
31526
31527@table @code
31528@item SEEK_SET
31529The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
31530
31531@item SEEK_CUR
31532The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
31533bytes.
31534
31535@item SEEK_END
31536The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
31537bytes.
31538@end table
31539
31540@item Return value:
31541On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
31542the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
31543value of -1 is returned.
31544
31545@item Errors:
31546
31547@table @code
31548@item EBADF
31549@var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
31550
31551@item ESPIPE
31552@var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
31553
31554@item EINVAL
31555@var{flag} is not a proper value.
31556
31557@item EINTR
31558The call was interrupted by the user.
31559@end table
31560
31561@end table
31562
31563@node rename
31564@unnumberedsubsubsec rename
31565@cindex rename, file-i/o system call
31566
31567@table @asis
31568@item Synopsis:
31569@smallexample
31570int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
31571@end smallexample
31572
31573@item Request:
31574@samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
31575
31576@item Return value:
31577On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
31578
31579@item Errors:
31580
31581@table @code
31582@item EISDIR
31583@var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
31584directory.
31585
31586@item EEXIST
31587@var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
31588
31589@item EBUSY
31590@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
31591process.
31592
31593@item EINVAL
31594An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
31595of itself.
31596
31597@item ENOTDIR
31598A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
31599path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
31600and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
31601
31602@item EFAULT
31603@var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
31604
31605@item EACCES
31606No access to the file or the path of the file.
31607
31608@item ENAMETOOLONG
31609
31610@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
31611
31612@item ENOENT
31613A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
31614
31615@item EROFS
31616The file is on a read-only filesystem.
31617
31618@item ENOSPC
31619The device containing the file has no room for the new
31620directory entry.
31621
31622@item EINTR
31623The call was interrupted by the user.
31624@end table
31625
31626@end table
31627
31628@node unlink
31629@unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
31630@cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
31631
31632@table @asis
31633@item Synopsis:
31634@smallexample
31635int unlink(const char *pathname);
31636@end smallexample
31637
31638@item Request:
31639@samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
31640
31641@item Return value:
31642On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
31643
31644@item Errors:
31645
31646@table @code
31647@item EACCES
31648No access to the file or the path of the file.
31649
31650@item EPERM
31651The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
31652
31653@item EBUSY
31654The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
31655being used by another process.
31656
31657@item EFAULT
31658@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
31659
31660@item ENAMETOOLONG
31661@var{pathname} was too long.
31662
31663@item ENOENT
31664A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
31665
31666@item ENOTDIR
31667A component of the path is not a directory.
31668
31669@item EROFS
31670The file is on a read-only filesystem.
31671
31672@item EINTR
31673The call was interrupted by the user.
31674@end table
31675
31676@end table
31677
31678@node stat/fstat
31679@unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
31680@cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
31681@cindex stat, file-i/o system call
31682
31683@table @asis
31684@item Synopsis:
31685@smallexample
31686int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
31687int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
31688@end smallexample
31689
31690@item Request:
31691@samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
31692@samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
31693
31694@item Return value:
31695On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
31696
31697@item Errors:
31698
31699@table @code
31700@item EBADF
31701@var{fd} is not a valid open file.
31702
31703@item ENOENT
31704A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
31705path is an empty string.
31706
31707@item ENOTDIR
31708A component of the path is not a directory.
31709
31710@item EFAULT
31711@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
31712
31713@item EACCES
31714No access to the file or the path of the file.
31715
31716@item ENAMETOOLONG
31717@var{pathname} was too long.
31718
31719@item EINTR
31720The call was interrupted by the user.
31721@end table
31722
31723@end table
31724
31725@node gettimeofday
31726@unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
31727@cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
31728
31729@table @asis
31730@item Synopsis:
31731@smallexample
31732int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
31733@end smallexample
31734
31735@item Request:
31736@samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
31737
31738@item Return value:
31739On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
31740
31741@item Errors:
31742
31743@table @code
31744@item EINVAL
31745@var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
31746
31747@item EFAULT
31748@var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
31749@end table
31750
31751@end table
31752
31753@node isatty
31754@unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
31755@cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
31756
31757@table @asis
31758@item Synopsis:
31759@smallexample
31760int isatty(int fd);
31761@end smallexample
31762
31763@item Request:
31764@samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
31765
31766@item Return value:
31767Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
31768
31769@item Errors:
31770
31771@table @code
31772@item EINTR
31773The call was interrupted by the user.
31774@end table
31775
31776@end table
31777
31778Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
317791 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
31780to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
31781would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
31782needed.
31783
31784
31785@node system
31786@unnumberedsubsubsec system
31787@cindex system, file-i/o system call
31788
31789@table @asis
31790@item Synopsis:
31791@smallexample
31792int system(const char *command);
31793@end smallexample
31794
31795@item Request:
31796@samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
31797
31798@item Return value:
31799If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
31800available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
31801For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
31802return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
31803command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
31804return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
31805@file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
31806
31807@item Errors:
31808
31809@table @code
31810@item EINTR
31811The call was interrupted by the user.
31812@end table
31813
31814@end table
31815
31816@value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
31817to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
31818the host is simplified before it's returned
31819to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
31820is discarded, and the return value consists
31821entirely of the exit status of the called command.
31822
31823Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
31824by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
31825@code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
31826
31827@table @code
31828@item set remote system-call-allowed
31829@kindex set remote system-call-allowed
31830Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
31831protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
31832
31833@item show remote system-call-allowed
31834@kindex show remote system-call-allowed
31835Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
31836protocol.
31837@end table
31838
31839@node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
31840@subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
31841@cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
31842
31843@menu
31844* Integral Datatypes::
31845* Pointer Values::
31846* Memory Transfer::
31847* struct stat::
31848* struct timeval::
31849@end menu
31850
31851@node Integral Datatypes
31852@unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
31853@cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
31854
31855The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
31856@code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
31857@code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
31858
31859@code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
31860implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
31861
31862@code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
31863
31864@xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
31865in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
31866
31867@code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
31868
31869All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
31870structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
31871byte order.
31872
31873@node Pointer Values
31874@unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
31875@cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
31876
31877Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
31878is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
31879transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
31880are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
31881
31882@smallexample
31883@code{1aaf/12}
31884@end smallexample
31885
31886@noindent
31887which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
31888The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
31889the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
31890at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
31891
31892@smallexample
31893@code{123456/d}
31894@end smallexample
31895
31896@node Memory Transfer
31897@unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
31898@cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
31899
31900Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
31901example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
31902with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
31903this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
31904packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
31905it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
31906data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
31907
31908
31909@node struct stat
31910@unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
31911@cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
31912
31913The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
31914is defined as follows:
31915
31916@smallexample
31917struct stat @{
31918 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
31919 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
31920 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
31921 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
31922 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
31923 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
31924 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
31925 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
31926 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
31927 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
31928 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
31929 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
31930 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
31931@};
31932@end smallexample
31933
31934The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
31935appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
31936structure is of size 64 bytes.
31937
31938The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
31939range of values.
31940
31941@table @code
31942
31943@item st_dev
31944A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
31945
31946@item st_ino
31947No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
31948
31949@item st_mode
31950Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
31951bits have currently no meaning for the target.
31952
31953@item st_uid
31954@itemx st_gid
31955@itemx st_rdev
31956No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
31957
31958@item st_atime
31959@itemx st_mtime
31960@itemx st_ctime
31961These values have a host and file system dependent
31962accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
31963support exact timing values.
31964@end table
31965
31966The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
31967responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
31968continuing.
31969
31970Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
31971representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
31972get truncated on the target.
31973
31974@node struct timeval
31975@unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
31976@cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
31977
31978The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
31979is defined as follows:
31980
31981@smallexample
31982struct timeval @{
31983 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
31984 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
31985@};
31986@end smallexample
31987
31988The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
31989appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
31990structure is of size 8 bytes.
31991
31992@node Constants
31993@subsection Constants
31994@cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
31995
31996The following values are used for the constants inside of the
31997protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
31998values before and after the call as needed.
31999
32000@menu
32001* Open Flags::
32002* mode_t Values::
32003* Errno Values::
32004* Lseek Flags::
32005* Limits::
32006@end menu
32007
32008@node Open Flags
32009@unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
32010@cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
32011
32012All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
32013
32014@smallexample
32015 O_RDONLY 0x0
32016 O_WRONLY 0x1
32017 O_RDWR 0x2
32018 O_APPEND 0x8
32019 O_CREAT 0x200
32020 O_TRUNC 0x400
32021 O_EXCL 0x800
32022@end smallexample
32023
32024@node mode_t Values
32025@unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
32026@cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
32027
32028All values are given in octal representation.
32029
32030@smallexample
32031 S_IFREG 0100000
32032 S_IFDIR 040000
32033 S_IRUSR 0400
32034 S_IWUSR 0200
32035 S_IXUSR 0100
32036 S_IRGRP 040
32037 S_IWGRP 020
32038 S_IXGRP 010
32039 S_IROTH 04
32040 S_IWOTH 02
32041 S_IXOTH 01
32042@end smallexample
32043
32044@node Errno Values
32045@unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
32046@cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
32047
32048All values are given in decimal representation.
32049
32050@smallexample
32051 EPERM 1
32052 ENOENT 2
32053 EINTR 4
32054 EBADF 9
32055 EACCES 13
32056 EFAULT 14
32057 EBUSY 16
32058 EEXIST 17
32059 ENODEV 19
32060 ENOTDIR 20
32061 EISDIR 21
32062 EINVAL 22
32063 ENFILE 23
32064 EMFILE 24
32065 EFBIG 27
32066 ENOSPC 28
32067 ESPIPE 29
32068 EROFS 30
32069 ENAMETOOLONG 91
32070 EUNKNOWN 9999
32071@end smallexample
32072
32073 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
32074 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
32075
32076@node Lseek Flags
32077@unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
32078@cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
32079
32080@smallexample
32081 SEEK_SET 0
32082 SEEK_CUR 1
32083 SEEK_END 2
32084@end smallexample
32085
32086@node Limits
32087@unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
32088@cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
32089
32090All values are given in decimal representation.
32091
32092@smallexample
32093 INT_MIN -2147483648
32094 INT_MAX 2147483647
32095 UINT_MAX 4294967295
32096 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
32097 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
32098 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
32099@end smallexample
32100
32101@node File-I/O Examples
32102@subsection File-I/O Examples
32103@cindex file-i/o examples
32104
32105Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
32106address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
32107
32108@smallexample
32109<- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
32110@emph{request memory read from target}
32111-> @code{m1234,6}
32112<- XXXXXX
32113@emph{return "6 bytes written"}
32114-> @code{F6}
32115@end smallexample
32116
32117Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
32118address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
32119
32120@smallexample
32121<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
32122@emph{request memory write to target}
32123-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
32124@emph{return "6 bytes read"}
32125-> @code{F6}
32126@end smallexample
32127
32128Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
32129file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
32130
32131@smallexample
32132<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
32133-> @code{F-1,9}
32134@end smallexample
32135
32136Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
32137host is called:
32138
32139@smallexample
32140<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
32141-> @code{F-1,4,C}
32142<- @code{T02}
32143@end smallexample
32144
32145Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
32146host is called:
32147
32148@smallexample
32149<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
32150-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
32151<- @code{T02}
32152@end smallexample
32153
32154@node Library List Format
32155@section Library List Format
32156@cindex library list format, remote protocol
32157
32158On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
32159same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
32160@value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
32161operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
32162platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
32163@value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
32164through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
32165packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
32166queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
32167are loaded.
32168
32169The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
32170lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
32171associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
32172which report where the library was loaded in memory.
32173
32174For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
32175library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
32176dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
32177should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
32178section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
32179depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
32180
32181@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
32182library lists. @xref{Expat}.
32183
32184A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
32185offset, looks like this:
32186
32187@smallexample
32188<library-list>
32189 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
32190 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
32191 </library>
32192</library-list>
32193@end smallexample
32194
32195Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
32196allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
32197
32198@smallexample
32199<library-list>
32200 <library name="sharedlib.o">
32201 <section address="0x10000000"/>
32202 <section address="0x20000000"/>
32203 <section address="0x30000000"/>
32204 </library>
32205</library-list>
32206@end smallexample
32207
32208The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
32209
32210@smallexample
32211<!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
32212<!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
32213<!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
32214<!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
32215<!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
32216<!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
32217<!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
32218<!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
32219<!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
32220@end smallexample
32221
32222In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
32223single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
32224section for each library.
32225
32226@node Memory Map Format
32227@section Memory Map Format
32228@cindex memory map format
32229
32230To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
32231memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
32232memory map.
32233
32234The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
32235(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
32236lists memory regions.
32237
32238@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
32239memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
32240
32241The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
32242
32243@smallexample
32244<?xml version="1.0"?>
32245<!DOCTYPE memory-map
32246 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
32247 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
32248<memory-map>
32249 region...
32250</memory-map>
32251@end smallexample
32252
32253Each region can be either:
32254
32255@itemize
32256
32257@item
32258A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
32259bytes from there:
32260
32261@smallexample
32262<memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
32263@end smallexample
32264
32265
32266@item
32267A region of read-only memory:
32268
32269@smallexample
32270<memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
32271@end smallexample
32272
32273
32274@item
32275A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
32276bytes in length:
32277
32278@smallexample
32279<memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
32280 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
32281</memory>
32282@end smallexample
32283
32284@end itemize
32285
32286Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
32287by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
32288packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
32289
32290The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
32291
32292@smallexample
32293<!-- ................................................... -->
32294<!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
32295<!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
32296<!-- .................................... .............. -->
32297<!-- memory-map.dtd -->
32298<!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
32299<!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
32300<!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
32301<!ELEMENT memory (property)>
32302<!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
32303 and its type, or device. -->
32304<!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
32305 start CDATA #REQUIRED
32306 length CDATA #REQUIRED
32307 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
32308<!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
32309<!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
32310<!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
32311@end smallexample
32312
32313@node Thread List Format
32314@section Thread List Format
32315@cindex thread list format
32316
32317To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
32318@value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
32319(@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
32320the following structure:
32321
32322@smallexample
32323<?xml version="1.0"?>
32324<threads>
32325 <thread id="id" core="0">
32326 ... description ...
32327 </thread>
32328</threads>
32329@end smallexample
32330
32331Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
32332identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
32333@samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
32334the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
32335element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
32336
32337@include agentexpr.texi
32338
32339@node Trace File Format
32340@appendix Trace File Format
32341@cindex trace file format
32342
32343The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
32344section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
32345
32346The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
32347@code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
32348while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
32349in the future.
32350
32351The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
32352separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
32353variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
32354as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
32355ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
32356of this section.
32357
32358@c FIXME add some specific types of data
32359
32360The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
32361Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
32362four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
32363the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
32364character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
32365state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
32366hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
32367endianness.
32368
32369@c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
32370
32371@table @code
32372@item R @var{bytes}
32373Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
32374@code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
32375actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
32376hexadecimal encoding.
32377
32378@item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
32379Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
32380address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
32381@var{length} bytes.
32382
32383@item V @var{number} @var{value}
32384Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
32385@var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
32386
32387@end table
32388
32389Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
32390of blocks.
32391
32392@node Target Descriptions
32393@appendix Target Descriptions
32394@cindex target descriptions
32395
32396@strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
32397and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
32398The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
32399
32400One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
32401is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
32402architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
32403a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
32404and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
32405architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
32406vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
32407
32408@itemize @bullet
32409@item
32410With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
32411the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
32412@item
32413Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
32414audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
32415variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
32416@item
32417When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
32418at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
32419@command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
32420@end itemize
32421
32422To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
32423target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
32424actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
32425processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
32426descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
32427
32428@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
32429target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
32430
32431@menu
32432* Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
32433* Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
32434* Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
32435 descriptions.
32436* Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
32437@end menu
32438
32439@node Retrieving Descriptions
32440@section Retrieving Descriptions
32441
32442Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
32443specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
32444description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
32445protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
32446qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
32447@samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
32448XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
32449Format}.
32450
32451Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
32452If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
32453specify a file are:
32454
32455@table @code
32456@cindex set tdesc filename
32457@item set tdesc filename @var{path}
32458Read the target description from @var{path}.
32459
32460@cindex unset tdesc filename
32461@item unset tdesc filename
32462Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
32463will use the description supplied by the current target.
32464
32465@cindex show tdesc filename
32466@item show tdesc filename
32467Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
32468@end table
32469
32470
32471@node Target Description Format
32472@section Target Description Format
32473@cindex target descriptions, XML format
32474
32475A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
32476document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
32477the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
32478means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
32479check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
32480However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
32481their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
32482
32483Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
32484and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
32485sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
32486@value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
32487target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
32488
32489Here is a simple target description:
32490
32491@smallexample
32492<target version="1.0">
32493 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
32494</target>
32495@end smallexample
32496
32497@noindent
32498This minimal description only says that the target uses
32499the x86-64 architecture.
32500
32501A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
32502optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
32503are explained further below.
32504
32505@smallexample
32506<?xml version="1.0"?>
32507<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
32508<target version="1.0">
32509 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
32510 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
32511 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
32512 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
32513</target>
32514@end smallexample
32515
32516@noindent
32517The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
32518breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
32519declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
32520(@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
32521useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
32522@samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
32523including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
32524revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
32525the version mismatch.
32526
32527@subsection Inclusion
32528@cindex target descriptions, inclusion
32529@cindex XInclude
32530@ifnotinfo
32531@cindex <xi:include>
32532@end ifnotinfo
32533
32534It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
32535several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
32536share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
32537divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
32538the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
32539
32540@smallexample
32541<xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
32542@end smallexample
32543
32544@noindent
32545When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
32546the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
32547the contents of that document. If the current description was read
32548using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
32549@var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
32550current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
32551@var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
32552original description.
32553
32554@subsection Architecture
32555@cindex <architecture>
32556
32557An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
32558
32559@smallexample
32560 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
32561@end smallexample
32562
32563@var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
32564@code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
32565
32566@subsection OS ABI
32567@cindex @code{<osabi>}
32568
32569This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
32570Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
32571
32572An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
32573
32574@smallexample
32575 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
32576@end smallexample
32577
32578@var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
32579@w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
32580
32581@subsection Compatible Architecture
32582@cindex @code{<compatible>}
32583
32584This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
32585Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
32586
32587A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
32588
32589@smallexample
32590 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
32591@end smallexample
32592
32593@var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
32594@code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
32595
32596A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
32597is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
32598given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
32599Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
32600or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
32601in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
32602capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
32603
32604@smallexample
32605 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
32606 <compatible>spu</compatible>
32607@end smallexample
32608
32609@subsection Features
32610@cindex <feature>
32611
32612Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
32613system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
32614registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
32615has this form:
32616
32617@smallexample
32618<feature name="@var{name}">
32619 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
32620 @var{reg}@dots{}
32621</feature>
32622@end smallexample
32623
32624@noindent
32625Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
32626of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
32627knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
32628should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
32629
32630@subsection Types
32631
32632Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
32633interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
32634but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
32635Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
32636Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
32637
32638Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
32639a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
32640Types must be defined before they are used.
32641
32642@cindex <vector>
32643Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
32644of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
32645specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
32646@var{count}:
32647
32648@smallexample
32649<vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
32650@end smallexample
32651
32652@cindex <union>
32653If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
32654with a union type containing the useful representations. The
32655@samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
32656each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
32657
32658@smallexample
32659<union id="@var{id}">
32660 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
32661 @dots{}
32662</union>
32663@end smallexample
32664
32665@subsection Registers
32666@cindex <reg>
32667
32668Each register is represented as an element with this form:
32669
32670@smallexample
32671<reg name="@var{name}"
32672 bitsize="@var{size}"
32673 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
32674 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
32675 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
32676 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
32677@end smallexample
32678
32679@noindent
32680The components are as follows:
32681
32682@table @var
32683
32684@item name
32685The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
32686
32687@item bitsize
32688The register's size, in bits.
32689
32690@item regnum
32691The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
32692than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
32693a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
32694defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
32695the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
32696packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
32697in order of increasing register number.
32698
32699@item save-restore
32700Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
32701calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
32702@code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
32703some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
32704ABI.
32705
32706@item type
32707The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
32708defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
32709and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
32710for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
32711architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
32712@var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
32713
32714@item group
32715The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
32716be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
32717@var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
32718in @code{info registers}.
32719
32720@end table
32721
32722@node Predefined Target Types
32723@section Predefined Target Types
32724@cindex target descriptions, predefined types
32725
32726Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
32727from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
32728standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
32729types. The currently supported types are:
32730
32731@table @code
32732
32733@item int8
32734@itemx int16
32735@itemx int32
32736@itemx int64
32737@itemx int128
32738Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
32739
32740@item uint8
32741@itemx uint16
32742@itemx uint32
32743@itemx uint64
32744@itemx uint128
32745Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
32746
32747@item code_ptr
32748@itemx data_ptr
32749Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
32750any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
32751pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
32752address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
32753may be marked as data pointers.
32754
32755@item ieee_single
32756Single precision IEEE floating point.
32757
32758@item ieee_double
32759Double precision IEEE floating point.
32760
32761@item arm_fpa_ext
32762The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
32763
32764@item i387_ext
32765The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
32766
32767@item i386_eflags
3276832bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
32769
32770@item i386_mxcsr
3277132bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
32772
32773@end table
32774
32775@node Standard Target Features
32776@section Standard Target Features
32777@cindex target descriptions, standard features
32778
32779A target description must contain either no registers or all the
32780target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
32781@value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
32782the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
32783default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
32784described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
32785can recognize them.
32786
32787This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
32788which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
32789with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
32790if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
32791feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
32792description. You can add additional registers to any of the
32793standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
32794they were added to an unrecognized feature.
32795
32796This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
32797Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
32798@value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
32799
32800Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
32801company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
32802architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
32803containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
32804
32805The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
32806of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
32807registers using the capitalization used in the description.
32808
32809@menu
32810* ARM Features::
32811* i386 Features::
32812* MIPS Features::
32813* M68K Features::
32814* PowerPC Features::
32815@end menu
32816
32817
32818@node ARM Features
32819@subsection ARM Features
32820@cindex target descriptions, ARM features
32821
32822The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
32823It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
32824@samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
32825
32826The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
32827should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
32828
32829The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
32830it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
32831@samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
32832@samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
32833
32834The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
32835should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
32836they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
32837@value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
32838halves of the double-precision registers.
32839
32840The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
32841need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
32842VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
32843quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
32844If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
32845be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
32846
32847@node i386 Features
32848@subsection i386 Features
32849@cindex target descriptions, i386 features
32850
32851The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
32852targets. It should describe the following registers:
32853
32854@itemize @minus
32855@item
32856@samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
32857@item
32858@samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
32859@item
32860@samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
32861@samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
32862@item
32863@samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
32864@item
32865@samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
32866@samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
32867@end itemize
32868
32869The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
32870
32871The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is required. It should
32872describe registers:
32873
32874@itemize @minus
32875@item
32876@samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
32877@item
32878@samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
32879@item
32880@samp{mxcsr}
32881@end itemize
32882
32883The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
32884describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
32885
32886@node MIPS Features
32887@subsection MIPS Features
32888@cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
32889
32890The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
32891It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
32892@samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
32893on the target.
32894
32895The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
32896contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
32897registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
32898
32899The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
32900it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
32901contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
32902@samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
32903
32904The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
32905contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
32906Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
32907
32908@node M68K Features
32909@subsection M68K Features
32910@cindex target descriptions, M68K features
32911
32912@table @code
32913@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
32914@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
32915@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
32916One of those features must be always present.
32917The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
32918used. The feature that is present should contain registers
32919@samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
32920@samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
32921
32922@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
32923This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
32924@samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
32925@samp{fpiaddr}.
32926@end table
32927
32928@node PowerPC Features
32929@subsection PowerPC Features
32930@cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
32931
32932The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
32933targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
32934@samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
32935@samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
32936
32937The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
32938contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
32939
32940The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
32941contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
32942and @samp{vrsave}.
32943
32944The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
32945contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
32946will combine these registers with the floating point registers
32947(@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
32948through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
32949through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
32950
32951The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
32952contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
32953@samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
32954@samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
32955@samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
32956these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
32957user.
32958
32959@node Operating System Information
32960@appendix Operating System Information
32961@cindex operating system information
32962
32963@menu
32964* Process list::
32965@end menu
32966
32967Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
32968the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
32969processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
32970mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
32971target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
32972on a different aspect of target.
32973
32974Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
32975remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
32976read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
32977the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
32978
32979@node Process list
32980@appendixsection Process list
32981@cindex operating system information, process list
32982
32983When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
32984@samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
32985an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
32986@file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
32987
32988An example document is:
32989
32990@smallexample
32991<?xml version="1.0"?>
32992<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
32993<osdata type="processes">
32994 <item>
32995 <column name="pid">1</column>
32996 <column name="user">root</column>
32997 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
32998 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
32999 </item>
33000</osdata>
33001@end smallexample
33002
33003Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
33004of that column should identify the process on the target. The
33005@samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
33006displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
33007should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
33008is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
33009which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
33010
33011@include gpl.texi
33012
33013@raisesections
33014@include fdl.texi
33015@lowersections
33016
33017@node Index
33018@unnumbered Index
33019
33020@printindex cp
33021
33022@tex
33023% I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
33024% meantime:
33025\long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
33026\centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
33027\centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
33028\centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
33029\centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
33030\centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
33031\centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
33032\centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
33033\centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
33034\page\colophon
33035% Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
33036@end tex
33037
33038@bye
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