* readelf.c (get_section_type_name): When displaying an unknown
[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,
3@c 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
4@c 2010, 2011 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 1.3 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@end titlepage
104@page
105
106@ifnottex
107@node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
108
109@top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
110
111This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
112
113This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
114@ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
115@value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
116@end ifset
117Version @value{GDBVN}.
118
119Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
120
121This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
122Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
123software in general. We will miss him.
124
125@menu
126* Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
127* Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
128
129* Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
130* Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
131* Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
132* Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
133* Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
134* Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
135* Stack:: Examining the stack
136* Source:: Examining source files
137* Data:: Examining data
138* Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
139* Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
140* Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
141* Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
142
143* Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
144
145* Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
146* Altering:: Altering execution
147* GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
148* Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
149* Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
150* Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
151* Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
152* Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
153* Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
154* TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
155* Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
156* GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
157* Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
158* JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
159
160* GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
161
162@ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
163* Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
164* Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
165@end ifset
166@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
167* Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
168* Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
169@end ifclear
170* In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
171* Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
172* Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
173* Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
174* Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
175* Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
176* Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
177 @value{GDBN}
178* Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
179 the operating system
180* Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
181* Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
182* Copying:: GNU General Public License says
183 how you can copy and share GDB
184* GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
185* Index:: Index
186@end menu
187
188@end ifnottex
189
190@contents
191
192@node Summary
193@unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
194
195The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
196going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
197program was doing at the moment it crashed.
198
199@value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
200these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
201
202@itemize @bullet
203@item
204Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
205
206@item
207Make your program stop on specified conditions.
208
209@item
210Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
211
212@item
213Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
214effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
215@end itemize
216
217You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
218For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
219For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
220
221Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
222@ref{D,,D}.
223
224@cindex Modula-2
225Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
226@ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
227
228Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
229@ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
230
231@cindex Pascal
232Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
233nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
234entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
235syntax.
236
237@cindex Fortran
238@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
239it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
240underscore.
241
242@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
243using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
244
245@menu
246* Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
247* Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
248@end menu
249
250@node Free Software
251@unnumberedsec Free Software
252
253@value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
254General Public License
255(GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
256program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
257freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
258the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
259Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
260Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
261
262Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
263you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
264from anyone else.
265
266@unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
267
268The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
269the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
270include with the free software. Many of our most important
271programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
272texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
273when an important free software package does not come with a free
274manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
275gaps today.
276
277Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
278normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
279authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
280copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
281them from the free software world.
282
283That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
284from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
285manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
286only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
287contract to make it non-free.
288
289Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
290price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
291charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
292Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
293problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
294are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
295modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
296
297The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
298free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
299commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
300accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
301
302Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
303When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
304are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
305provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
306manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
307a changed version of the program is not really available to our
308community.
309
310Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
311acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
312author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
313authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
314to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
315may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
316with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
317are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
318of the manual.
319
320However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
321content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
322media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
323obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
324manual to replace it.
325
326Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
327lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
328free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
329the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
330realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
331the free software community.
332
333If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
334the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
335license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
336don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
337will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
338option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
339what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
340try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
341is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
342
343You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
344manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
345copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
346improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
347at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
348and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
349Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
350have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
351
352The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
353published by other publishers, at
354@url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
355
356@node Contributors
357@unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
358
359Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
360other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
361development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
362of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
363to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
364file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
365blow-by-blow account.
366
367Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
368
369@quotation
370@emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
371or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
372omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
373@end quotation
374
375So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
376particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
377releases:
378Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
379Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
380Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
381Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
382Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
383Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
384John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
385Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
386and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
387
388Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
389Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
390
391Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
392in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
393Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
394demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
395much general update work leading to release 3.0).
396
397@value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
398object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
399Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
400
401David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
402the original support for encapsulated COFF.
403
404Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
405
406Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
407Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
408support.
409Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
410Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
411Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
412David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
413Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
414Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
415Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
416Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
417Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
418Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
419Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
420Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
421Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
422Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
423Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
424Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
425
426Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
427
428Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
429libraries.
430
431Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
432about several machine instruction sets.
433
434Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
435remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
436contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
437and RDI targets, respectively.
438
439Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
440command-line editing and command history.
441
442Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
443Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
444
445Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
446He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
447symbols.
448
449Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
450H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
451
452NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
453
454Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
455processors.
456
457Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
458
459Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
460
461Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
462
463Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
464watchpoints.
465
466Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
467
468Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
469
470Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
471nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
472
473The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
474support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
475(narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
476compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
477Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
478Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
479provided HP-specific information in this manual.
480
481DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
482Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
483
484Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
485development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
486fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
487Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
488Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
489Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
490Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
491addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
492JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
493Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
494Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
495Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
496Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
497Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
498Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
499
500Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
501Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
502
503Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
504Hat.
505
506Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
507people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
508Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
509Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
510Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
511with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
512
513Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
514unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
515frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
516Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
517libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
518trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
519complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
520Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
521Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
522Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
523Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
524Weigand.
525
526Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
527Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
528who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
529Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
530
531Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
532Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
533
534@node Sample Session
535@chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
536
537You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
538However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
539debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
540
541@iftex
542In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
543to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
544@end iftex
545
546@c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
547@c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
548
549One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
550processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
551quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
552definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
553session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
554then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
555same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
556@code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
557procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
558
559@smallexample
560$ @b{cd gnu/m4}
561$ @b{./m4}
562@b{define(foo,0000)}
563
564@b{foo}
5650000
566@b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
567
568@b{bar}
5690000
570@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
571
572@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
573@b{baz}
574@b{Ctrl-d}
575m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
576@end smallexample
577
578@noindent
579Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
580
581@smallexample
582$ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
583@c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
584@c FIXME... format to come out better.
585@value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
586 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
587 the conditions.
588There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
589 for details.
590
591@value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
592(@value{GDBP})
593@end smallexample
594
595@noindent
596@value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
597rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
598We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
599that examples fit in this manual.
600
601@smallexample
602(@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
603@end smallexample
604
605@noindent
606We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
607Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
608@code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
609@code{break} command.
610
611@smallexample
612(@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
613Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
614@end smallexample
615
616@noindent
617Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
618control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
619subroutine, the program runs as usual:
620
621@smallexample
622(@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
623Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
624@b{define(foo,0000)}
625
626@b{foo}
6270000
628@end smallexample
629
630@noindent
631To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
632suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
633context where it stops.
634
635@smallexample
636@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
637
638Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
639 at builtin.c:879
640879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
641@end smallexample
642
643@noindent
644Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
645the next line of the current function.
646
647@smallexample
648(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
649882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
650 : nil,
651@end smallexample
652
653@noindent
654@code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
655by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
656@code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
657subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
658
659@smallexample
660(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
661set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
662 at input.c:530
663530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
664@end smallexample
665
666@noindent
667The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
668suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
669shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
670command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
671in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
672stack frame for each active subroutine.
673
674@smallexample
675(@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
676#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
677 at input.c:530
678#1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
679 at builtin.c:882
680#2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
681#3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
682 at macro.c:71
683#4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
684#5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
685@end smallexample
686
687@noindent
688We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
689times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
690falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
691
692@smallexample
693(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6940x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
695(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
6960x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
697def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
698(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
699536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
700 : xstrdup(rq);
701(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
702538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
703@end smallexample
704
705@noindent
706The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
707@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
708and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
709(@code{print}) to see their values.
710
711@smallexample
712(@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
713$1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
714(@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
715$2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
716@end smallexample
717
718@noindent
719@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
720To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
721surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
722
723@smallexample
724(@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
725533 xfree(rquote);
726534
727535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
728 : xstrdup (lq);
729536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
730 : xstrdup (rq);
731537
732538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
733539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
734540 @}
735541
736542 void
737@end smallexample
738
739@noindent
740Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
741@code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
742
743@smallexample
744(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
745539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
746(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
747540 @}
748(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
749$3 = 9
750(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
751$4 = 7
752@end smallexample
753
754@noindent
755That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
756@code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
757@code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
758the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
759any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
760assignments.
761
762@smallexample
763(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
764$5 = 7
765(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
766$6 = 9
767@end smallexample
768
769@noindent
770Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
771@code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
772executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
773example that caused trouble initially:
774
775@smallexample
776(@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
777Continuing.
778
779@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
780
781baz
7820000
783@end smallexample
784
785@noindent
786Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
787problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
788lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
789
790@smallexample
791@b{Ctrl-d}
792Program exited normally.
793@end smallexample
794
795@noindent
796The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
797indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
798session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
799
800@smallexample
801(@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
802@end smallexample
803
804@node Invocation
805@chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
806
807This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
808The essentials are:
809@itemize @bullet
810@item
811type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
812@item
813type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
814@end itemize
815
816@menu
817* Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
818* Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
819* Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
820* Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
821@end menu
822
823@node Invoking GDB
824@section Invoking @value{GDBN}
825
826Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
827@value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
828
829You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
830to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
831
832The command-line options described here are designed
833to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
834options may effectively be unavailable.
835
836The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
837specifying an executable program:
838
839@smallexample
840@value{GDBP} @var{program}
841@end smallexample
842
843@noindent
844You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
845specified:
846
847@smallexample
848@value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
849@end smallexample
850
851You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
852to debug a running process:
853
854@smallexample
855@value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
856@end smallexample
857
858@noindent
859would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
860named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
861
862Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
863complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
864debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
865``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
866will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
867
868You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
869executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
870option processing.
871@smallexample
872@value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
873@end smallexample
874This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
875@code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
876
877You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
878@value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
879
880@smallexample
881@value{GDBP} -silent
882@end smallexample
883
884@noindent
885You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
886options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
887
888@noindent
889Type
890
891@smallexample
892@value{GDBP} -help
893@end smallexample
894
895@noindent
896to display all available options and briefly describe their use
897(@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
898
899All options and command line arguments you give are processed
900in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
901@samp{-x} option is used.
902
903
904@menu
905* File Options:: Choosing files
906* Mode Options:: Choosing modes
907* Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
908@end menu
909
910@node File Options
911@subsection Choosing Files
912
913When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
914specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
915the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
916@samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
917first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
918equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
919second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
920equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
921If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
922first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
923to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
924a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
925prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
926
927If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
928such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
929argument and ignore it.
930
931Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
932following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
933them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
934(If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
935than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
936
937@c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
938@c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
939@c it.
940
941@table @code
942@item -symbols @var{file}
943@itemx -s @var{file}
944@cindex @code{--symbols}
945@cindex @code{-s}
946Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
947
948@item -exec @var{file}
949@itemx -e @var{file}
950@cindex @code{--exec}
951@cindex @code{-e}
952Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
953and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
954
955@item -se @var{file}
956@cindex @code{--se}
957Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
958file.
959
960@item -core @var{file}
961@itemx -c @var{file}
962@cindex @code{--core}
963@cindex @code{-c}
964Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
965
966@item -pid @var{number}
967@itemx -p @var{number}
968@cindex @code{--pid}
969@cindex @code{-p}
970Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
971
972@item -command @var{file}
973@itemx -x @var{file}
974@cindex @code{--command}
975@cindex @code{-x}
976Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
977evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
978@xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
979
980@item -eval-command @var{command}
981@itemx -ex @var{command}
982@cindex @code{--eval-command}
983@cindex @code{-ex}
984Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
985
986This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
987also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
988
989@smallexample
990@value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
991 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
992@end smallexample
993
994@item -directory @var{directory}
995@itemx -d @var{directory}
996@cindex @code{--directory}
997@cindex @code{-d}
998Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
999
1000@item -r
1001@itemx -readnow
1002@cindex @code{--readnow}
1003@cindex @code{-r}
1004Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1005the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1006This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1007
1008@end table
1009
1010@node Mode Options
1011@subsection Choosing Modes
1012
1013You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1014batch mode or quiet mode.
1015
1016@table @code
1017@item -nx
1018@itemx -n
1019@cindex @code{--nx}
1020@cindex @code{-n}
1021Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1022@value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1023options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1024Files}.
1025
1026@item -quiet
1027@itemx -silent
1028@itemx -q
1029@cindex @code{--quiet}
1030@cindex @code{--silent}
1031@cindex @code{-q}
1032``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1033messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1034
1035@item -batch
1036@cindex @code{--batch}
1037Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1038command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1039initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1040nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1041in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1042terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1043off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1044
1045Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1046example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1047make this more useful, the message
1048
1049@smallexample
1050Program exited normally.
1051@end smallexample
1052
1053@noindent
1054(which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1055@value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1056mode.
1057
1058@item -batch-silent
1059@cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1060Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1061@value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1062unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1063for an interactive session.
1064
1065This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1066messages, for example.
1067
1068Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1069writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1070
1071@item -return-child-result
1072@cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1073The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1074process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1075
1076@itemize @bullet
1077@item
1078@value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1079internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1080without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1081@item
1082The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1083@item
1084The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1085the exit code will be -1.
1086@end itemize
1087
1088This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1089when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1090interface.
1091
1092@item -nowindows
1093@itemx -nw
1094@cindex @code{--nowindows}
1095@cindex @code{-nw}
1096``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1097(GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1098interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1099
1100@item -windows
1101@itemx -w
1102@cindex @code{--windows}
1103@cindex @code{-w}
1104If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1105used if possible.
1106
1107@item -cd @var{directory}
1108@cindex @code{--cd}
1109Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1110instead of the current directory.
1111
1112@item -data-directory @var{directory}
1113@cindex @code{--data-directory}
1114Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1115The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1116auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1117
1118@item -fullname
1119@itemx -f
1120@cindex @code{--fullname}
1121@cindex @code{-f}
1122@sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1123subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1124number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1125displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1126recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1127the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1128and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1129@samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1130frame.
1131
1132@item -epoch
1133@cindex @code{--epoch}
1134The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1135@value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1136routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1137separate window.
1138
1139@item -annotate @var{level}
1140@cindex @code{--annotate}
1141This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1142effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1143(@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1144information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1145expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1146normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1147@sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1148that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1149
1150The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1151(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1152
1153@item --args
1154@cindex @code{--args}
1155Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1156executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1157This option stops option processing.
1158
1159@item -baud @var{bps}
1160@itemx -b @var{bps}
1161@cindex @code{--baud}
1162@cindex @code{-b}
1163Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1164interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1165
1166@item -l @var{timeout}
1167@cindex @code{-l}
1168Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1169for remote debugging.
1170
1171@item -tty @var{device}
1172@itemx -t @var{device}
1173@cindex @code{--tty}
1174@cindex @code{-t}
1175Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1176@c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1177
1178@c resolve the situation of these eventually
1179@item -tui
1180@cindex @code{--tui}
1181Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1182Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1183source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1184(@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1185Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1186@samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1187Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1188
1189@c @item -xdb
1190@c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1191@c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1192@c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1193@c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1194@c systems.
1195
1196@item -interpreter @var{interp}
1197@cindex @code{--interpreter}
1198Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1199program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1200communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1201@xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1202
1203@samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1204@value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1205The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1206previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1207selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1208@sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1209
1210@item -write
1211@cindex @code{--write}
1212Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1213is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1214(@pxref{Patching}).
1215
1216@item -statistics
1217@cindex @code{--statistics}
1218This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1219memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1220
1221@item -version
1222@cindex @code{--version}
1223This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1224no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1225
1226@end table
1227
1228@node Startup
1229@subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1230@cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1231
1232Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1233
1234@enumerate
1235@item
1236Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1237(@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1238
1239@item
1240@cindex init file
1241Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1242used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1243 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1244that file.
1245
1246@item
1247Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1248DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1249@code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1250that file.
1251
1252@item
1253Processes command line options and operands.
1254
1255@item
1256Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1257working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1258different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1259init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1260to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1261@value{GDBN}.
1262
1263@item
1264If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1265attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1266scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1267@xref{Auto-loading}.
1268
1269If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1270you must do something like the following:
1271
1272@smallexample
1273$ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" -ex "file myprogram"
1274@end smallexample
1275
1276The following does not work because the auto-loading is turned off too late:
1277
1278@smallexample
1279$ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" myprogram
1280@end smallexample
1281
1282@item
1283Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1284Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1285
1286@item
1287Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1288@xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1289files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1290@end enumerate
1291
1292Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1293Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1294file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1295complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1296and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1297option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1298
1299To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1300can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1301
1302@cindex init file name
1303@cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1304@cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1305The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1306The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1307the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1308ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1309@file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1310the file to the standard name.
1311
1312
1313@node Quitting GDB
1314@section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1315@cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1316@cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1317
1318@table @code
1319@kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1320@kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1321@item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1322@itemx q
1323To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1324@code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1325do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1326otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1327error code.
1328@end table
1329
1330@cindex interrupt
1331An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1332terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1333returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1334character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1335until a time when it is safe.
1336
1337If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1338device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1339(@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1340
1341@node Shell Commands
1342@section Shell Commands
1343
1344If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1345debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1346just use the @code{shell} command.
1347
1348@table @code
1349@kindex shell
1350@cindex shell escape
1351@item shell @var{command string}
1352Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1353If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1354shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1355(@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1356@end table
1357
1358The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1359You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1360@value{GDBN}:
1361
1362@table @code
1363@kindex make
1364@cindex calling make
1365@item make @var{make-args}
1366Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1367arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1368@end table
1369
1370@node Logging Output
1371@section Logging Output
1372@cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1373@cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1374
1375You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1376There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1377
1378@table @code
1379@kindex set logging
1380@item set logging on
1381Enable logging.
1382@item set logging off
1383Disable logging.
1384@cindex logging file name
1385@item set logging file @var{file}
1386Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1387@item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1388By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1389you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1390@item set logging redirect [on|off]
1391By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1392Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1393@kindex show logging
1394@item show logging
1395Show the current values of the logging settings.
1396@end table
1397
1398@node Commands
1399@chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1400
1401You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1402name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1403@value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1404key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1405show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1406
1407@menu
1408* Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1409* Completion:: Command completion
1410* Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1411@end menu
1412
1413@node Command Syntax
1414@section Command Syntax
1415
1416A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1417how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1418arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1419command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1420step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1421with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1422
1423@cindex abbreviation
1424@value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1425unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1426documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1427abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1428equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1429names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1430arguments to the @code{help} command.
1431
1432@cindex repeating commands
1433@kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1434A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1435repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1436will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1437repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1438repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1439@ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1440
1441The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1442@key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1443exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1444
1445@value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1446output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1447(@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1448@key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1449repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1450
1451@kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1452@cindex comment
1453Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1454nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1455Files,,Command Files}).
1456
1457@cindex repeating command sequences
1458@kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1459The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1460commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1461then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1462for editing.
1463
1464@node Completion
1465@section Command Completion
1466
1467@cindex completion
1468@cindex word completion
1469@value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1470only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1471are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1472commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1473
1474Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1475of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1476word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1477enter it). For example, if you type
1478
1479@c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1480@c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1481@c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1482@c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1483@smallexample
1484(@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1485@end smallexample
1486
1487@noindent
1488@value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1489the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1490
1491@smallexample
1492(@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1493@end smallexample
1494
1495@noindent
1496You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1497breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1498@samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1499were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1500might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1501to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1502
1503If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1504@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1505characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1506@value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1507example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1508begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1509just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1510function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1511example:
1512
1513@smallexample
1514(@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1515@exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1516make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1517make_abs_section make_function_type
1518make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1519make_cleanup make_reference_type
1520make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1521(@value{GDBP}) b make_
1522@end smallexample
1523
1524@noindent
1525After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1526partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1527command.
1528
1529If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1530can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1531means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1532key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1533one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1534
1535@cindex quotes in commands
1536@cindex completion of quoted strings
1537Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1538parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1539its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1540situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1541@value{GDBN} commands.
1542
1543The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1544name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1545overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1546by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1547may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1548that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1549that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1550word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1551@code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1552@value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1553when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1554
1555@smallexample
1556(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1557bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1558(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1559@end smallexample
1560
1561In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1562quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1563completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1564place:
1565
1566@smallexample
1567(@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1568@exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1569(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1570@end smallexample
1571
1572@noindent
1573In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1574you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1575completion on an overloaded symbol.
1576
1577For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1578Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1579overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1580see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1581
1582@cindex completion of structure field names
1583@cindex structure field name completion
1584@cindex completion of union field names
1585@cindex union field name completion
1586When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1587structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1588confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1589examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1590limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1591left-hand-side:
1592
1593@smallexample
1594(@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1595magic to_fputs to_rewind
1596to_data to_isatty to_write
1597to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1598to_flush to_read
1599@end smallexample
1600
1601@noindent
1602This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1603@code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1604follows:
1605
1606@smallexample
1607struct ui_file
1608@{
1609 int *magic;
1610 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1611 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1612 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1613 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1614 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1615 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1616 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1617 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1618 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1619 void *to_data;
1620@}
1621@end smallexample
1622
1623
1624@node Help
1625@section Getting Help
1626@cindex online documentation
1627@kindex help
1628
1629You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1630using the command @code{help}.
1631
1632@table @code
1633@kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1634@item help
1635@itemx h
1636You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1637display a short list of named classes of commands:
1638
1639@smallexample
1640(@value{GDBP}) help
1641List of classes of commands:
1642
1643aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1644breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1645data -- Examining data
1646files -- Specifying and examining files
1647internals -- Maintenance commands
1648obscure -- Obscure features
1649running -- Running the program
1650stack -- Examining the stack
1651status -- Status inquiries
1652support -- Support facilities
1653tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1654 stopping the program
1655user-defined -- User-defined commands
1656
1657Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1658commands in that class.
1659Type "help" followed by command name for full
1660documentation.
1661Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1662(@value{GDBP})
1663@end smallexample
1664@c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1665
1666@item help @var{class}
1667Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1668list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1669help display for the class @code{status}:
1670
1671@smallexample
1672(@value{GDBP}) help status
1673Status inquiries.
1674
1675List of commands:
1676
1677@c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1678@c to fit in smallbook page size.
1679info -- Generic command for showing things
1680 about the program being debugged
1681show -- Generic command for showing things
1682 about the debugger
1683
1684Type "help" followed by command name for full
1685documentation.
1686Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1687(@value{GDBP})
1688@end smallexample
1689
1690@item help @var{command}
1691With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1692short paragraph on how to use that command.
1693
1694@kindex apropos
1695@item apropos @var{args}
1696The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1697commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1698@var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1699
1700@smallexample
1701apropos reload
1702@end smallexample
1703
1704@noindent
1705results in:
1706
1707@smallexample
1708@c @group
1709set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1710 multiple times in one run
1711show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1712 multiple times in one run
1713@c @end group
1714@end smallexample
1715
1716@kindex complete
1717@item complete @var{args}
1718The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1719for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1720command you want completed. For example:
1721
1722@smallexample
1723complete i
1724@end smallexample
1725
1726@noindent results in:
1727
1728@smallexample
1729@group
1730if
1731ignore
1732info
1733inspect
1734@end group
1735@end smallexample
1736
1737@noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1738@end table
1739
1740In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1741and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1742of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1743manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1744under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1745all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1746
1747@c @group
1748@table @code
1749@kindex info
1750@kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1751@item info
1752This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1753program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1754with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1755registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1756You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1757@w{@code{help info}}.
1758
1759@kindex set
1760@item set
1761You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1762@code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1763@code{set prompt $}.
1764
1765@kindex show
1766@item show
1767In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1768@value{GDBN} itself.
1769You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1770related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1771system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1772which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1773
1774@kindex info set
1775To display all the settable parameters and their current
1776values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1777@code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1778@c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1779@c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1780@c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1781@end table
1782@c @end group
1783
1784Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1785exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1786
1787@table @code
1788@kindex show version
1789@cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1790@item show version
1791Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1792information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1793@value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1794version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1795commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1796system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1797variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1798The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1799@value{GDBN}.
1800
1801@kindex show copying
1802@kindex info copying
1803@cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1804@item show copying
1805@itemx info copying
1806Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1807
1808@kindex show warranty
1809@kindex info warranty
1810@item show warranty
1811@itemx info warranty
1812Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1813if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1814
1815@end table
1816
1817@node Running
1818@chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1819
1820When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1821debugging information when you compile it.
1822
1823You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1824of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1825your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1826kill a child process.
1827
1828@menu
1829* Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1830* Starting:: Starting your program
1831* Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1832* Environment:: Your program's environment
1833
1834* Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1835* Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1836* Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1837* Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1838
1839* Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1840* Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1841* Forks:: Debugging forks
1842* Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1843@end menu
1844
1845@node Compilation
1846@section Compiling for Debugging
1847
1848In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1849debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1850is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1851variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1852and addresses in the executable code.
1853
1854To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1855the compiler.
1856
1857Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1858optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1859compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1860together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1861executables containing debugging information.
1862
1863@value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1864without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1865recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1866program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1867in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1868
1869Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1870@w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1871format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1872
1873@value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1874expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1875about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1876the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1877Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1878provides macro information if you specify the options
1879@option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1880debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1881``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1882ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1883@option{-g} alone.
1884
1885@need 2000
1886@node Starting
1887@section Starting your Program
1888@cindex starting
1889@cindex running
1890
1891@table @code
1892@kindex run
1893@kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1894@item run
1895@itemx r
1896Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1897You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1898argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1899@value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1900(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1901
1902@end table
1903
1904If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1905supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1906that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1907@code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1908like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1909message like this one:
1910
1911@smallexample
1912The "remote" target does not support "run".
1913Try "help target" or "continue".
1914@end smallexample
1915
1916@noindent
1917then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1918first (@pxref{load}).
1919
1920The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1921receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1922information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1923can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1924your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1925divided into four categories:
1926
1927@table @asis
1928@item The @emph{arguments.}
1929Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1930@code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1931is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1932(such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1933the arguments.
1934In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1935@code{SHELL} environment variable.
1936@xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1937
1938@item The @emph{environment.}
1939Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1940use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1941environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1942your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1943
1944@item The @emph{working directory.}
1945Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1946the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1947@xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1948
1949@item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1950Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1951standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1952in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1953set a different device for your program.
1954@xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1955
1956@cindex pipes
1957@emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1958pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1959program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1960wrong program.
1961@end table
1962
1963When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1964immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1965of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1966stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1967or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1968
1969If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1970time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1971table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1972your current breakpoints.
1973
1974@table @code
1975@kindex start
1976@item start
1977@cindex run to main procedure
1978The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1979With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1980other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1981main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1982execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1983procedure, depending on the language used.
1984
1985The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1986breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1987the @samp{run} command.
1988
1989@cindex elaboration phase
1990Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1991executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1992languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1993constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1994@code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1995before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1996will remain to halt execution.
1997
1998Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1999@samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2000underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2001reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2002@samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2003
2004It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2005these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2006your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2007elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2008elaboration code before running your program.
2009
2010@kindex set exec-wrapper
2011@item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2012@itemx show exec-wrapper
2013@itemx unset exec-wrapper
2014When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2015launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2016with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2017@var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2018arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2019appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2020your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2021
2022You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2023its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2024this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2025with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2026
2027For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2028the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2029environment:
2030
2031@smallexample
2032(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2033(@value{GDBP}) run
2034@end smallexample
2035
2036This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2037@sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2038
2039@kindex set disable-randomization
2040@item set disable-randomization
2041@itemx set disable-randomization on
2042This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2043randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2044is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2045reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2046
2047This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2048behavior using
2049
2050@smallexample
2051(@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2052@end smallexample
2053
2054@item set disable-randomization off
2055Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2056ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2057disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2058@value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2059as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2060disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2061
2062The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2063It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2064cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2065code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2066a code at its expected addresses.
2067
2068Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2069makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2070having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2071library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2072misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2073random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2074startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2075a randomly chosen address.
2076
2077Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2078similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2079a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2080already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2081executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2082
2083Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2084(as long as the randomization is enabled).
2085
2086@item show disable-randomization
2087Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2088the virtual address space of the started program.
2089
2090@end table
2091
2092@node Arguments
2093@section Your Program's Arguments
2094
2095@cindex arguments (to your program)
2096The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2097@code{run} command.
2098They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2099performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2100@code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2101@value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2102the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2103
2104On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2105@value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2106calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2107the program, not by the shell.
2108
2109@code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2110@code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2111
2112@table @code
2113@kindex set args
2114@item set args
2115Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2116@code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2117with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2118using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2119it again without arguments.
2120
2121@kindex show args
2122@item show args
2123Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2124@end table
2125
2126@node Environment
2127@section Your Program's Environment
2128
2129@cindex environment (of your program)
2130The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2131their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2132your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2133path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2134the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2135debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2136environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2137
2138@table @code
2139@kindex path
2140@item path @var{directory}
2141Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2142(the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2143The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2144You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2145system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2146MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2147is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2148
2149You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2150working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2151use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2152@code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2153@var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2154@var{directory} to the search path.
2155@c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2156@c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2157
2158@kindex show paths
2159@item show paths
2160Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2161environment variable).
2162
2163@kindex show environment
2164@item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2165Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2166your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2167print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2168your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2169
2170@kindex set environment
2171@item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2172Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2173changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2174be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2175any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2176parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2177null value.
2178@c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2179@c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2180
2181For example, this command:
2182
2183@smallexample
2184set env USER = foo
2185@end smallexample
2186
2187@noindent
2188tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2189@samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2190are not actually required.)
2191
2192@kindex unset environment
2193@item unset environment @var{varname}
2194Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2195program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2196@code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2197rather than assigning it an empty value.
2198@end table
2199
2200@emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2201the shell indicated
2202by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2203@code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2204that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2205@file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2206your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2207files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2208@file{.profile}.
2209
2210@node Working Directory
2211@section Your Program's Working Directory
2212
2213@cindex working directory (of your program)
2214Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2215working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2216The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2217from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2218working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2219
2220The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2221that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2222Specify Files}.
2223
2224@table @code
2225@kindex cd
2226@cindex change working directory
2227@item cd @var{directory}
2228Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2229
2230@kindex pwd
2231@item pwd
2232Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2233@end table
2234
2235It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2236the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2237during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2238configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2239proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2240current working directory of the debuggee.
2241
2242@node Input/Output
2243@section Your Program's Input and Output
2244
2245@cindex redirection
2246@cindex i/o
2247@cindex terminal
2248By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2249the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2250to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2251modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2252running your program.
2253
2254@table @code
2255@kindex info terminal
2256@item info terminal
2257Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2258program is using.
2259@end table
2260
2261You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2262redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2263
2264@smallexample
2265run > outfile
2266@end smallexample
2267
2268@noindent
2269starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2270
2271@kindex tty
2272@cindex controlling terminal
2273Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2274with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2275argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2276commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2277process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2278
2279@smallexample
2280tty /dev/ttyb
2281@end smallexample
2282
2283@noindent
2284directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2285default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2286that as their controlling terminal.
2287
2288An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2289effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2290terminal.
2291
2292When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2293command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2294for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2295for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2296
2297@cindex inferior tty
2298@cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2299You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2300display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2301program.
2302
2303@table @code
2304@item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2305@kindex set inferior-tty
2306Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2307
2308@item show inferior-tty
2309@kindex show inferior-tty
2310Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2311@end table
2312
2313@node Attach
2314@section Debugging an Already-running Process
2315@kindex attach
2316@cindex attach
2317
2318@table @code
2319@item attach @var{process-id}
2320This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2321outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2322targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2323find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2324or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2325
2326@code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2327executing the command.
2328@end table
2329
2330To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2331which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2332programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2333also have permission to send the process a signal.
2334
2335When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2336the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2337the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2338(@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2339the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2340Specify Files}.
2341
2342The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2343process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2344with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2345you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2346can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2347process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2348attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2349
2350@table @code
2351@kindex detach
2352@item detach
2353When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2354@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2355the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2356that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2357are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2358@code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2359executing the command.
2360@end table
2361
2362If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2363that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2364By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2365things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2366@code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2367Messages}).
2368
2369@node Kill Process
2370@section Killing the Child Process
2371
2372@table @code
2373@kindex kill
2374@item kill
2375Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2376@end table
2377
2378This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2379running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2380is running.
2381
2382On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2383while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2384@code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2385outside the debugger.
2386
2387The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2388relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2389executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2390next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2391reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2392breakpoint settings).
2393
2394@node Inferiors and Programs
2395@section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2396
2397@value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2398session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2399several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2400before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2401multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2402from multiple executables.
2403
2404@cindex inferior
2405@value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2406object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2407a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2408have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2409may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2410identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2411inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2412embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2413of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2414threads running in it.
2415
2416To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2417inferiors}}:
2418
2419@table @code
2420@kindex info inferiors
2421@item info inferiors
2422Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2423
2424@value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2425
2426@enumerate
2427@item
2428the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2429
2430@item
2431the target system's inferior identifier
2432
2433@item
2434the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2435
2436@end enumerate
2437
2438@noindent
2439An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2440indicates the current inferior.
2441
2442For example,
2443@end table
2444@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2445
2446@smallexample
2447(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2448 Num Description Executable
2449 2 process 2307 hello
2450* 1 process 3401 goodbye
2451@end smallexample
2452
2453To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2454
2455@table @code
2456@kindex inferior @var{infno}
2457@item inferior @var{infno}
2458Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2459@var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2460in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2461@end table
2462
2463
2464You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2465@code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2466systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2467automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2468remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2469@w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2470
2471@table @code
2472@kindex add-inferior
2473@item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2474Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2475executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2476the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2477change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2478@code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2479
2480@kindex clone-inferior
2481@item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2482Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2483@var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2484number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2485want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2486
2487@smallexample
2488(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2489 Num Description Executable
2490* 1 process 29964 helloworld
2491(@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2492Added inferior 2.
24931 inferiors added.
2494(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2495 Num Description Executable
2496 2 <null> helloworld
2497* 1 process 29964 helloworld
2498@end smallexample
2499
2500You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2501
2502@kindex remove-inferiors
2503@item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2504Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2505possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2506those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2507
2508@end table
2509
2510To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2511inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2512inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2513using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2514
2515@table @code
2516@kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2517@item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2518Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2519inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2520still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2521but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2522
2523@kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2524@item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2525Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2526number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2527stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2528Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2529@end table
2530
2531After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2532@code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2533a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2534@code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2535
2536
2537To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2538control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2539
2540@table @code
2541@kindex set print inferior-events
2542@cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2543@item set print inferior-events
2544@itemx set print inferior-events on
2545@itemx set print inferior-events off
2546The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2547disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2548inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2549detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2550
2551@kindex show print inferior-events
2552@item show print inferior-events
2553Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2554inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2555@end table
2556
2557Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2558single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2559value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2560
2561
2562Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2563get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2564spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2565info program-spaces}} command.
2566
2567@table @code
2568@kindex maint info program-spaces
2569@item maint info program-spaces
2570Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2571@value{GDBN}.
2572
2573@value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2574
2575@enumerate
2576@item
2577the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2578
2579@item
2580the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2581the @code{file} command.
2582
2583@end enumerate
2584
2585@noindent
2586An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2587indicates the current program space.
2588
2589In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2590information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2591example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2592
2593@smallexample
2594(@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2595 Id Executable
2596 2 goodbye
2597 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2598* 1 hello
2599@end smallexample
2600
2601Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2602while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2603some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2604same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2605the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2606
2607@smallexample
2608(@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2609 Id Executable
2610* 1 vfork-test
2611 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2612@end smallexample
2613
2614Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2615space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2616@end table
2617
2618@node Threads
2619@section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2620
2621@cindex threads of execution
2622@cindex multiple threads
2623@cindex switching threads
2624In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2625may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2626of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2627the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2628that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2629modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2630registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2631
2632@value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2633programs:
2634
2635@itemize @bullet
2636@item automatic notification of new threads
2637@item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2638@item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2639@item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2640a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2641@item thread-specific breakpoints
2642@item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2643messages on thread start and exit.
2644@item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2645the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2646isn't compatible with the program.
2647@end itemize
2648
2649@quotation
2650@emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2651@value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2652If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2653effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2654from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2655like this:
2656
2657@smallexample
2658(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2659(@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2660Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2661see the IDs of currently known threads.
2662@end smallexample
2663@c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2664@c doesn't support threads"?
2665@end quotation
2666
2667@cindex focus of debugging
2668@cindex current thread
2669The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2670threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2671control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2672This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2673program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2674
2675@cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2676@cindex thread identifier (system)
2677@c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2678@c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2679@c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2680Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2681the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2682form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2683whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2684@sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2685
2686@smallexample
2687[New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2688@end smallexample
2689
2690@noindent
2691when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2692the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2693further qualifier.
2694
2695@c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2696@c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2697@c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2698@c program?
2699@c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2700@c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2701@c threads ab initio?
2702
2703@cindex thread number
2704@cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2705For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2706number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2707
2708@table @code
2709@kindex info threads
2710@item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2711Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2712argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2713means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2714@value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2715
2716@enumerate
2717@item
2718the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2719
2720@item
2721the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2722
2723@item
2724the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2725the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2726program itself.
2727
2728@item
2729the current stack frame summary for that thread
2730@end enumerate
2731
2732@noindent
2733An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2734indicates the current thread.
2735
2736For example,
2737@end table
2738@c end table here to get a little more width for example
2739
2740@smallexample
2741(@value{GDBP}) info threads
2742 Id Target Id Frame
2743 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2744 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2745* 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2746 at threadtest.c:68
2747@end smallexample
2748
2749On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2750Solaris-specific command:
2751
2752@table @code
2753@item maint info sol-threads
2754@kindex maint info sol-threads
2755@cindex thread info (Solaris)
2756Display info on Solaris user threads.
2757@end table
2758
2759@table @code
2760@kindex thread @var{threadno}
2761@item thread @var{threadno}
2762Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2763argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2764shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2765@value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2766you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2767
2768@smallexample
2769(@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2770[Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2771#0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
27728 printf ("hello\n");
2773@end smallexample
2774
2775@noindent
2776As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2777@samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2778threads.
2779
2780@vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2781The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2782of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2783conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2784@xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2785information on convenience variables.
2786
2787@kindex thread apply
2788@cindex apply command to several threads
2789@item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2790The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2791@var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2792threads that you want affected with the command argument
2793@var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2794shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2795could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2796command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2797
2798@kindex thread name
2799@cindex name a thread
2800@item thread name [@var{name}]
2801This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2802given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2803appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2804
2805On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2806determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2807systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2808system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2809@value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2810
2811@kindex thread find
2812@cindex search for a thread
2813@item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2814Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2815matches the supplied regular expression.
2816
2817As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2818this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2819@var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2820is the LWP id.
2821
2822@smallexample
2823(@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2824Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2825(@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2826 Id Target Id Frame
2827 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2828@end smallexample
2829
2830@kindex set print thread-events
2831@cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2832@item set print thread-events
2833@itemx set print thread-events on
2834@itemx set print thread-events off
2835The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2836disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2837started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2838be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2839Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2840
2841@kindex show print thread-events
2842@item show print thread-events
2843Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2844have started and exited.
2845@end table
2846
2847@xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2848more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2849programs with multiple threads.
2850
2851@xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2852watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2853
2854@table @code
2855@kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2856@cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2857@item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2858If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2859directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2860If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2861its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2862Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2863macro.
2864
2865On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2866@code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2867inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2868to find @code{libthread_db}.
2869
2870A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2871refers to the default system directories that are
2872normally searched for loading shared libraries.
2873
2874A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2875refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2876was loaded in the inferior process.
2877
2878For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2879@value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2880If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2881mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2882will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2883If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2884@value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2885
2886Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2887only on some platforms.
2888
2889@kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2890@item show libthread-db-search-path
2891Display current libthread_db search path.
2892
2893@kindex set debug libthread-db
2894@kindex show debug libthread-db
2895@cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2896@item set debug libthread-db
2897@itemx show debug libthread-db
2898Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2899Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2900@end table
2901
2902@node Forks
2903@section Debugging Forks
2904
2905@cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2906@cindex multiple processes
2907@cindex processes, multiple
2908On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2909programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2910function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2911parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2912set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2913will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2914will cause it to terminate.
2915
2916However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2917which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2918the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2919only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2920so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2921on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2922get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2923@value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2924the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2925the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2926
2927On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2928create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2929Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2930only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2931
2932By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2933the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2934
2935If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2936use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2937
2938@table @code
2939@kindex set follow-fork-mode
2940@item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2941Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2942@code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2943process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2944
2945@table @code
2946@item parent
2947The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2948unimpeded. This is the default.
2949
2950@item child
2951The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2952unimpeded.
2953
2954@end table
2955
2956@kindex show follow-fork-mode
2957@item show follow-fork-mode
2958Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2959@end table
2960
2961@cindex debugging multiple processes
2962On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2963command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2964
2965@table @code
2966@kindex set detach-on-fork
2967@item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2968Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2969retain debugger control over them both.
2970
2971@table @code
2972@item on
2973The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2974@code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2975independently. This is the default.
2976
2977@item off
2978Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2979One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2980@code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2981is held suspended.
2982
2983@end table
2984
2985@kindex show detach-on-fork
2986@item show detach-on-fork
2987Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2988@end table
2989
2990If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2991will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2992You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2993using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2994to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2995Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2996
2997To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2998from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
2999to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3000command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3001and Programs}.
3002
3003If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3004@code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3005breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3006@code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3007the child process's @code{main}.
3008
3009On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3010cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3011
3012If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3013call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3014process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3015as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3016@value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3017You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3018command.
3019
3020@table @code
3021@kindex set follow-exec-mode
3022@item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3023
3024Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3025@code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3026
3027@code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3028
3029@table @code
3030@item new
3031@value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3032new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3033@code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3034original inferior.
3035
3036For example:
3037
3038@smallexample
3039(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3040(gdb) info inferior
3041 Id Description Executable
3042* 1 <null> prog1
3043(@value{GDBP}) run
3044process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3045Program exited normally.
3046(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3047 Id Description Executable
3048* 2 <null> prog2
3049 1 <null> prog1
3050@end smallexample
3051
3052@item same
3053@value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3054executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3055inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3056e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3057running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3058
3059For example:
3060
3061@smallexample
3062(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3063 Id Description Executable
3064* 1 <null> prog1
3065(@value{GDBP}) run
3066process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3067Program exited normally.
3068(@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3069 Id Description Executable
3070* 1 <null> prog2
3071@end smallexample
3072
3073@end table
3074@end table
3075
3076You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3077a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3078Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3079
3080@node Checkpoint/Restart
3081@section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3082
3083@cindex checkpoint
3084@cindex restart
3085@cindex bookmark
3086@cindex snapshot of a process
3087@cindex rewind program state
3088
3089On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3090@sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3091program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3092later.
3093
3094Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3095happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3096includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3097system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3098moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3099
3100Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3101getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3102a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3103the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3104from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3105start again from there.
3106
3107This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3108steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3109
3110To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3111
3112@table @code
3113@kindex checkpoint
3114@item checkpoint
3115Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3116The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3117is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3118
3119@kindex info checkpoints
3120@item info checkpoints
3121List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3122session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3123listed:
3124
3125@table @code
3126@item Checkpoint ID
3127@item Process ID
3128@item Code Address
3129@item Source line, or label
3130@end table
3131
3132@kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3133@item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3134Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3135@var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3136etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3137was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3138in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3139
3140Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3141are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3142only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3143the debugger.
3144
3145@kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3146@item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3147Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3148
3149@end table
3150
3151Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3152of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3153(OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3154a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3155so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3156opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3157previously read data can be read again.
3158
3159Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3160external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3161from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3162but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3163be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3164been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3165
3166However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3167program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3168again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3169different execution path this time.
3170
3171@cindex checkpoints and process id
3172Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3173different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3174id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3175and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3176If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3177potentially pose a problem.
3178
3179@subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3180
3181On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3182is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3183difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3184absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3185absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3186next.
3187
3188A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3189Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3190and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3191process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3192your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3193
3194@node Stopping
3195@chapter Stopping and Continuing
3196
3197The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3198program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3199trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3200
3201Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3202such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3203@value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3204change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3205continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3206ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3207explicitly request this information at any time.
3208
3209@table @code
3210@kindex info program
3211@item info program
3212Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3213running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3214@end table
3215
3216@menu
3217* Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3218* Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3219* Signals:: Signals
3220* Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3221@end menu
3222
3223@node Breakpoints
3224@section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3225
3226@cindex breakpoints
3227A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3228the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3229control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3230breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3231Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3232should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3233program.
3234
3235On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3236the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3237you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3238in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3239(for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3240call).
3241
3242@cindex watchpoints
3243@cindex data breakpoints
3244@cindex memory tracing
3245@cindex breakpoint on memory address
3246@cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3247A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3248when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3249of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3250combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3251@dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3252watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3253from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3254enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3255same commands.
3256
3257You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3258whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3259Automatic Display}.
3260
3261@cindex catchpoints
3262@cindex breakpoint on events
3263A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3264when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3265exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3266different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3267Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3268other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3269@code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3270
3271@cindex breakpoint numbers
3272@cindex numbers for breakpoints
3273@value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3274catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3275starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3276features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3277breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3278@dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3279enable it again.
3280
3281@cindex breakpoint ranges
3282@cindex ranges of breakpoints
3283Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3284operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3285@samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3286hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3287all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3288
3289@menu
3290* Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3291* Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3292* Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3293* Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3294* Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3295* Conditions:: Break conditions
3296* Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3297* Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3298* Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3299* Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3300@end menu
3301
3302@node Set Breaks
3303@subsection Setting Breakpoints
3304
3305@c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3306@c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3307@c
3308@c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3309
3310@kindex break
3311@kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3312@vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3313@cindex latest breakpoint
3314Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3315@code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3316number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3317Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3318convenience variables.
3319
3320@table @code
3321@item break @var{location}
3322Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3323function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3324(@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3325specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3326before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3327
3328When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3329C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3330@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3331that situation.
3332
3333It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3334only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3335or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3336
3337@item break
3338When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3339the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3340(@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3341innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3342returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3343@code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3344that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3345@code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3346the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3347inside loops.
3348
3349@value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3350least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3351would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3352breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3353existed when your program stopped.
3354
3355@item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3356Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3357@var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3358value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3359@samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3360above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3361,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3362
3363@kindex tbreak
3364@item tbreak @var{args}
3365Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3366same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3367way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3368program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3369
3370@kindex hbreak
3371@cindex hardware breakpoints
3372@item hbreak @var{args}
3373Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3374@code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3375breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3376have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3377debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3378changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3379provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3380will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3381address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3382breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3383example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3384@value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3385or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3386(@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3387@xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3388For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3389breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3390hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3391
3392@kindex thbreak
3393@item thbreak @var{args}
3394Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3395are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3396the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3397the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3398first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3399command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3400may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3401See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3402
3403@kindex rbreak
3404@cindex regular expression
3405@cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3406@cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3407@item rbreak @var{regex}
3408Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3409@var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3410matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3411breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3412the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3413them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3414
3415The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3416like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3417shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3418an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3419@code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3420match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3421
3422@cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3423When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3424breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3425classes.
3426
3427@cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3428The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3429@strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3430
3431@smallexample
3432(@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3433@end smallexample
3434
3435@item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3436If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3437the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3438specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3439every function in a given file:
3440
3441@smallexample
3442(@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3443@end smallexample
3444
3445The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3446optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3447
3448@kindex info breakpoints
3449@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3450@item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3451@itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3452Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3453not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3454about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3455For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3456
3457@table @emph
3458@item Breakpoint Numbers
3459@item Type
3460Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3461@item Disposition
3462Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3463@item Enabled or Disabled
3464Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3465that are not enabled.
3466@item Address
3467Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3468pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3469contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3470library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3471See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3472have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3473@item What
3474Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3475line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3476the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3477the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3478@end table
3479
3480@noindent
3481If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3482the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3483are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3484specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3485library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3486valid location.
3487
3488@noindent
3489@code{info break} with a breakpoint
3490number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3491convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3492the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3493listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3494
3495@noindent
3496@code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3497has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3498@code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3499hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3500was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3501will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3502@end table
3503
3504@value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3505your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3506the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3507(@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3508
3509@cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3510@cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3511It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3512in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3513
3514@itemize @bullet
3515@item
3516For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3517instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3518
3519@item
3520For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3521correspond to any number of instantiations.
3522
3523@item
3524For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3525several places where that function is inlined.
3526@end itemize
3527
3528In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3529the relevant locations@footnote{
3530As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3531line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3532will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3533info with line numbers for them.}.
3534
3535A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3536table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3537each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3538address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3539addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3540locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3541@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3542
3543For example:
3544
3545@smallexample
3546Num Type Disp Enb Address What
35471 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3548 stop only if i==1
3549 breakpoint already hit 1 time
35501.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
35511.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3552@end smallexample
3553
3554Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3555@var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3556@code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3557delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3558entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3559the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3560the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3561the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3562that belong to that breakpoint.
3563
3564@cindex pending breakpoints
3565It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3566Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3567and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3568this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3569any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3570set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3571debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3572symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3573breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3574a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3575is not yet resolved.
3576
3577After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3578@value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3579shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3580pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3581ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3582that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3583
3584This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3585example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3586a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3587a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3588
3589Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3590differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3591enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3592
3593@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3594happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3595address specification to an address:
3596
3597@kindex set breakpoint pending
3598@kindex show breakpoint pending
3599@table @code
3600@item set breakpoint pending auto
3601This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3602location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3603
3604@item set breakpoint pending on
3605This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3606result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3607
3608@item set breakpoint pending off
3609This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3610unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3611not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3612
3613@item show breakpoint pending
3614Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3615@end table
3616
3617The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3618variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3619as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3620
3621@cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3622For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3623software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3624breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3625breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3626breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3627breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3628breakpoints.
3629
3630You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3631
3632@kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3633@kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3634@table @code
3635@item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3636This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3637will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3638breakpoint must be used.
3639
3640@item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3641This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3642type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3643trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3644@end table
3645
3646@value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3647at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3648executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3649code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3650the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3651behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3652target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3653targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3654This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3655
3656@kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3657@kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3658@table @code
3659@item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3660All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3661the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3662removed from the target when it stops.
3663
3664@item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3665Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3666the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3667breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3668removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3669
3670@cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3671@item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3672This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3673in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3674@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3675controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3676@code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3677@end table
3678
3679@cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3680@cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3681@value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3682special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3683programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3684starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3685You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3686@samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3687
3688
3689@node Set Watchpoints
3690@subsection Setting Watchpoints
3691
3692@cindex setting watchpoints
3693You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3694expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3695this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3696The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3697as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3698
3699@itemize @bullet
3700@item
3701A reference to the value of a single variable.
3702
3703@item
3704An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3705@samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3706address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3707
3708@item
3709An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3710expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3711language (@pxref{Languages}).
3712@end itemize
3713
3714You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3715not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3716@samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3717@value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3718the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3719valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3720pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3721@code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3722the expression changes.
3723
3724@cindex software watchpoints
3725@cindex hardware watchpoints
3726Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3727hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3728program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3729times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3730catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3731culprit.)
3732
3733On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3734x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3735watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3736
3737@table @code
3738@kindex watch
3739@item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3740Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3741expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3742changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3743to watch the value of a single variable:
3744
3745@smallexample
3746(@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3747@end smallexample
3748
3749If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3750argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3751@var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3752change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3753that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3754with Hardware Watchpoints.
3755
3756Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3757(see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3758instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3759@value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3760and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3761to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3762result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3763error.
3764
3765The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3766of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3767feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3768Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3769to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3770(the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3771the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3772Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3773addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3774watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3775Examples:
3776
3777@smallexample
3778(@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3779(@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3780@end smallexample
3781
3782@kindex rwatch
3783@item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3784Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3785by the program.
3786
3787@kindex awatch
3788@item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3789Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3790or written into by the program.
3791
3792@kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3793@item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3794This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3795@code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3796@end table
3797
3798If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3799dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3800never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3801a never-changing value:
3802
3803@smallexample
3804(@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3805Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3806(@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3807Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3808@end smallexample
3809
3810@value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3811watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3812value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3813cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3814executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3815@emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3816
3817@cindex use only software watchpoints
3818You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3819@kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3820zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3821the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3822watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3823@code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3824mechanism of watching expression values.)
3825
3826@table @code
3827@item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3828@kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3829Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3830
3831@item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3832@kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3833Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3834@end table
3835
3836For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3837watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3838hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3839
3840When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3841
3842@smallexample
3843Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3844@end smallexample
3845
3846@noindent
3847if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3848
3849Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3850hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3851value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3852every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3853that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3854hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3855will print a message like this:
3856
3857@smallexample
3858Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3859@end smallexample
3860
3861Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3862data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3863watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3864can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3865cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3866double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3867wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3868into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3869
3870If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3871to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3872Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3873time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3874able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3875warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3876
3877@smallexample
3878Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3879@end smallexample
3880
3881@noindent
3882If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3883
3884Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3885exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3886That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3887expression with separately allocated resources.
3888
3889If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3890any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3891kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3892
3893@value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3894(automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3895they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3896which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3897being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3898and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3899rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3900way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3901@code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3902
3903@cindex watchpoints and threads
3904@cindex threads and watchpoints
3905In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3906watched expression from every thread.
3907
3908@quotation
3909@emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3910have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3911watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3912single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3913change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3914confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3915software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3916when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3917watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3918@end quotation
3919
3920@xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3921
3922@node Set Catchpoints
3923@subsection Setting Catchpoints
3924@cindex catchpoints, setting
3925@cindex exception handlers
3926@cindex event handling
3927
3928You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3929kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3930shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3931
3932@table @code
3933@kindex catch
3934@item catch @var{event}
3935Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3936@table @code
3937@item throw
3938@cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3939The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3940
3941@item catch
3942The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3943
3944@item exception
3945@cindex Ada exception catching
3946@cindex catch Ada exceptions
3947An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3948at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3949the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3950Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3951
3952When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3953name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3954fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3955@value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3956rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3957called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3958the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3959Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3960
3961@item exception unhandled
3962An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3963
3964@item assert
3965A failed Ada assertion.
3966
3967@item exec
3968@cindex break on fork/exec
3969A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3970and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3971
3972@item syscall
3973@itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
3974@cindex break on a system call.
3975A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3976syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3977from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3978@value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3979debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3980argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3981will be caught.
3982
3983@var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3984underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3985GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3986names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3987
3988@c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3989@c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3990@c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3991@c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3992
3993Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3994each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3995facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3996available choices.
3997
3998You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3999number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4000identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4001name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4002into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4003may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4004list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4005behind the OS upgrades).
4006
4007The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4008arguments to it:
4009
4010@smallexample
4011(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4012Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4013(@value{GDBP}) r
4014Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4015
4016Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4017 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4018(@value{GDBP}) c
4019Continuing.
4020
4021Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4022 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4023(@value{GDBP})
4024@end smallexample
4025
4026Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4027
4028@smallexample
4029(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4030Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4031(@value{GDBP}) r
4032Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4033
4034Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4035 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4036(@value{GDBP}) c
4037Continuing.
4038
4039Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4040 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4041(@value{GDBP})
4042@end smallexample
4043
4044An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4045below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4046file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4047
4048@smallexample
4049(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4050Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4051(@value{GDBP}) r
4052Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4053
4054Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4055 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4056(@value{GDBP}) c
4057Continuing.
4058
4059Program exited normally.
4060(@value{GDBP})
4061@end smallexample
4062
4063However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4064in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4065a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4066but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4067
4068@smallexample
4069(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4070warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4071Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4072(@value{GDBP})
4073@end smallexample
4074
4075If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4076it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4077architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4078you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4079notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4080name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4081
4082@smallexample
4083(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4084warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4085warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4086GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4087Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4088(@value{GDBP})
4089@end smallexample
4090
4091Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4092
4093Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4094number. In this case, you would see something like:
4095
4096@smallexample
4097(@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4098Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4099@end smallexample
4100
4101Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4102
4103@item fork
4104A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4105and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4106
4107@item vfork
4108A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4109and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4110
4111@end table
4112
4113@item tcatch @var{event}
4114Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4115automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4116
4117@end table
4118
4119Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4120
4121There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4122(@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4123
4124@itemize @bullet
4125@item
4126If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4127control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4128raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4129returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4130simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4131that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4132you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4133disabled within interactive calls.
4134
4135@item
4136You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4137
4138@item
4139You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4140@end itemize
4141
4142@cindex raise exceptions
4143Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4144if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4145stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4146can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4147breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4148out where the exception was raised.
4149
4150To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4151knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4152raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4153which has the following ANSI C interface:
4154
4155@smallexample
4156 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4157 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4158 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4159@end smallexample
4160
4161@noindent
4162To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4163unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4164(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4165
4166With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4167that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4168a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4169breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4170raised.
4171
4172
4173@node Delete Breaks
4174@subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4175
4176@cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4177@cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4178It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4179catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4180to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4181breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4182
4183With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4184where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4185delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4186their breakpoint numbers.
4187
4188It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4189automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4190when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4191
4192@table @code
4193@kindex clear
4194@item clear
4195Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4196selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4197the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4198breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4199
4200@item clear @var{location}
4201Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4202@xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4203most useful ones are listed below:
4204
4205@table @code
4206@item clear @var{function}
4207@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4208Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4209
4210@item clear @var{linenum}
4211@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4212Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4213@var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4214@end table
4215
4216@cindex delete breakpoints
4217@kindex delete
4218@kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4219@item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4220Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4221ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4222breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4223confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4224@end table
4225
4226@node Disabling
4227@subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4228
4229@cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4230Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4231prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4232it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4233that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4234
4235You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4236the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4237one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4238print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4239do not know which numbers to use.
4240
4241Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4242affects all of its locations.
4243
4244A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4245states of enablement:
4246
4247@itemize @bullet
4248@item
4249Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4250with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4251@item
4252Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4253@item
4254Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4255disabled.
4256@item
4257Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4258immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4259set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4260@end itemize
4261
4262You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4263watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4264
4265@table @code
4266@kindex disable
4267@kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4268@item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4269Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4270listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4271options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4272case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4273@code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4274
4275@kindex enable
4276@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4277Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4278become effective once again in stopping your program.
4279
4280@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4281Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4282of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4283
4284@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4285Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4286deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4287Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4288@end table
4289
4290@c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4291@c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4292Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4293,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4294subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4295the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4296breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4297breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4298Stepping}.)
4299
4300@node Conditions
4301@subsection Break Conditions
4302@cindex conditional breakpoints
4303@cindex breakpoint conditions
4304
4305@c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4306@c in particular for a watchpoint?
4307The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4308specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4309breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4310programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4311a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4312and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4313
4314This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4315situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4316when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4317by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4318@samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4319
4320Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4321since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4322it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4323and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4324one.
4325
4326Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4327your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4328that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4329format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4330unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4331that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4332program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4333breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4334conditions for the
4335purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4336(@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4337
4338Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4339@samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4340Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4341with the @code{condition} command.
4342
4343You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4344The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4345@code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4346catchpoint.
4347
4348@table @code
4349@kindex condition
4350@item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4351Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4352watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4353breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4354@var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4355@code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4356syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4357referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4358symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4359prints an error message:
4360
4361@smallexample
4362No symbol "foo" in current context.
4363@end smallexample
4364
4365@noindent
4366@value{GDBN} does
4367not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4368command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4369@code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4370
4371@item condition @var{bnum}
4372Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4373an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4374@end table
4375
4376@cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4377A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4378breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4379useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4380count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4381is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4382therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4383ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4384the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4385value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4386your program reaches it.
4387
4388@table @code
4389@kindex ignore
4390@item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4391Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4392The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4393execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4394takes no action.
4395
4396To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4397a count of zero.
4398
4399When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4400breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4401@code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4402Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4403
4404If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4405condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4406@value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4407
4408You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4409as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4410is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4411Variables}.
4412@end table
4413
4414Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4415
4416
4417@node Break Commands
4418@subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4419
4420@cindex breakpoint commands
4421You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4422commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4423example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4424enable other breakpoints.
4425
4426@table @code
4427@kindex commands
4428@kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4429@item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4430@itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4431@itemx end
4432Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4433themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4434@code{end} to terminate the commands.
4435
4436To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4437follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4438
4439With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4440watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4441encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4442command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4443set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4444@code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4445creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4446Expressions}).
4447@end table
4448
4449Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4450disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4451
4452You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4453use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4454that resumes execution.
4455
4456Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4457execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4458(even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4459another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4460ambiguities about which list to execute.
4461
4462@kindex silent
4463If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4464usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4465be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4466then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4467see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4468meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4469
4470The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4471print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4472breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4473
4474For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4475value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4476
4477@smallexample
4478break foo if x>0
4479commands
4480silent
4481printf "x is %d\n",x
4482cont
4483end
4484@end smallexample
4485
4486One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4487you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4488of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4489erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4490to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4491so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4492command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4493
4494@smallexample
4495break 403
4496commands
4497silent
4498set x = y + 4
4499cont
4500end
4501@end smallexample
4502
4503@node Save Breakpoints
4504@subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4505
4506To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4507breakpoints}} command.
4508
4509@table @code
4510@kindex save breakpoints
4511@cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4512@item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4513This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4514their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4515suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4516types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4517tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4518@code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4519with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4520because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4521watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4522are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4523breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4524and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4525that can no longer be recreated.
4526@end table
4527
4528@c @ifclear BARETARGET
4529@node Error in Breakpoints
4530@subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4531
4532If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4533watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4534
4535@c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4536@c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4537@smallexample
4538Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4539You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4540@end smallexample
4541
4542@noindent
4543This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4544only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4545watchpoints it needs to insert.
4546
4547When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4548hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4549
4550@node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4551@subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4552@cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4553
4554Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4555which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4556@value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4557with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4558
4559One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4560a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4561bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4562constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4563bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4564honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4565first in the bundle.
4566
4567It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4568instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4569a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4570another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4571breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4572printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4573is hit.
4574
4575A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4576that's been subject to address adjustment:
4577
4578@smallexample
4579warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4580@end smallexample
4581
4582Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4583internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4584verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4585desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4586other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4587E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4588instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4589cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4590
4591@value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4592adjusted breakpoints:
4593
4594@smallexample
4595warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4596to 0x00010410.
4597@end smallexample
4598
4599When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4600action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4601frequently than expected.
4602
4603@node Continuing and Stepping
4604@section Continuing and Stepping
4605
4606@cindex stepping
4607@cindex continuing
4608@cindex resuming execution
4609@dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4610completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4611one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4612line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4613particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4614your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4615it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4616@samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4617
4618@table @code
4619@kindex continue
4620@kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4621@kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4622@item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4623@itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4624@itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4625Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4626any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4627@var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4628ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4629@code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4630
4631The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4632stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4633@code{continue} is ignored.
4634
4635The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4636debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4637purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4638@code{continue}.
4639@end table
4640
4641To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4642(@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4643calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4644Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4645
4646A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4647(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4648beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4649is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4650and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4651interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4652
4653@table @code
4654@kindex step
4655@kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4656@item step
4657Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4658line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4659abbreviated @code{s}.
4660
4661@quotation
4662@c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4663@c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4664@c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4665@c distinction here.
4666@emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4667within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4668execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4669debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4670is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4671without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4672below.
4673@end quotation
4674
4675The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4676line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4677@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4678to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4679the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4680called within the line.
4681
4682Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4683number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4684@code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4685on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4686was any debugging information about the routine.
4687
4688@item step @var{count}
4689Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4690breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4691@var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4692
4693@kindex next
4694@kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4695@item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4696Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4697This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4698the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4699control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4700that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4701is abbreviated @code{n}.
4702
4703An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4704
4705
4706@c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4707@c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4708@c
4709@c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4710@c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4711@c function are executed without stopping.
4712
4713The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4714source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4715@code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4716
4717@kindex set step-mode
4718@item set step-mode
4719@cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4720@cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4721@itemx set step-mode on
4722The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4723stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4724information rather than stepping over it.
4725
4726This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4727machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4728want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4729
4730@item set step-mode off
4731Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4732debug information. This is the default.
4733
4734@item show step-mode
4735Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4736source line debug information.
4737
4738@kindex finish
4739@kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4740@item finish
4741Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4742returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4743abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4744
4745Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4746,Returning from a Function}).
4747
4748@kindex until
4749@kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4750@cindex run until specified location
4751@item until
4752@itemx u
4753Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4754current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4755stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4756command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4757automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4758than the address of the jump.
4759
4760This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4761though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4762exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4763simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4764through the next iteration.
4765
4766@code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4767stack frame.
4768
4769@code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4770of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4771example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4772(@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4773@code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4774
4775@smallexample
4776(@value{GDBP}) f
4777#0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4778206 expand_input();
4779(@value{GDBP}) until
4780195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4781@end smallexample
4782
4783This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4784generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4785start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4786written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4787to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4788expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4789statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4790
4791@code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4792instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4793argument.
4794
4795@item until @var{location}
4796@itemx u @var{location}
4797Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4798reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4799the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4800This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4801hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4802location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4803implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4804invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4805line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4806line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4807invocations have returned.
4808
4809@smallexample
481094 int factorial (int value)
481195 @{
481296 if (value > 1) @{
481397 value *= factorial (value - 1);
481498 @}
481599 return (value);
4816100 @}
4817@end smallexample
4818
4819
4820@kindex advance @var{location}
4821@itemx advance @var{location}
4822Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4823required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4824@ref{Specify Location}.
4825Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4826frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4827not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4828have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4829
4830
4831@kindex stepi
4832@kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4833@item stepi
4834@itemx stepi @var{arg}
4835@itemx si
4836Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4837
4838It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4839instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4840instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4841Display,, Automatic Display}.
4842
4843An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4844
4845@need 750
4846@kindex nexti
4847@kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4848@item nexti
4849@itemx nexti @var{arg}
4850@itemx ni
4851Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4852proceed until the function returns.
4853
4854An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4855@end table
4856
4857@node Signals
4858@section Signals
4859@cindex signals
4860
4861A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4862operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4863kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4864signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4865@code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4866memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4867the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4868requested an alarm).
4869
4870@cindex fatal signals
4871Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4872functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4873errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4874program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4875@code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4876fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4877
4878@value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4879program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4880signal.
4881
4882@cindex handling signals
4883Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4884@code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4885(so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4886but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4887You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4888
4889@table @code
4890@kindex info signals
4891@kindex info handle
4892@item info signals
4893@itemx info handle
4894Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4895handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4896the defined types of signals.
4897
4898@item info signals @var{sig}
4899Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4900
4901@code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4902
4903@kindex handle
4904@item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4905Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4906can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4907@samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4908@samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4909known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4910say what change to make.
4911@end table
4912
4913@c @group
4914The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4915Their full names are:
4916
4917@table @code
4918@item nostop
4919@value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4920still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4921
4922@item stop
4923@value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4924the @code{print} keyword as well.
4925
4926@item print
4927@value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4928
4929@item noprint
4930@value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4931implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4932
4933@item pass
4934@itemx noignore
4935@value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4936can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4937and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4938
4939@item nopass
4940@itemx ignore
4941@value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4942@code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4943@end table
4944@c @end group
4945
4946When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4947program until you
4948continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4949effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4950after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4951command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4952program sees that signal when you continue.
4953
4954The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4955non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4956@code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4957erroneous signals.
4958
4959You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4960seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4961or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4962due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4963values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4964execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4965a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4966you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4967Program a Signal}.
4968
4969@cindex extra signal information
4970@anchor{extra signal information}
4971
4972On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4973associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4974delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4975by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4976that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4977receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4978target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4979$_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4980standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4981system header.
4982
4983Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4984referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4985
4986@smallexample
4987@group
4988(@value{GDBP}) continue
4989Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
49900x0000000000400766 in main ()
499169 *(int *)p = 0;
4992(@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4993type = struct @{
4994 int si_signo;
4995 int si_errno;
4996 int si_code;
4997 union @{
4998 int _pad[28];
4999 struct @{...@} _kill;
5000 struct @{...@} _timer;
5001 struct @{...@} _rt;
5002 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5003 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5004 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5005 @} _sifields;
5006@}
5007(@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5008type = struct @{
5009 void *si_addr;
5010@}
5011(@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5012$1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5013@end group
5014@end smallexample
5015
5016Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5017
5018@node Thread Stops
5019@section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5020
5021@cindex stopped threads
5022@cindex threads, stopped
5023
5024@cindex continuing threads
5025@cindex threads, continuing
5026
5027@value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5028(@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5029are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5030debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5031when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5032or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5033@value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5034@dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5035you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5036
5037@menu
5038* All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5039* Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5040* Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5041* Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5042* Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5043* Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5044@end menu
5045
5046@node All-Stop Mode
5047@subsection All-Stop Mode
5048
5049@cindex all-stop mode
5050
5051In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5052@emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5053allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5054switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5055underfoot.
5056
5057Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5058executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5059like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5060
5061In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5062Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5063system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5064execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5065single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5066statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5067stops.
5068
5069You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5070continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5071thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5072first thread completes whatever you requested.
5073
5074@cindex automatic thread selection
5075@cindex switching threads automatically
5076@cindex threads, automatic switching
5077Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5078signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5079signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5080message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5081thread.
5082
5083On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5084locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5085
5086@table @code
5087@item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5088@cindex scheduler locking mode
5089@cindex lock scheduler
5090Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5091locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5092current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5093mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5094from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5095the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5096Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5097when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5098function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5099like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5100thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5101the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5102
5103@item show scheduler-locking
5104Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5105@end table
5106
5107@cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5108By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5109@code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5110threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5111is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5112@code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5113inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5114forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5115it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5116situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5117of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5118to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5119you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5120inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5121
5122@table @code
5123@kindex set schedule-multiple
5124@item set schedule-multiple
5125Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5126when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5127all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5128of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5129@code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5130or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5131
5132@item show schedule-multiple
5133Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5134multiple processes.
5135@end table
5136
5137@node Non-Stop Mode
5138@subsection Non-Stop Mode
5139
5140@cindex non-stop mode
5141
5142@c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5143@c with more details.
5144
5145For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5146mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5147the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5148minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5149where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5150respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5151
5152In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5153@emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5154threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5155execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5156only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5157in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5158ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5159one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5160one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5161independently and simultaneously.
5162
5163To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5164or attach to your program:
5165
5166@smallexample
5167# Enable the async interface.
5168set target-async 1
5169
5170# If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5171set pagination off
5172
5173# Finally, turn it on!
5174set non-stop on
5175@end smallexample
5176
5177You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5178
5179@table @code
5180@kindex set non-stop
5181@item set non-stop on
5182Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5183@item set non-stop off
5184Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5185@kindex show non-stop
5186@item show non-stop
5187Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5188@end table
5189
5190Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5191not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5192In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5193@value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5194not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5195since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5196non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5197default.
5198
5199In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5200by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5201To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5202
5203You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5204(@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5205while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5206The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5207always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5208
5209Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5210running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5211In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5212but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5213To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5214
5215Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5216
5217In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5218that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5219thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5220command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5221changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5222previously current thread.
5223
5224@node Background Execution
5225@subsection Background Execution
5226
5227@cindex foreground execution
5228@cindex background execution
5229@cindex asynchronous execution
5230@cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5231
5232@value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5233foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5234(asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5235the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5236another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5237a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5238
5239You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5240background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5241manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5242
5243@table @code
5244@kindex set target-async
5245@item set target-async on
5246Enable asynchronous mode.
5247@item set target-async off
5248Disable asynchronous mode.
5249@kindex show target-async
5250@item show target-async
5251Show the current target-async setting.
5252@end table
5253
5254If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5255message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5256
5257To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5258the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5259just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5260are:
5261
5262@table @code
5263@kindex run&
5264@item run
5265@xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5266
5267@item attach
5268@kindex attach&
5269@xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5270
5271@item step
5272@kindex step&
5273@xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5274
5275@item stepi
5276@kindex stepi&
5277@xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5278
5279@item next
5280@kindex next&
5281@xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5282
5283@item nexti
5284@kindex nexti&
5285@xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5286
5287@item continue
5288@kindex continue&
5289@xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5290
5291@item finish
5292@kindex finish&
5293@xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5294
5295@item until
5296@kindex until&
5297@xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5298
5299@end table
5300
5301Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5302mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5303However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5304the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5305previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5306mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5307
5308You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5309using the @code{interrupt} command.
5310
5311@table @code
5312@kindex interrupt
5313@item interrupt
5314@itemx interrupt -a
5315
5316Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5317@code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5318only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5319use @code{interrupt -a}.
5320@end table
5321
5322@node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5323@subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5324
5325When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5326Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5327breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5328
5329@table @code
5330@cindex breakpoints and threads
5331@cindex thread breakpoints
5332@kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5333@item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5334@itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5335@var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5336writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5337specify some source line.
5338
5339Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5340to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5341particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5342numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5343column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5344
5345If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5346breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5347program.
5348
5349You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5350well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5351after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5352
5353@smallexample
5354(@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5355@end smallexample
5356
5357@end table
5358
5359@node Interrupted System Calls
5360@subsection Interrupted System Calls
5361
5362@cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5363@cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5364@cindex premature return from system calls
5365There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5366multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5367breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5368system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5369consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5370that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5371stop execution.
5372
5373To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5374each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5375style anyways.
5376
5377For example, do not write code like this:
5378
5379@smallexample
5380 sleep (10);
5381@end smallexample
5382
5383The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5384at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5385
5386Instead, write this:
5387
5388@smallexample
5389 int unslept = 10;
5390 while (unslept > 0)
5391 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5392@end smallexample
5393
5394A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5395conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5396multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5397@value{GDBN}.
5398
5399Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5400monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5401When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5402prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5403
5404@node Observer Mode
5405@subsection Observer Mode
5406
5407If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5408without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5409variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5410whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5411at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5412
5413When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5414be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5415@code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5416mode.
5417
5418Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5419combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5420@code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5421then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5422stream will still not be able to be placed.
5423
5424@table @code
5425
5426@kindex observer
5427@item set observer on
5428@itemx set observer off
5429When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5430below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5431non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5432normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5433
5434@item show observer
5435Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5436
5437@kindex may-write-registers
5438@item set may-write-registers on
5439@itemx set may-write-registers off
5440This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5441registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5442@code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5443
5444@item show may-write-registers
5445Show the current permission to write registers.
5446
5447@kindex may-write-memory
5448@item set may-write-memory on
5449@itemx set may-write-memory off
5450This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5451of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5452defaults to @code{on}.
5453
5454@item show may-write-memory
5455Show the current permission to write memory.
5456
5457@kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5458@item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5459@itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5460This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5461This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5462by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5463
5464@item show may-insert-breakpoints
5465Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5466
5467@kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5468@item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5469@itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5470This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5471tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5472non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5473@code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5474
5475@item show may-insert-tracepoints
5476Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5477
5478@kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5479@item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5480@itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5481This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5482tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5483fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5484control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5485
5486@item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5487Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5488
5489@kindex may-interrupt
5490@item set may-interrupt on
5491@itemx set may-interrupt off
5492This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5493program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5494@code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5495@kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5496
5497@item show may-interrupt
5498Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5499
5500@end table
5501
5502@node Reverse Execution
5503@chapter Running programs backward
5504@cindex reverse execution
5505@cindex running programs backward
5506
5507When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5508you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5509If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5510``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5511
5512A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5513to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5514program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5515revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5516deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5517all target environments can support reverse execution.
5518
5519When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5520have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5521order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5522thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5523the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5524instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5525a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5526should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5527prior values@footnote{
5528Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5529memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5530targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5531
5532The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5533requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5534@value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5535results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5536@value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5537assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5538consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5539}.
5540
5541If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5542reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5543
5544@table @code
5545@kindex reverse-continue
5546@kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5547@item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5548@itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5549Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5550in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5551exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5552asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5553
5554@kindex reverse-step
5555@kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5556@item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5557Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5558different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5559
5560Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5561at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5562executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5563debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5564the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5565statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5566
5567Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5568called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5569
5570@kindex reverse-stepi
5571@kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5572@item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5573Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5574to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5575counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5576if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5577back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5578
5579@kindex reverse-next
5580@kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5581@item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5582Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5583the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5584calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5585the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5586to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5587just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5588line of a function back to its return to its caller
5589@footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5590
5591@kindex reverse-nexti
5592@kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5593@item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5594Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5595in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5596That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5597another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5598in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5599frame) is reached.
5600
5601@kindex reverse-finish
5602@item reverse-finish
5603Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5604current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5605where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5606function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5607
5608@kindex set exec-direction
5609@item set exec-direction
5610Set the direction of target execution.
5611@itemx set exec-direction reverse
5612@cindex execute forward or backward in time
5613@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5614exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5615@code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5616command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5617@item set exec-direction forward
5618@value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5619This is the default.
5620@end table
5621
5622
5623@node Process Record and Replay
5624@chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5625@cindex process record and replay
5626@cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5627
5628On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5629and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5630replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5631
5632@cindex replay mode
5633When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5634for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5635mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5636instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5637code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5638really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5639program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5640changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5641execution log.
5642
5643@cindex record mode
5644If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5645@value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5646inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5647for future replay.
5648
5649The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5650(@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5651inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5652this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5653log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5654support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5655
5656When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5657replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5658previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5659platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5660
5661For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5662@value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5663
5664@table @code
5665@kindex target record
5666@kindex record
5667@kindex rec
5668@item target record
5669This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5670record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5671running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5672@kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5673the @kbd{target record} command.
5674
5675Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5676
5677@cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5678Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5679will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5680is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5681doesn't support displaced stepping.
5682
5683@cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5684@cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5685If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5686the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5687process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5688support these two modes.
5689
5690@kindex record stop
5691@kindex rec s
5692@item record stop
5693Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5694replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5695inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5696
5697When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5698the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5699next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5700you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5701will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5702
5703On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5704while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5705but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5706at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5707usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5708
5709When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5710process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5711
5712@kindex record save
5713@item record save @var{filename}
5714Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5715Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
5716@var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
5717
5718@kindex record restore
5719@item record restore @var{filename}
5720Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5721File must have been created with @code{record save}.
5722
5723@kindex set record insn-number-max
5724@item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5725Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5726
5727If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5728deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5729instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5730instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5731instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5732(Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5733lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5734the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5735
5736If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5737instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5738instructions is unlimited in this case.
5739
5740@kindex show record insn-number-max
5741@item show record insn-number-max
5742Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5743
5744@kindex set record stop-at-limit
5745@item set record stop-at-limit
5746Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5747the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5748is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5749inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5750you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5751cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5752
5753If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5754oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5755
5756@kindex show record stop-at-limit
5757@item show record stop-at-limit
5758Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5759
5760@kindex set record memory-query
5761@item set record memory-query
5762Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
5763changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
5764whether to stop the inferior in that case.
5765
5766If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
5767ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
5768@value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
5769instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
5770results.
5771
5772@kindex show record memory-query
5773@item show record memory-query
5774Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
5775
5776@kindex info record
5777@item info record
5778Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5779in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5780
5781@itemize @bullet
5782@item
5783Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5784@item
5785Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5786@item
5787Highest recorded instruction number.
5788@item
5789Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5790@item
5791Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5792@item
5793Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5794@end itemize
5795
5796@kindex record delete
5797@kindex rec del
5798@item record delete
5799When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5800subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5801from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5802recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5803@end table
5804
5805
5806@node Stack
5807@chapter Examining the Stack
5808
5809When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5810stopped and how it got there.
5811
5812@cindex call stack
5813Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5814is generated.
5815That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5816the arguments of the call,
5817and the local variables of the function being called.
5818The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5819The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5820stack}.
5821
5822When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5823stack allow you to see all of this information.
5824
5825@cindex selected frame
5826One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5827@value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5828particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5829your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5830special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5831interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5832
5833When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5834currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5835@code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5836
5837@menu
5838* Frames:: Stack frames
5839* Backtrace:: Backtraces
5840* Selection:: Selecting a frame
5841* Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5842
5843@end menu
5844
5845@node Frames
5846@section Stack Frames
5847
5848@cindex frame, definition
5849@cindex stack frame
5850The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5851frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5852with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5853to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5854which the function is executing.
5855
5856@cindex initial frame
5857@cindex outermost frame
5858@cindex innermost frame
5859When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5860function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5861@dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5862made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5863is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5864the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5865actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5866recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5867
5868@cindex frame pointer
5869Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5870stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5871kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5872address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5873in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5874(@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5875
5876@cindex frame number
5877@value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5878zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5879and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5880they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5881frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5882
5883@c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5884@c underflow problems.
5885@cindex frameless execution
5886Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5887without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5888@smallexample
5889@samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5890@end smallexample
5891generates functions without a frame.)
5892This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5893the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5894with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5895has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5896it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5897correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5898no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5899
5900@table @code
5901@kindex frame@r{, command}
5902@cindex current stack frame
5903@item frame @var{args}
5904The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5905and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5906address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5907@code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5908
5909@kindex select-frame
5910@cindex selecting frame silently
5911@item select-frame
5912The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5913to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5914@code{frame}.
5915@end table
5916
5917@node Backtrace
5918@section Backtraces
5919
5920@cindex traceback
5921@cindex call stack traces
5922A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5923line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5924frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5925stack.
5926
5927@table @code
5928@kindex backtrace
5929@kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5930@item backtrace
5931@itemx bt
5932Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5933frames in the stack.
5934
5935You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5936character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5937
5938@item backtrace @var{n}
5939@itemx bt @var{n}
5940Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5941
5942@item backtrace -@var{n}
5943@itemx bt -@var{n}
5944Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5945
5946@item backtrace full
5947@itemx bt full
5948@itemx bt full @var{n}
5949@itemx bt full -@var{n}
5950Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5951number of frames to print, as described above.
5952@end table
5953
5954@kindex where
5955@kindex info stack
5956The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5957are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5958
5959@cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5960In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5961backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5962several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5963(@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5964apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5965the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5966multi-threaded program.
5967
5968Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5969The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5970print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5971line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5972counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5973line number.
5974
5975Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5976@samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5977
5978@smallexample
5979@group
5980#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5981 at builtin.c:993
5982#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5983#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5984 at macro.c:71
5985(More stack frames follow...)
5986@end group
5987@end smallexample
5988
5989@noindent
5990The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5991value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5992code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5993
5994@noindent
5995The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5996@code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5997only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5998@kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5999on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6000
6001@cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6002@cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6003If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6004optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6005never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6006passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6007in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6008arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6009such a backtrace might look like:
6010
6011@smallexample
6012@group
6013#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6014 at builtin.c:993
6015#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6016#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6017 at macro.c:71
6018(More stack frames follow...)
6019@end group
6020@end smallexample
6021
6022@noindent
6023The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6024shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6025
6026If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6027either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6028you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6029
6030@cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6031@cindex program entry point
6032@cindex startup code, and backtrace
6033Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6034libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6035@code{main}@footnote{
6036Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6037environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6038entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6039When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6040it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6041system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6042
6043If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6044in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6045
6046@table @code
6047@item set backtrace past-main
6048@itemx set backtrace past-main on
6049@kindex set backtrace
6050Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6051
6052@item set backtrace past-main off
6053Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6054default.
6055
6056@item show backtrace past-main
6057@kindex show backtrace
6058Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6059
6060@item set backtrace past-entry
6061@itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6062Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6063This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6064and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6065
6066@item set backtrace past-entry off
6067Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6068application. This is the default.
6069
6070@item show backtrace past-entry
6071Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6072
6073@item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6074@itemx set backtrace limit 0
6075@cindex backtrace limit
6076Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6077unlimited.
6078
6079@item show backtrace limit
6080Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6081@end table
6082
6083@node Selection
6084@section Selecting a Frame
6085
6086Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6087whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6088selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6089of the stack frame just selected.
6090
6091@table @code
6092@kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6093@kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6094@item frame @var{n}
6095@itemx f @var{n}
6096Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6097(currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6098innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6099@code{main}.
6100
6101@item frame @var{addr}
6102@itemx f @var{addr}
6103Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6104chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6105impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6106addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6107switches between them.
6108
6109On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6110select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6111
6112On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6113pointer and a program counter.
6114
6115On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6116pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6117
6118@kindex up
6119@item up @var{n}
6120Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6121advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6122that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6123
6124@kindex down
6125@kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6126@item down @var{n}
6127Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6128advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6129that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6130abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6131@end table
6132
6133All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6134frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6135arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6136frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6137
6138@need 1000
6139For example:
6140
6141@smallexample
6142@group
6143(@value{GDBP}) up
6144#1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6145 at env.c:10
614610 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6147@end group
6148@end smallexample
6149
6150After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6151prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6152You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6153editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6154@xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6155for details.
6156
6157@table @code
6158@kindex down-silently
6159@kindex up-silently
6160@item up-silently @var{n}
6161@itemx down-silently @var{n}
6162These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6163respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6164causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6165in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6166distracting.
6167@end table
6168
6169@node Frame Info
6170@section Information About a Frame
6171
6172There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6173stack frame.
6174
6175@table @code
6176@item frame
6177@itemx f
6178When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6179frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6180selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6181argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6182@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6183
6184@kindex info frame
6185@kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6186@item info frame
6187@itemx info f
6188This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6189including:
6190
6191@itemize @bullet
6192@item
6193the address of the frame
6194@item
6195the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6196@item
6197the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6198@item
6199the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6200@item
6201the address of the frame's arguments
6202@item
6203the address of the frame's local variables
6204@item
6205the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6206@item
6207which registers were saved in the frame
6208@end itemize
6209
6210@noindent The verbose description is useful when
6211something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6212the usual conventions.
6213
6214@item info frame @var{addr}
6215@itemx info f @var{addr}
6216Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6217selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6218command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6219architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6220@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6221
6222@kindex info args
6223@item info args
6224Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6225
6226@item info locals
6227@kindex info locals
6228Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6229line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6230accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6231
6232@kindex info catch
6233@cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
6234@cindex exception handlers, how to list
6235@item info catch
6236Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
6237current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
6238exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
6239@code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
6240@xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
6241
6242@end table
6243
6244
6245@node Source
6246@chapter Examining Source Files
6247
6248@value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6249information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6250used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6251the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6252(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6253execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6254source files by explicit command.
6255
6256If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6257prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6258@value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6259
6260@menu
6261* List:: Printing source lines
6262* Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6263* Edit:: Editing source files
6264* Search:: Searching source files
6265* Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6266* Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6267@end menu
6268
6269@node List
6270@section Printing Source Lines
6271
6272@kindex list
6273@kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6274To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6275(abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6276There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6277print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6278
6279Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6280
6281@table @code
6282@item list @var{linenum}
6283Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6284current source file.
6285
6286@item list @var{function}
6287Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6288@var{function}.
6289
6290@item list
6291Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6292@code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6293printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6294as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6295Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6296
6297@item list -
6298Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6299@end table
6300
6301@cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6302By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6303the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6304
6305@table @code
6306@kindex set listsize
6307@item set listsize @var{count}
6308Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6309the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6310
6311@kindex show listsize
6312@item show listsize
6313Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6314@end table
6315
6316Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6317so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6318than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6319argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6320each repetition moves up in the source file.
6321
6322In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6323@dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6324of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6325to specify some source line.
6326
6327Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6328
6329@table @code
6330@item list @var{linespec}
6331Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6332
6333@item list @var{first},@var{last}
6334Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6335linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6336source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6337the same source file as the first linespec.
6338
6339@item list ,@var{last}
6340Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6341
6342@item list @var{first},
6343Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6344
6345@item list +
6346Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6347
6348@item list -
6349Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6350
6351@item list
6352As described in the preceding table.
6353@end table
6354
6355@node Specify Location
6356@section Specifying a Location
6357@cindex specifying location
6358@cindex linespec
6359
6360Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6361of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6362debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6363for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6364
6365Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6366@value{GDBN} understands:
6367
6368@table @code
6369@item @var{linenum}
6370Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6371
6372@item -@var{offset}
6373@itemx +@var{offset}
6374Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6375line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6376printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6377execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6378(@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6379used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6380this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6381linespec.
6382
6383@item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6384Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6385
6386@item @var{function}
6387Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6388For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6389
6390@item @var{function}:@var{label}
6391Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
6392
6393@item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6394Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6395in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6396function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6397functions in different source files.
6398
6399@item @var{label}
6400Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6401@value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6402the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6403stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6404@value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6405
6406@item *@var{address}
6407Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6408commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6409line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6410breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6411parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6412source files.
6413
6414Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6415language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6416address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6417semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6418that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6419of @var{address}:
6420
6421@table @code
6422@item @var{expression}
6423Any expression valid in the current working language.
6424
6425@item @var{funcaddr}
6426An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6427C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6428simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6429of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6430@code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6431(although the Pascal form also works).
6432
6433This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6434before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6435
6436@item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6437Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6438file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6439specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6440functions with identical names in different source files.
6441@end table
6442
6443@end table
6444
6445
6446@node Edit
6447@section Editing Source Files
6448@cindex editing source files
6449
6450@kindex edit
6451@kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6452To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6453The editing program of your choice
6454is invoked with the current line set to
6455the active line in the program.
6456Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6457want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6458
6459@table @code
6460@item edit @var{location}
6461Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6462that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6463specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6464of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6465command most commonly used:
6466
6467@table @code
6468@item edit @var{number}
6469Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6470
6471@item edit @var{function}
6472Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6473@end table
6474
6475@end table
6476
6477@subsection Choosing your Editor
6478You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6479@footnote{
6480The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6481following command-line syntax:
6482@smallexample
6483ex +@var{number} file
6484@end smallexample
6485The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6486the file where to start editing.}.
6487By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6488by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6489@value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6490@code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6491@smallexample
6492EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6493export EDITOR
6494gdb @dots{}
6495@end smallexample
6496or in the @code{csh} shell,
6497@smallexample
6498setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6499gdb @dots{}
6500@end smallexample
6501
6502@node Search
6503@section Searching Source Files
6504@cindex searching source files
6505
6506There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6507regular expression.
6508
6509@table @code
6510@kindex search
6511@kindex forward-search
6512@item forward-search @var{regexp}
6513@itemx search @var{regexp}
6514The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6515starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6516@var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6517synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6518@code{fo}.
6519
6520@kindex reverse-search
6521@item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6522The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6523with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6524for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6525this command as @code{rev}.
6526@end table
6527
6528@node Source Path
6529@section Specifying Source Directories
6530
6531@cindex source path
6532@cindex directories for source files
6533Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6534files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6535the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6536session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6537this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6538it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6539in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6540
6541For example, suppose an executable references the file
6542@file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6543@file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6544fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6545fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6546message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6547source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6548Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6549the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6550@file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6551@file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6552
6553Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6554names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6555instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6556is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6557@file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6558that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6559
6560Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6561source files.
6562
6563Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6564any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6565each line is in the file.
6566
6567@kindex directory
6568@kindex dir
6569When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6570and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6571To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6572
6573The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6574script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6575
6576In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6577that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6578rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6579debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6580directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6581two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6582the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6583In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6584@var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6585of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6586source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6587name to look up the sources.
6588
6589Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6590moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6591@value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6592@file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6593@file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6594of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6595substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6596(@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6597
6598To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6599@var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6600For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6601@file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6602not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6603is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6604not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6605
6606In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6607command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6608the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6609subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6610subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6611preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6612allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6613command.
6614
6615@code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6616The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6617longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6618the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6619for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6620located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6621method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6622
6623@cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6624@cindex default source path substitution
6625You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6626configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6627@samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6628should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6629prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6630directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6631automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6632location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6633with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6634together.
6635
6636@table @code
6637@item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6638@item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6639Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6640directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6641(@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6642part of absolute file names) or
6643whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6644path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6645
6646@kindex cdir
6647@kindex cwd
6648@vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6649@vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6650@cindex compilation directory
6651@cindex current directory
6652@cindex working directory
6653@cindex directory, current
6654@cindex directory, compilation
6655You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6656directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6657working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6658tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6659session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6660directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6661
6662@item directory
6663Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6664
6665@c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6666@c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6667
6668@item set directories @var{path-list}
6669@kindex set directories
6670Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
6671@samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
6672
6673@item show directories
6674@kindex show directories
6675Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6676
6677@anchor{set substitute-path}
6678@item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6679@kindex set substitute-path
6680Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6681current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6682@var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6683
6684For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6685@file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6686
6687@smallexample
6688(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6689@end smallexample
6690
6691@noindent
6692will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6693@samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6694@file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6695
6696In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6697the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6698defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6699the substitution.
6700
6701For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6702
6703@smallexample
6704(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6705(@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6706@end smallexample
6707
6708@noindent
6709@value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6710@file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6711use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6712@file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6713
6714
6715@item unset substitute-path [path]
6716@kindex unset substitute-path
6717If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6718for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6719A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6720
6721If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6722
6723@item show substitute-path [path]
6724@kindex show substitute-path
6725If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6726which would rewrite that path, if any.
6727
6728If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6729rules.
6730
6731@end table
6732
6733If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6734interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6735versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6736
6737@enumerate
6738@item
6739Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6740
6741@item
6742Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6743directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6744directories in one command.
6745@end enumerate
6746
6747@node Machine Code
6748@section Source and Machine Code
6749@cindex source line and its code address
6750
6751You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6752addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6753a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6754@code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6755source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6756mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6757line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6758well as hex.
6759
6760@table @code
6761@kindex info line
6762@item info line @var{linespec}
6763Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6764source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6765the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6766@end table
6767
6768For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6769the object code for the first line of function
6770@code{m4_changequote}:
6771
6772@c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6773@c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6774@smallexample
6775(@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6776Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6777@end smallexample
6778
6779@noindent
6780@cindex code address and its source line
6781We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6782@var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6783@smallexample
6784(@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6785Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6786@end smallexample
6787
6788@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6789@cindex @code{x} command, default address
6790@kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6791After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6792is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6793sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6794,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6795convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6796Variables}).
6797
6798@table @code
6799@kindex disassemble
6800@cindex assembly instructions
6801@cindex instructions, assembly
6802@cindex machine instructions
6803@cindex listing machine instructions
6804@item disassemble
6805@itemx disassemble /m
6806@itemx disassemble /r
6807This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6808instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6809the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6810in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6811The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6812program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6813command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6814surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6815be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6816arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
6817
6818@table @code
6819@item @var{start},@var{end}
6820the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
6821@item @var{start},+@var{length}
6822the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
6823@code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
6824@end table
6825
6826@noindent
6827When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
6828printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
6829
6830The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6831@samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6832
6833If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6834the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6835@end table
6836
6837The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6838HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6839
6840@smallexample
6841(@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6842Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6843 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6844 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6845 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6846 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6847 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6848 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6849 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6850 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6851End of assembler dump.
6852@end smallexample
6853
6854Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6855program is stopped just after function prologue:
6856
6857@smallexample
6858(@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6859Dump of assembler code for function main:
68605 @{
6861 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6862 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6863 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6864 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6865 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6866
68676 printf ("Hello.\n");
6868=> 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6869 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6870
68717 return 0;
68728 @}
6873 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6874 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6875 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6876
6877End of assembler dump.
6878@end smallexample
6879
6880Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
6881
6882@smallexample
6883(gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
6884Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
6885 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
6886 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
6887 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
6888 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
6889End of assembler dump.
6890@end smallexample
6891
6892Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6893mnemonics or other syntax.
6894
6895For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6896instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6897libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6898location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6899might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6900
6901@table @code
6902@kindex set disassembly-flavor
6903@cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6904@cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6905@item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6906Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6907program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6908
6909Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6910can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6911The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6912assemblers for x86-based targets.
6913
6914@kindex show disassembly-flavor
6915@item show disassembly-flavor
6916Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6917@end table
6918
6919@table @code
6920@kindex set disassemble-next-line
6921@kindex show disassemble-next-line
6922@item set disassemble-next-line
6923@itemx show disassemble-next-line
6924Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6925line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6926display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6927program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6928displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6929possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6930(e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6931info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6932next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6933AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6934if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6935@value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6936with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6937OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6938instruction.
6939@end table
6940
6941
6942@node Data
6943@chapter Examining Data
6944
6945@cindex printing data
6946@cindex examining data
6947@kindex print
6948@kindex inspect
6949@c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6950@c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6951@c different window or something like that.
6952The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6953command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6954evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6955program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6956Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
6957Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
6958
6959@table @code
6960@item print @var{expr}
6961@itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6962@var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6963value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6964you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6965@var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6966Formats}.
6967
6968@item print
6969@itemx print /@var{f}
6970@cindex reprint the last value
6971If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6972@dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6973conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6974@end table
6975
6976A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6977It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6978specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6979
6980If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6981fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6982command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6983Table}.
6984
6985@menu
6986* Expressions:: Expressions
6987* Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6988* Variables:: Program variables
6989* Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6990* Output Formats:: Output formats
6991* Memory:: Examining memory
6992* Auto Display:: Automatic display
6993* Print Settings:: Print settings
6994* Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
6995* Value History:: Value history
6996* Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6997* Registers:: Registers
6998* Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6999* Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7000* OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7001* Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7002* Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7003* Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7004* Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7005 character set than GDB does
7006* Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7007* Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7008@end menu
7009
7010@node Expressions
7011@section Expressions
7012
7013@cindex expressions
7014@code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7015compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7016by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7017@value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7018casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7019you compiled your program to include this information; see
7020@ref{Compilation}.
7021
7022@cindex arrays in expressions
7023@value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7024the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7025you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7026of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7027to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7028is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7029
7030Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7031this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7032Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7033languages.
7034
7035In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7036expressions regardless of your programming language.
7037
7038@cindex casts, in expressions
7039Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7040useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7041at that address in memory.
7042@c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7043
7044@value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7045to programming languages:
7046
7047@table @code
7048@item @@
7049@samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7050@xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7051
7052@item ::
7053@samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7054function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7055
7056@cindex @{@var{type}@}
7057@cindex type casting memory
7058@cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7059@cindex casts, to view memory
7060@item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7061Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7062memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7063pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7064a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7065normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7066@end table
7067
7068@node Ambiguous Expressions
7069@section Ambiguous Expressions
7070@cindex ambiguous expressions
7071
7072Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7073some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7074a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7075different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7076involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7077templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7078the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7079
7080In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7081the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7082can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7083@kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7084qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7085as well.
7086
7087When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7088has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7089possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7090The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7091aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7092used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7093menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7094choices.
7095
7096For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7097breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7098We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7099
7100@c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7101@smallexample
7102@group
7103(@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7104[0] cancel
7105[1] all
7106[2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7107[3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7108[4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7109[5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7110[6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7111[7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7112> 2 4 6
7113Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7114Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7115Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7116Multiple breakpoints were set.
7117Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7118 breakpoints.
7119(@value{GDBP})
7120@end group
7121@end smallexample
7122
7123@table @code
7124@kindex set multiple-symbols
7125@item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7126@cindex multiple-symbols menu
7127
7128This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7129is ambiguous.
7130
7131By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7132the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7133automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7134a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7135inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7136then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7137For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7138in the use of the menu.
7139
7140When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7141when an ambiguity is detected.
7142
7143Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7144an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7145
7146@kindex show multiple-symbols
7147@item show multiple-symbols
7148Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7149@end table
7150
7151@node Variables
7152@section Program Variables
7153
7154The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7155in your program.
7156
7157Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7158(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7159
7160@itemize @bullet
7161@item
7162global (or file-static)
7163@end itemize
7164
7165@noindent or
7166
7167@itemize @bullet
7168@item
7169visible according to the scope rules of the
7170programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7171@end itemize
7172
7173@noindent This means that in the function
7174
7175@smallexample
7176foo (a)
7177 int a;
7178@{
7179 bar (a);
7180 @{
7181 int b = test ();
7182 bar (b);
7183 @}
7184@}
7185@end smallexample
7186
7187@noindent
7188you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7189executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7190examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7191the block where @code{b} is declared.
7192
7193@cindex variable name conflict
7194There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7195scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7196in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7197function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7198happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7199you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
7200using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7201
7202@cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7203@ifnotinfo
7204@c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7205@cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7206@end ifnotinfo
7207@smallexample
7208@var{file}::@var{variable}
7209@var{function}::@var{variable}
7210@end smallexample
7211
7212@noindent
7213Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7214static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7215make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7216to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7217
7218@smallexample
7219(@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7220@end smallexample
7221
7222@cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7223This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7224use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7225scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7226@c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7227@c conflict?? --mew
7228
7229@cindex wrong values
7230@cindex variable values, wrong
7231@cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7232@cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7233@quotation
7234@emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7235wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7236scope, and just before exit.
7237@end quotation
7238You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7239This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7240set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7241stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7242values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7243also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7244after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7245variable definitions may be gone.
7246
7247This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7248To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7249when compiling.
7250
7251@cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7252Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7253unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7254opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7255offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7256might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7257happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7258
7259@smallexample
7260No symbol "foo" in current context.
7261@end smallexample
7262
7263To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7264different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7265formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
7266usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
7267produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
7268COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
7269an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
7270for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
7271Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
7272@xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
7273that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7274
7275If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7276@value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7277by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7278type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7279
7280Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7281signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7282printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7283@code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7284defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7285For program code
7286
7287@smallexample
7288char var0[] = "A";
7289signed char var1[] = "A";
7290@end smallexample
7291
7292You get during debugging
7293@smallexample
7294(gdb) print var0
7295$1 = "A"
7296(gdb) print var1
7297$2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7298@end smallexample
7299
7300@node Arrays
7301@section Artificial Arrays
7302
7303@cindex artificial array
7304@cindex arrays
7305@kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7306It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7307same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7308dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7309program.
7310
7311You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7312@dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7313operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7314and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7315of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7316the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7317argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7318following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7319example. If a program says
7320
7321@smallexample
7322int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7323@end smallexample
7324
7325@noindent
7326you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7327
7328@smallexample
7329p *array@@len
7330@end smallexample
7331
7332The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7333with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7334subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7335Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7336(@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7337
7338Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7339This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7340The value need not be in memory:
7341@smallexample
7342(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7343$1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7344@end smallexample
7345
7346As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7347@samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7348the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7349@smallexample
7350(@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7351$2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7352@end smallexample
7353
7354Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7355moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7356actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7357of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7358to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7359Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7360interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7361instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7362structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7363in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7364
7365@smallexample
7366set $i = 0
7367p dtab[$i++]->fv
7368@key{RET}
7369@key{RET}
7370@dots{}
7371@end smallexample
7372
7373@node Output Formats
7374@section Output Formats
7375
7376@cindex formatted output
7377@cindex output formats
7378By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7379this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7380in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7381at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7382these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7383
7384The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7385already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7386@code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7387letters supported are:
7388
7389@table @code
7390@item x
7391Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7392hexadecimal.
7393
7394@item d
7395Print as integer in signed decimal.
7396
7397@item u
7398Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7399
7400@item o
7401Print as integer in octal.
7402
7403@item t
7404Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7405@footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7406used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7407see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7408
7409@item a
7410@cindex unknown address, locating
7411@cindex locate address
7412Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7413the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7414where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7415
7416@smallexample
7417(@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7418$3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7419@end smallexample
7420
7421@noindent
7422The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7423@xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7424
7425@item c
7426Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7427prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7428character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7429for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7430
7431Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7432@w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7433constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7434data.
7435
7436@item f
7437Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7438using typical floating point syntax.
7439
7440@item s
7441@cindex printing strings
7442@cindex printing byte arrays
7443Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7444data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7445are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7446natural types.
7447
7448Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7449@code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7450strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7451array.
7452
7453@item r
7454@cindex raw printing
7455Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7456use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
7457Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
7458value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
7459pretty-printer which might exist.
7460@end table
7461
7462For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7463
7464@smallexample
7465p/x $pc
7466@end smallexample
7467
7468@noindent
7469Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7470names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7471
7472To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7473you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7474expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7475
7476@node Memory
7477@section Examining Memory
7478
7479You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7480any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7481
7482@cindex examining memory
7483@table @code
7484@kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7485@item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7486@itemx x @var{addr}
7487@itemx x
7488Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7489@end table
7490
7491@var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7492much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7493expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7494If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7495Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7496
7497@table @r
7498@item @var{n}, the repeat count
7499The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7500how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7501@c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7502@c 4.1.2.
7503
7504@item @var{f}, the display format
7505The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7506(@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7507@samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7508The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7509each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7510
7511@item @var{u}, the unit size
7512The unit size is any of
7513
7514@table @code
7515@item b
7516Bytes.
7517@item h
7518Halfwords (two bytes).
7519@item w
7520Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7521@item g
7522Giant words (eight bytes).
7523@end table
7524
7525Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7526default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
7527the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
7528the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
7529Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
753032-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
7531Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
7532current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
7533modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
7534UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
7535be altered.
7536
7537@item @var{addr}, starting display address
7538@var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7539memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7540it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7541@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7542@var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7543other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7544the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7545starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7546a value from memory).
7547@end table
7548
7549For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7550(@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7551starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7552words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7553@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7554
7555Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7556letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7557unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7558specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7559(However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7560
7561Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7562and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7563@samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7564including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7565the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7566slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7567follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7568@code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7569instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7570
7571All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7572easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7573you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7574instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7575with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7576the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7577for successive uses of @code{x}.
7578
7579When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7580counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7581
7582@smallexample
7583(@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7584 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7585 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7586 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7587=> 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7588 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7589@end smallexample
7590
7591@cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7592The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7593in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7594would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7595subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7596@code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7597examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7598@code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7599the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7600
7601If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7602are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7603address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7604
7605@cindex remote memory comparison
7606@cindex verify remote memory image
7607When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7608(@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7609remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7610the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7611situations.
7612
7613@table @code
7614@kindex compare-sections
7615@item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7616Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7617executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7618the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7619arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7620availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7621remote request.
7622@end table
7623
7624@node Auto Display
7625@section Automatic Display
7626@cindex automatic display
7627@cindex display of expressions
7628
7629If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7630(to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7631display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7632Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7633to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7634The automatic display looks like this:
7635
7636@smallexample
76372: foo = 38
76383: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7639@end smallexample
7640
7641@noindent
7642This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7643displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7644specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7645whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7646specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7647or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7648
7649@table @code
7650@kindex display
7651@item display @var{expr}
7652Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7653each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7654
7655@code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7656
7657@item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7658For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7659count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7660arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7661@xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7662
7663@item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7664For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7665number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7666be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7667doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7668@end table
7669
7670For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7671instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7672is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7673
7674@table @code
7675@kindex delete display
7676@kindex undisplay
7677@item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7678@itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7679Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
7680numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
7681argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
7682numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
7683or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7684
7685@code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7686(Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7687
7688@kindex disable display
7689@item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7690Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7691item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7692enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
7693want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
7694single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
7695the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
7696numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7697
7698@kindex enable display
7699@item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7700Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7701again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7702Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
7703command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
7704of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
7705display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7706
7707@item display
7708Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7709done when your program stops.
7710
7711@kindex info display
7712@item info display
7713Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7714automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7715values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7716It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7717because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7718@end table
7719
7720@cindex display disabled out of scope
7721If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7722sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7723expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7724variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7725@code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7726@code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7727continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7728there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7729automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7730is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7731
7732@node Print Settings
7733@section Print Settings
7734
7735@cindex format options
7736@cindex print settings
7737@value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7738and symbols are printed.
7739
7740@noindent
7741These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7742
7743@table @code
7744@kindex set print
7745@item set print address
7746@itemx set print address on
7747@cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7748@value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7749traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7750even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7751is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7752@code{set print address on}:
7753
7754@smallexample
7755@group
7756(@value{GDBP}) f
7757#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7758 at input.c:530
7759530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7760@end group
7761@end smallexample
7762
7763@item set print address off
7764Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7765this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7766
7767@smallexample
7768@group
7769(@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7770(@value{GDBP}) f
7771#0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7772530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7773@end group
7774@end smallexample
7775
7776You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7777dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7778@code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7779all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7780
7781@kindex show print
7782@item show print address
7783Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7784@end table
7785
7786When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7787closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7788identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7789source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7790@code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7791you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7792it prints a symbolic address:
7793
7794@table @code
7795@item set print symbol-filename on
7796@cindex source file and line of a symbol
7797@cindex symbol, source file and line
7798Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7799symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7800
7801@item set print symbol-filename off
7802Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7803default.
7804
7805@item show print symbol-filename
7806Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7807line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7808@end table
7809
7810Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7811numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7812number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7813
7814Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7815printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7816
7817@table @code
7818@item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7819@cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7820Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7821offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7822@var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7823to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7824
7825@item show print max-symbolic-offset
7826Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7827symbolic address.
7828@end table
7829
7830@cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7831@cindex pointer, finding referent
7832If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7833@samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7834and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7835@samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7836For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7837at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7838
7839@smallexample
7840(@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7841(@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7842$4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7843@end smallexample
7844
7845@quotation
7846@emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7847does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7848the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7849@end quotation
7850
7851Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7852
7853@table @code
7854@item set print array
7855@itemx set print array on
7856@cindex pretty print arrays
7857Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7858but uses more space. The default is off.
7859
7860@item set print array off
7861Return to compressed format for arrays.
7862
7863@item show print array
7864Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7865arrays.
7866
7867@cindex print array indexes
7868@item set print array-indexes
7869@itemx set print array-indexes on
7870Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7871convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7872index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7873
7874@item set print array-indexes off
7875Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7876
7877@item show print array-indexes
7878Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7879arrays.
7880
7881@item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7882@cindex number of array elements to print
7883@cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7884Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7885If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7886printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7887This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7888When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7889Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7890
7891@item show print elements
7892Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7893If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7894
7895@item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7896@kindex set print frame-arguments
7897@cindex printing frame argument values
7898@cindex print all frame argument values
7899@cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7900@cindex do not print frame argument values
7901This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7902when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7903values are:
7904
7905@table @code
7906@item all
7907The values of all arguments are printed.
7908
7909@item scalars
7910Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7911complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7912by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7913only scalar arguments are shown:
7914
7915@smallexample
7916#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7917 at frame-args.c:23
7918@end smallexample
7919
7920@item none
7921None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7922is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7923
7924@smallexample
7925#1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7926 at frame-args.c:23
7927@end smallexample
7928@end table
7929
7930By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7931to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7932of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7933of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7934information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7935Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7936the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7937especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7938to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7939thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7940
7941@item show print frame-arguments
7942Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7943
7944@item set print repeats
7945@cindex repeated array elements
7946Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7947elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7948array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7949@code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7950identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7951themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7952be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7953
7954@item show print repeats
7955Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7956elements.
7957
7958@item set print null-stop
7959@cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7960Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7961@sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7962contain only short strings.
7963The default is off.
7964
7965@item show print null-stop
7966Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7967@sc{null} character.
7968
7969@item set print pretty on
7970@cindex print structures in indented form
7971@cindex indentation in structure display
7972Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7973per line, like this:
7974
7975@smallexample
7976@group
7977$1 = @{
7978 next = 0x0,
7979 flags = @{
7980 sweet = 1,
7981 sour = 1
7982 @},
7983 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7984@}
7985@end group
7986@end smallexample
7987
7988@item set print pretty off
7989Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7990
7991@smallexample
7992@group
7993$1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7994meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7995@end group
7996@end smallexample
7997
7998@noindent
7999This is the default format.
8000
8001@item show print pretty
8002Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8003
8004@item set print sevenbit-strings on
8005@cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8006@cindex octal escapes in strings
8007Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
8008@value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
8009character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
8010best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
8011high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
8012
8013@item set print sevenbit-strings off
8014Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
8015international character sets, and is the default.
8016
8017@item show print sevenbit-strings
8018Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
8019
8020@item set print union on
8021@cindex unions in structures, printing
8022Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
8023and other unions. This is the default setting.
8024
8025@item set print union off
8026Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
8027structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
8028instead.
8029
8030@item show print union
8031Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
8032structures and other unions.
8033
8034For example, given the declarations
8035
8036@smallexample
8037typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
8038typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
8039typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
8040 Bug_forms;
8041
8042struct thing @{
8043 Species it;
8044 union @{
8045 Tree_forms tree;
8046 Bug_forms bug;
8047 @} form;
8048@};
8049
8050struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8051@end smallexample
8052
8053@noindent
8054with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8055
8056@smallexample
8057$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8058@end smallexample
8059
8060@noindent
8061and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8062
8063@smallexample
8064$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8065@end smallexample
8066
8067@noindent
8068@code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8069and in Pascal.
8070@end table
8071
8072@need 1000
8073@noindent
8074These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8075
8076@table @code
8077@cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8078@item set print demangle
8079@itemx set print demangle on
8080Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8081(``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8082linkage. The default is on.
8083
8084@item show print demangle
8085Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8086
8087@item set print asm-demangle
8088@itemx set print asm-demangle on
8089Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8090in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8091The default is off.
8092
8093@item show print asm-demangle
8094Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8095or demangled form.
8096
8097@cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8098@cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8099@kindex set demangle-style
8100@item set demangle-style @var{style}
8101Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8102represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8103
8104@table @code
8105@item auto
8106Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8107
8108@item gnu
8109Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8110This is the default.
8111
8112@item hp
8113Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8114
8115@item lucid
8116Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8117
8118@item arm
8119Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8120@strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8121debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8122require further enhancement to permit that.
8123
8124@end table
8125If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8126
8127@item show demangle-style
8128Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8129
8130@item set print object
8131@itemx set print object on
8132@cindex derived type of an object, printing
8133@cindex display derived types
8134When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8135(derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8136the virtual function table.
8137
8138@item set print object off
8139Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8140virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8141
8142@item show print object
8143Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8144
8145@item set print static-members
8146@itemx set print static-members on
8147@cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8148Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8149
8150@item set print static-members off
8151Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8152
8153@item show print static-members
8154Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8155
8156@item set print pascal_static-members
8157@itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8158@cindex static members of Pascal objects
8159@cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8160Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8161
8162@item set print pascal_static-members off
8163Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8164
8165@item show print pascal_static-members
8166Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8167
8168@c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8169@item set print vtbl
8170@itemx set print vtbl on
8171@cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8172@cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8173@cindex VTBL display
8174Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8175(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8176ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8177
8178@item set print vtbl off
8179Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8180
8181@item show print vtbl
8182Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8183@end table
8184
8185@node Pretty Printing
8186@section Pretty Printing
8187
8188@value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8189Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8190mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8191
8192@menu
8193* Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8194* Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8195* Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8196@end menu
8197
8198@node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8199@subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8200
8201When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8202registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8203pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8204
8205Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8206The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8207pretty-printers with their names.
8208If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8209@dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8210Each such subprinter has its own name.
8211The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8212
8213Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8214Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8215debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8216do anything special.
8217
8218There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8219
8220@itemize @bullet
8221@item
8222Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8223all inferiors.
8224
8225@item
8226Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8227when debugging that program.
8228@xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8229
8230@item
8231Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8232with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8233@xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8234@end itemize
8235
8236@xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8237pretty-printers are selected,
8238
8239@xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8240for new types.
8241
8242@node Pretty-Printer Example
8243@subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8244
8245Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
8246
8247@smallexample
8248(@value{GDBP}) print s
8249$1 = @{
8250 static npos = 4294967295,
8251 _M_dataplus = @{
8252 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
8253 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
8254 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
8255 @},
8256 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
8257 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
8258 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
8259 @}
8260@}
8261@end smallexample
8262
8263With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
8264
8265@smallexample
8266(@value{GDBP}) print s
8267$2 = "abcd"
8268@end smallexample
8269
8270@node Pretty-Printer Commands
8271@subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
8272@cindex pretty-printer commands
8273
8274@table @code
8275@kindex info pretty-printer
8276@item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8277Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
8278This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
8279
8280@var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
8281whose pretty-printers to list.
8282Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
8283(@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
8284and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
8285@xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
8286looks up a printer from these three objects.
8287
8288@var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
8289to list.
8290
8291@kindex disable pretty-printer
8292@item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8293Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8294A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
8295
8296@kindex enable pretty-printer
8297@item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8298Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8299@end table
8300
8301Example:
8302
8303Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
8304named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
8305another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
8306@code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
8307
8308@smallexample
8309(gdb) info pretty-printer
8310library1.so:
8311 foo
8312library2.so:
8313 bar
8314 bar1
8315 bar2
8316(gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8317library2.so:
8318 bar
8319 bar1
8320 bar2
8321(gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
83221 printer disabled
83232 of 3 printers enabled
8324(gdb) info pretty-printer
8325library1.so:
8326 foo [disabled]
8327library2.so:
8328 bar
8329 bar1
8330 bar2
8331(gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
83321 printer disabled
83331 of 3 printers enabled
8334(gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8335library1.so:
8336 foo [disabled]
8337library2.so:
8338 bar
8339 bar1 [disabled]
8340 bar2
8341(gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
83421 printer disabled
83430 of 3 printers enabled
8344(gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8345library1.so:
8346 foo [disabled]
8347library2.so:
8348 bar [disabled]
8349 bar1 [disabled]
8350 bar2
8351@end smallexample
8352
8353Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
8354as can each individual subprinter.
8355
8356@node Value History
8357@section Value History
8358
8359@cindex value history
8360@cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
8361Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
8362@dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
8363Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
8364(for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
8365When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
8366since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
8367symbol table.
8368
8369@cindex @code{$}
8370@cindex @code{$$}
8371@cindex history number
8372The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
8373refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
8374@code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
8375printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
8376history number.
8377
8378To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
8379history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
8380remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
8381the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
8382@code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
8383is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
8384@code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
8385
8386For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
8387want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
8388
8389@smallexample
8390p *$
8391@end smallexample
8392
8393If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
8394to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
8395
8396@smallexample
8397p *$.next
8398@end smallexample
8399
8400@noindent
8401You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
8402command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
8403
8404Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
8405@code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
8406
8407@smallexample
8408print x
8409set x=5
8410@end smallexample
8411
8412@noindent
8413then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
8414remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
8415
8416@table @code
8417@kindex show values
8418@item show values
8419Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
8420This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
8421values} does not change the history.
8422
8423@item show values @var{n}
8424Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
8425
8426@item show values +
8427Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
8428values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
8429@end table
8430
8431Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
8432same effect as @samp{show values +}.
8433
8434@node Convenience Vars
8435@section Convenience Variables
8436
8437@cindex convenience variables
8438@cindex user-defined variables
8439@value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
8440@value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
8441exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
8442setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
8443of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
8444
8445Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
8446@samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
8447the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8448(Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
8449by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
8450
8451You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
8452expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
8453For example:
8454
8455@smallexample
8456set $foo = *object_ptr
8457@end smallexample
8458
8459@noindent
8460would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
8461@code{object_ptr}.
8462
8463Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
8464value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
8465value with another assignment at any time.
8466
8467Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
8468variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
8469that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
8470variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
8471
8472@table @code
8473@kindex show convenience
8474@cindex show all user variables
8475@item show convenience
8476Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
8477Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
8478
8479@kindex init-if-undefined
8480@cindex convenience variables, initializing
8481@item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
8482Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
8483for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
8484to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
8485convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
8486override default values used in a command script.
8487
8488If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8489any side-effects do not occur.
8490@end table
8491
8492One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8493incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8494a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8495
8496@smallexample
8497set $i = 0
8498print bar[$i++]->contents
8499@end smallexample
8500
8501@noindent
8502Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8503
8504Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8505values likely to be useful.
8506
8507@table @code
8508@vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8509@item $_
8510The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8511the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8512commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8513set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8514and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8515except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8516to the type of @code{$__}.
8517
8518@vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8519@item $__
8520The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8521to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8522to match the format in which the data was printed.
8523
8524@item $_exitcode
8525@vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8526The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8527the program being debugged terminates.
8528
8529@item $_sdata
8530@vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
8531The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
8532data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
8533@code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
8534if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
8535
8536@item $_siginfo
8537@vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8538The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8539(@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8540could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8541For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8542
8543@item $_tlb
8544@vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
8545The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
8546applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
8547gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
8548@xref{General Query Packets}.
8549This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
8550
8551@end table
8552
8553On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8554begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8555name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8556
8557@cindex convenience functions
8558@value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8559have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8560function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8561however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8562@value{GDBN}.
8563
8564@table @code
8565@item help function
8566@kindex help function
8567@cindex show all convenience functions
8568Print a list of all convenience functions.
8569@end table
8570
8571@node Registers
8572@section Registers
8573
8574@cindex registers
8575You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8576with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8577for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8578your machine.
8579
8580@table @code
8581@kindex info registers
8582@item info registers
8583Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8584and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8585
8586@kindex info all-registers
8587@cindex floating point registers
8588@item info all-registers
8589Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8590and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8591
8592@item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8593Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8594As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8595the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8596the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8597@end table
8598
8599@cindex stack pointer register
8600@cindex program counter register
8601@cindex process status register
8602@cindex frame pointer register
8603@cindex standard registers
8604@value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8605expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8606architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8607@code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8608the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8609pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8610register that contains the processor status. For example,
8611you could print the program counter in hex with
8612
8613@smallexample
8614p/x $pc
8615@end smallexample
8616
8617@noindent
8618or print the instruction to be executed next with
8619
8620@smallexample
8621x/i $pc
8622@end smallexample
8623
8624@noindent
8625or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8626one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8627memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8628stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8629stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8630regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8631see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8632
8633@smallexample
8634set $sp += 4
8635@end smallexample
8636
8637Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8638your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8639so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8640shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8641registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8642can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8643is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8644
8645@value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8646integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8647special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8648registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8649to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8650(although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8651@samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8652
8653Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8654means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8655the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8656sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8657coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8658programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8659cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8660that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8661prints the data in both formats.
8662
8663@cindex SSE registers (x86)
8664@cindex MMX registers (x86)
8665Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8666in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8667have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8668together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8669registers in @code{struct} notation:
8670
8671@smallexample
8672(@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8673$1 = @{
8674 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8675 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8676 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8677 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8678 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8679 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8680 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8681@}
8682@end smallexample
8683
8684@noindent
8685To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8686view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8687value to a @code{struct} member:
8688
8689@smallexample
8690 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8691@end smallexample
8692
8693Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8694(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8695value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8696were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8697true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8698frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8699
8700However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8701code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8702@value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8703frame makes no difference.
8704
8705@node Floating Point Hardware
8706@section Floating Point Hardware
8707@cindex floating point
8708
8709Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8710you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8711
8712@table @code
8713@kindex info float
8714@item info float
8715Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8716point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8717floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8718the ARM and x86 machines.
8719@end table
8720
8721@node Vector Unit
8722@section Vector Unit
8723@cindex vector unit
8724
8725Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8726more information about the status of the vector unit.
8727
8728@table @code
8729@kindex info vector
8730@item info vector
8731Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8732layout vary depending on the hardware.
8733@end table
8734
8735@node OS Information
8736@section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8737@cindex OS information
8738
8739@value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8740you debug your program.
8741
8742@cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8743@cindex @code{struct user} contents
8744When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8745machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8746system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8747called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8748command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8749structure.
8750
8751@table @code
8752@item info udot
8753@kindex info udot
8754Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8755kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8756contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8757the @code{examine} command.
8758@end table
8759
8760@cindex auxiliary vector
8761@cindex vector, auxiliary
8762Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8763startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8764specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8765binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8766hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8767identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8768Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8769@value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8770targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8771support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8772@ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8773
8774@table @code
8775@kindex info auxv
8776@item info auxv
8777Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8778live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8779numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8780tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8781pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8782most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8783an unrecognized tag.
8784@end table
8785
8786On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8787and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8788this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8789@samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8790
8791@table @code
8792@kindex info os
8793@item info os
8794List the types of OS information available for the target. If the
8795target does not return a list of possible types, this command will
8796report an error.
8797
8798@kindex info os processes
8799@item info os processes
8800Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8801@value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8802the command corresponding to the process.
8803@end table
8804
8805@node Memory Region Attributes
8806@section Memory Region Attributes
8807@cindex memory region attributes
8808
8809@dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8810required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8811attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8812accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8813target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8814fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8815user can override the fetched regions.
8816
8817Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8818memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8819accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8820been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8821all memory.
8822
8823When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8824to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8825
8826@table @code
8827@kindex mem
8828@item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8829Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8830attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8831monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8832case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8833(0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8834
8835@item mem auto
8836Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8837regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8838
8839@kindex delete mem
8840@item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8841Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8842monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8843
8844@kindex disable mem
8845@item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8846Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8847A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8848It may be enabled again later.
8849
8850@kindex enable mem
8851@item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8852Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8853
8854@kindex info mem
8855@item info mem
8856Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8857for each region:
8858
8859@table @emph
8860@item Memory Region Number
8861@item Enabled or Disabled.
8862Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8863Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8864
8865@item Lo Address
8866The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8867
8868@item Hi Address
8869The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8870
8871@item Attributes
8872The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8873@end table
8874@end table
8875
8876
8877@subsection Attributes
8878
8879@subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8880The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8881write accesses to a memory region.
8882
8883While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8884memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8885etc.@: from accessing memory.
8886
8887@table @code
8888@item ro
8889Memory is read only.
8890@item wo
8891Memory is write only.
8892@item rw
8893Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8894@end table
8895
8896@subsubsection Memory Access Size
8897The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8898accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8899require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8900specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8901
8902@table @code
8903@item 8
8904Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8905@item 16
8906Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8907@item 32
8908Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8909@item 64
8910Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8911@end table
8912
8913@c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8914@c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8915@c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8916@c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8917@c
8918@c @table @code
8919@c @item hwbreak
8920@c Always use hardware breakpoints
8921@c @item swbreak (default)
8922@c @end table
8923
8924@subsubsection Data Cache
8925The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8926memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8927protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8928does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8929registers.
8930
8931@table @code
8932@item cache
8933Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8934@item nocache
8935Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8936@end table
8937
8938@subsection Memory Access Checking
8939@value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8940not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8941regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8942better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8943
8944@table @code
8945@kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8946@item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8947If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8948explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8949to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8950memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8951treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8952The default value is @code{on}.
8953@kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8954@item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8955Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8956@end table
8957
8958
8959@c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8960@c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8961@c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8962@c
8963@c @table @code
8964@c @item verify
8965@c @item noverify (default)
8966@c @end table
8967
8968@node Dump/Restore Files
8969@section Copy Between Memory and a File
8970@cindex dump/restore files
8971@cindex append data to a file
8972@cindex dump data to a file
8973@cindex restore data from a file
8974
8975You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8976@code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8977@code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8978@code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8979memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8980Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8981files.
8982
8983@table @code
8984
8985@kindex dump
8986@item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8987@itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8988Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8989or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8990
8991The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8992@table @code
8993@item binary
8994Raw binary form.
8995@item ihex
8996Intel hex format.
8997@item srec
8998Motorola S-record format.
8999@item tekhex
9000Tektronix Hex format.
9001@end table
9002
9003@value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
9004@sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
9005@var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
9006form.
9007
9008@kindex append
9009@item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9010@itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9011Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9012or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
9013(@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
9014
9015@kindex restore
9016@item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
9017Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
9018@code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
9019file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
9020must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
9021
9022If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
9023contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
9024they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
9025a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
9026from that location.
9027
9028If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
9029file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
9030These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
9031the @var{bias} argument is applied.
9032
9033@end table
9034
9035@node Core File Generation
9036@section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
9037@cindex dump core from inferior
9038
9039A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
9040image of a running process and its process status (register values
9041etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9042crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9043automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9044the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9045the post-mortem debugging mode.
9046
9047Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9048are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9049@value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9050
9051@table @code
9052@kindex gcore
9053@kindex generate-core-file
9054@item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9055@itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9056Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9057@var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9058specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9059@var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9060
9061Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9062this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9063@end table
9064
9065@node Character Sets
9066@section Character Sets
9067@cindex character sets
9068@cindex charset
9069@cindex translating between character sets
9070@cindex host character set
9071@cindex target character set
9072
9073If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9074represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9075@value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9076you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9077character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9078@dfn{target character set}.
9079
9080For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9081uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9082remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9083running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9084then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9085@sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9086target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9087@sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9088character and string literals in expressions.
9089
9090@value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9091the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9092target-charset} command, described below.
9093
9094Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9095support:
9096
9097@table @code
9098@item set target-charset @var{charset}
9099@kindex set target-charset
9100Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9101list of supported target character sets, type
9102@kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9103
9104@item set host-charset @var{charset}
9105@kindex set host-charset
9106Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9107
9108By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9109system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9110@code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9111automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9112case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9113
9114@value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9115set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9116@value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9117
9118@item set charset @var{charset}
9119@kindex set charset
9120Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
9121above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9122@value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
9123for both host and target.
9124
9125@item show charset
9126@kindex show charset
9127Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
9128
9129@item show host-charset
9130@kindex show host-charset
9131Show the name of the current host character set.
9132
9133@item show target-charset
9134@kindex show target-charset
9135Show the name of the current target character set.
9136
9137@item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
9138@kindex set target-wide-charset
9139Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
9140the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
9141display the list of supported wide character sets, type
9142@kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9143
9144@item show target-wide-charset
9145@kindex show target-wide-charset
9146Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
9147@end table
9148
9149Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
9150Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
9151@file{charset-test.c}:
9152
9153@smallexample
9154#include <stdio.h>
9155
9156char ascii_hello[]
9157 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
9158 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
9159char ibm1047_hello[]
9160 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
9161 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
9162
9163main ()
9164@{
9165 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9166@}
9167@end smallexample
9168
9169In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
9170containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
9171encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
9172
9173We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
9174
9175@smallexample
9176$ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
9177$ gdb -nw charset-test
9178GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
9179Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9180@dots{}
9181(@value{GDBP})
9182@end smallexample
9183
9184We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
9185@value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
9186strings:
9187
9188@smallexample
9189(@value{GDBP}) show charset
9190The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
9191(@value{GDBP})
9192@end smallexample
9193
9194For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
9195initial character set:
9196@smallexample
9197(@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
9198(@value{GDBP}) show charset
9199The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
9200(@value{GDBP})
9201@end smallexample
9202
9203Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
9204host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
9205characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
9206them properly. Since our current target character set is also
9207@sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
9208
9209@smallexample
9210(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9211$1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
9212(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9213$2 = 72 'H'
9214(@value{GDBP})
9215@end smallexample
9216
9217@value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
9218literals you use in expressions:
9219
9220@smallexample
9221(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9222$3 = 43 '+'
9223(@value{GDBP})
9224@end smallexample
9225
9226The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
9227character.
9228
9229@value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
9230target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
9231character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
9232
9233@smallexample
9234(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9235$4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
9236(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9237$5 = 200 '\310'
9238(@value{GDBP})
9239@end smallexample
9240
9241If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
9242@value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
9243
9244@smallexample
9245(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9246ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
9247(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9248@end smallexample
9249
9250We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
9251program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
9252@value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
9253target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
9254@sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
9255
9256@smallexample
9257(@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
9258(@value{GDBP}) show charset
9259The current host character set is `ASCII'.
9260The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
9261(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9262$6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
9263(@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9264$7 = 72 '\110'
9265(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9266$8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
9267(@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9268$9 = 200 'H'
9269(@value{GDBP})
9270@end smallexample
9271
9272As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
9273string literals you use in expressions:
9274
9275@smallexample
9276(@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9277$10 = 78 '+'
9278(@value{GDBP})
9279@end smallexample
9280
9281The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
9282character.
9283
9284@node Caching Remote Data
9285@section Caching Data of Remote Targets
9286@cindex caching data of remote targets
9287
9288@value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
9289remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
9290performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
9291bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
9292caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
9293does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
9294addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
9295memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
9296Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
9297known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
9298rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
9299in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
9300stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
9301Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
9302cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
9303
9304@table @code
9305@kindex set remotecache
9306@item set remotecache on
9307@itemx set remotecache off
9308This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
9309with old scripts.
9310
9311@kindex show remotecache
9312@item show remotecache
9313Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
9314
9315@kindex set stack-cache
9316@item set stack-cache on
9317@itemx set stack-cache off
9318Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
9319caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
9320
9321@kindex show stack-cache
9322@item show stack-cache
9323Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
9324
9325@kindex info dcache
9326@item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
9327Print the information about the data cache performance. The
9328information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
9329each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
9330referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
9331operation.
9332
9333If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
9334printed in hex.
9335@end table
9336
9337@node Searching Memory
9338@section Search Memory
9339@cindex searching memory
9340
9341Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
9342@code{find} command.
9343
9344@table @code
9345@kindex find
9346@item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9347@itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9348Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
9349etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
9350@var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
9351@end table
9352
9353@var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
9354They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
9355
9356@table @r
9357@item @var{s}, search query size
9358The size of each search query value.
9359
9360@table @code
9361@item b
9362bytes
9363@item h
9364halfwords (two bytes)
9365@item w
9366words (four bytes)
9367@item g
9368giant words (eight bytes)
9369@end table
9370
9371All values are interpreted in the current language.
9372This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
9373then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
9374
9375If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
9376value's type in the current language.
9377This is useful when one wants to specify the search
9378pattern as a mixture of types.
9379Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
9380a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
9381which is typically four bytes.
9382
9383@item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
9384The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
9385@end table
9386
9387You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
9388 (@code{"}).
9389The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
9390regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
9391
9392The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
9393number of matches found.
9394
9395The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
9396@samp{$_}.
9397A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
9398
9399For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
9400
9401@smallexample
9402void
9403hello ()
9404@{
9405 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
9406 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
9407 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
9408 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
9409 printf ("%s\n", hello);
9410@}
9411@end smallexample
9412
9413@noindent
9414you get during debugging:
9415
9416@smallexample
9417(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
94180x804956d <hello.1620+6>
94191 pattern found
9420(gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
94210x8049567 <hello.1620>
94220x804956d <hello.1620+6>
94232 patterns found
9424(gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
94250x8049567 <hello.1620>
94261 pattern found
9427(gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
94280x8049560 <mixed.1625>
94291 pattern found
9430(gdb) print $numfound
9431$1 = 1
9432(gdb) print $_
9433$2 = (void *) 0x8049560
9434@end smallexample
9435
9436@node Optimized Code
9437@chapter Debugging Optimized Code
9438@cindex optimized code, debugging
9439@cindex debugging optimized code
9440
9441Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
9442disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
9443directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
9444applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
9445diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
9446information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
9447the running program back to constructs from your original source.
9448
9449@value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
9450can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
9451progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
9452where you may need to debug an optimized version.
9453
9454When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
9455optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
9456really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
9457exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
9458variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
9459variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
9460
9461Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
9462@samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
9463doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
9464please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
9465@xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
9466
9467@menu
9468* Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
9469@end menu
9470
9471@node Inline Functions
9472@section Inline Functions
9473@cindex inline functions, debugging
9474
9475@dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
9476body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
9477routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
9478non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
9479arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
9480them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
9481You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
9482@code{info frame} command.
9483
9484For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
9485record information about inlining in the debug information ---
9486@value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
9487other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
9488when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
9489do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
9490@samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
9491function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
9492displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
9493local variables in the caller.
9494
9495The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
9496unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
9497the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
9498start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
9499the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
9500the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
9501instructions are executed.
9502
9503This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
9504context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
9505a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
9506this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
9507
9508There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9509function calls are the same as normal calls:
9510
9511@itemize @bullet
9512@item
9513You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9514either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9515breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9516will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9517set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9518function instead.
9519
9520@item
9521Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9522work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9523may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9524function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9525version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9526or inside the inlined function instead.
9527
9528@item
9529@value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9530using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9531debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9532and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9533
9534@end itemize
9535
9536
9537@node Macros
9538@chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9539
9540Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9541``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9542@value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9543the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9544where it was defined.
9545
9546You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9547with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9548include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9549with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9550
9551A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9552and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9553points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9554no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9555uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9556@value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9557see @ref{List}.
9558
9559Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9560macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9561the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9562
9563@table @code
9564
9565@kindex macro expand
9566@cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9567@cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9568@cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9569@item macro expand @var{expression}
9570@itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9571Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9572@var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9573not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9574it can be any string of tokens.
9575
9576@kindex macro exp1
9577@item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9578@itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9579@cindex expand macro once
9580@i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9581expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9582@var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9583left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9584particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9585expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9586parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9587can be any string of tokens.
9588
9589@kindex info macro
9590@cindex macro definition, showing
9591@cindex definition, showing a macro's
9592@item info macro @var{macro}
9593Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9594source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9595
9596@kindex macro define
9597@cindex user-defined macros
9598@cindex defining macros interactively
9599@cindex macros, user-defined
9600@item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9601@itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9602Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9603invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9604@var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9605``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9606defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9607@var{arglist}.
9608
9609A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9610expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9611@code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9612all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9613as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9614
9615@kindex macro undef
9616@item macro undef @var{macro}
9617Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9618This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9619define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9620in the program being debugged.
9621
9622@kindex macro list
9623@item macro list
9624List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9625@end table
9626
9627@cindex macros, example of debugging with
9628Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9629show our source files:
9630
9631@smallexample
9632$ cat sample.c
9633#include <stdio.h>
9634#include "sample.h"
9635
9636#define M 42
9637#define ADD(x) (M + x)
9638
9639main ()
9640@{
9641#define N 28
9642 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9643#undef N
9644 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9645#define N 1729
9646 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9647@}
9648$ cat sample.h
9649#define Q <
9650$
9651@end smallexample
9652
9653Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9654We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9655compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9656information.
9657
9658@smallexample
9659$ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9660$
9661@end smallexample
9662
9663Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9664
9665@smallexample
9666$ gdb -nw sample
9667GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9668Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9669GDB is free software, @dots{}
9670(@value{GDBP})
9671@end smallexample
9672
9673We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9674program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9675to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9676
9677@smallexample
9678(@value{GDBP}) list main
96793
96804 #define M 42
96815 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
96826
96837 main ()
96848 @{
96859 #define N 28
968610 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
968711 #undef N
968812 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9689(@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9690Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9691#define ADD(x) (M + x)
9692(@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9693Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9694 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9695#define Q <
9696(@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9697expands to: (42 + 1)
9698(@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9699expands to: once (M + 1)
9700(@value{GDBP})
9701@end smallexample
9702
9703In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9704the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9705@code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9706which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9707
9708Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9709force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9710
9711@smallexample
9712(@value{GDBP}) break main
9713Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9714(@value{GDBP}) run
9715Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9716
9717Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
971810 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9719(@value{GDBP})
9720@end smallexample
9721
9722At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9723
9724@smallexample
9725(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9726Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9727#define N 28
9728(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9729expands to: 28 < 42
9730(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9731$1 = 1
9732(@value{GDBP})
9733@end smallexample
9734
9735As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9736give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9737thereof) in force at each point:
9738
9739@smallexample
9740(@value{GDBP}) next
9741Hello, world!
974212 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9743(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9744The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9745at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9746(@value{GDBP}) next
9747We're so creative.
974814 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9749(@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9750Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9751#define N 1729
9752(@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9753expands to: 1729 < 42
9754(@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9755$2 = 0
9756(@value{GDBP})
9757@end smallexample
9758
9759In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9760line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9761such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9762of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9763
9764@smallexample
9765(@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9766Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9767-D__STDC__=1
9768(@value{GDBP})
9769@end smallexample
9770
9771
9772@node Tracepoints
9773@chapter Tracepoints
9774@c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9775@c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9776
9777@cindex tracepoints
9778In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9779the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9780anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9781depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9782might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9783fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9784to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9785
9786Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9787specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9788arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9789Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9790those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9791expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9792for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9793a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9794in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9795values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9796unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9797
9798The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9799targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9800how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9801remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9802support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9803packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9804Packets}.
9805
9806It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9807of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9808through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9809
9810This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9811
9812@menu
9813* Set Tracepoints::
9814* Analyze Collected Data::
9815* Tracepoint Variables::
9816* Trace Files::
9817@end menu
9818
9819@node Set Tracepoints
9820@section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9821
9822Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9823tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9824breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9825standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9826tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9827of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9828as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9829
9830For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9831of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9832it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9833local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9834commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9835tracepoint was hit.
9836
9837Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
9838tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
9839commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
9840either.
9841
9842@cindex fast tracepoints
9843Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9844a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9845faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9846
9847@cindex static tracepoints
9848@cindex markers, static tracepoints
9849@cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
9850Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
9851that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
9852in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
9853tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
9854instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
9855the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
9856address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
9857investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
9858support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
9859points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
9860tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
9861@value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
9862registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
9863point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
9864The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
9865instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
9866static tracepoint marker.
9867
9868@code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
9869@xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
9870
9871This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9872conditions and actions.
9873
9874@menu
9875* Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9876* Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9877* Tracepoint Passcounts::
9878* Tracepoint Conditions::
9879* Trace State Variables::
9880* Tracepoint Actions::
9881* Listing Tracepoints::
9882* Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
9883* Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9884* Tracepoint Restrictions::
9885@end menu
9886
9887@node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9888@subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9889
9890@table @code
9891@cindex set tracepoint
9892@kindex trace
9893@item trace @var{location}
9894The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9895Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9896an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9897@code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9898target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9899data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9900changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9901command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9902not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9903
9904Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9905
9906@smallexample
9907(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9908
9909(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9910
9911(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9912
9913(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9914
9915(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9916@end smallexample
9917
9918@noindent
9919You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9920
9921@item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9922Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9923@var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9924if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9925@xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9926information on tracepoint conditions.
9927
9928@item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9929@cindex set fast tracepoint
9930@cindex fast tracepoints, setting
9931@kindex ftrace
9932The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9933support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9934less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9935instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9936may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9937location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9938message.
9939
9940@value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9941@code{trace}.
9942
9943@item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9944@cindex set static tracepoint
9945@cindex static tracepoints, setting
9946@cindex probe static tracepoint marker
9947@kindex strace
9948The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
9949support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
9950instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
9951be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
9952which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
9953
9954@value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
9955@code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
9956@code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
9957identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
9958depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
9959using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
9960of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
9961@xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
9962Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
9963tracing engine:
9964
9965@smallexample
9966main ()
9967@{
9968 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
9969@}
9970@end smallexample
9971
9972@noindent
9973the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
9974@code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
9975
9976@smallexample
9977(@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
9978Cnt Enb ID Address What
99791 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
9980 Data: "str %s"
9981[etc...]
9982@end smallexample
9983
9984@noindent
9985so you may probe the marker above with:
9986
9987@smallexample
9988(@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
9989@end smallexample
9990
9991Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
9992$_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
9993call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
9994that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
9995string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
9996string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
9997static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
9998the @samp{Data:} field.
9999
10000You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
10001the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
10002@value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
10003
10004@vindex $tpnum
10005@cindex last tracepoint number
10006@cindex recent tracepoint number
10007@cindex tracepoint number
10008The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
10009of the most recently set tracepoint.
10010
10011@kindex delete tracepoint
10012@cindex tracepoint deletion
10013@item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10014Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
10015default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
10016@code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
10017
10018Examples:
10019
10020@smallexample
10021(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
10022
10023(@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
10024@end smallexample
10025
10026@noindent
10027You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
10028@end table
10029
10030@node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
10031@subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
10032
10033These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
10034
10035@table @code
10036@kindex disable tracepoint
10037@item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10038Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
10039@var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
10040a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
10041a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
10042If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
10043has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
10044change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
10045next trace experiment.
10046
10047@kindex enable tracepoint
10048@item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10049Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
10050issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
10051tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
10052become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
10053next time a trace experiment is run.
10054@end table
10055
10056@node Tracepoint Passcounts
10057@subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
10058
10059@table @code
10060@kindex passcount
10061@cindex tracepoint pass count
10062@item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
10063Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
10064automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
10065@var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
10066the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
10067@var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
10068passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
10069given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
10070user.
10071
10072Examples:
10073
10074@smallexample
10075(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
10076@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
10077
10078(@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
10079@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
10080(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10081(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
10082(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
10083(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
10084(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
10085(@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
10086@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
10087@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
10088@exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
10089@end smallexample
10090@end table
10091
10092@node Tracepoint Conditions
10093@subsection Tracepoint Conditions
10094@cindex conditional tracepoints
10095@cindex tracepoint conditions
10096
10097The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
10098reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
10099a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
10100programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
10101tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
10102program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
10103is true.
10104
10105Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
10106using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
10107@xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
10108also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
10109just as with breakpoints.
10110
10111Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
10112the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
10113expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
10114suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
10115Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
10116accesses, and so forth.
10117
10118For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
10119frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
10120could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
10121of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
10122through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
10123collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
10124search through.
10125
10126@smallexample
10127(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
10128@end smallexample
10129
10130@node Trace State Variables
10131@subsection Trace State Variables
10132@cindex trace state variables
10133
10134A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
10135created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
10136that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
10137but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
10138using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
10139integers.
10140
10141Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
10142to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
10143experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
10144trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
10145
10146@cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
10147Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
10148them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
10149variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
10150while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
10151the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
10152cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
10153@code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
10154variable with the same name.
10155
10156@table @code
10157
10158@item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
10159@kindex tvariable
10160The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
10161@code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
10162@var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
10163entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
10164otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
10165@code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
10166variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
10167existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
10168value. The default initial value is 0.
10169
10170@item info tvariables
10171@kindex info tvariables
10172List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
10173Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
10174currently running.
10175
10176@item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
10177@kindex delete tvariable
10178Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
10179are specified.
10180
10181@end table
10182
10183@node Tracepoint Actions
10184@subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
10185
10186@table @code
10187@kindex actions
10188@cindex tracepoint actions
10189@item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10190This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
10191tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
10192specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
10193recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
10194@code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
10195actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
10196terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
10197far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
10198@code{while-stepping}.
10199
10200@code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
10201Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
10202actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
10203
10204@cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
10205To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
10206and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
10207
10208@smallexample
10209(@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
10210
10211(@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
10212
10213(@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
10214@end smallexample
10215
10216In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
10217commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
10218hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
10219following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
10220followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
10221sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
10222terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
10223list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
10224
10225@smallexample
10226(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10227(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10228Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
10229> collect bar,baz
10230> collect $regs
10231> while-stepping 12
10232 > collect $pc, arr[i]
10233 > end
10234end
10235@end smallexample
10236
10237@kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
10238@item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10239Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
10240This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
10241In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
10242special arguments are supported:
10243
10244@table @code
10245@item $regs
10246Collect all registers.
10247
10248@item $args
10249Collect all function arguments.
10250
10251@item $locals
10252Collect all local variables.
10253
10254@item $_sdata
10255@vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
10256Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
10257static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
10258Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
10259instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
10260tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
10261character string using the format provided by the programmer that
10262instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
10263Here's an example of a UST marker call:
10264
10265@smallexample
10266 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
10267 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
10268@end smallexample
10269
10270In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
10271@samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
10272inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
10273@value{GDBN}.
10274@end table
10275
10276You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
10277with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
10278arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
10279
10280The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
10281particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
10282
10283@kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
10284@item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10285Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
10286command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
10287are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
10288state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
10289values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
10290action were used.
10291
10292@kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
10293@item while-stepping @var{n}
10294Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
10295collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
10296command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
10297(followed by its own @code{end} command):
10298
10299@smallexample
10300> while-stepping 12
10301 > collect $regs, myglobal
10302 > end
10303>
10304@end smallexample
10305
10306@noindent
10307Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
10308@code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
10309you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
10310@code{stepping}.
10311
10312@item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10313@kindex set default-collect
10314@cindex default collection action
10315This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
10316hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
10317to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
10318individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
10319@code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
10320local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
10321
10322@item show default-collect
10323@kindex show default-collect
10324Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
10325tracepoint hit.
10326
10327@end table
10328
10329@node Listing Tracepoints
10330@subsection Listing Tracepoints
10331
10332@table @code
10333@kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10334@kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10335@cindex information about tracepoints
10336@item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
10337Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
10338specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
10339tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
10340@code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
10341command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
10342
10343A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
10344tracing:
10345
10346@itemize @bullet
10347@item
10348its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
10349@end itemize
10350
10351@smallexample
10352(@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
10353Num Type Disp Enb Address What
103541 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
10355 while-stepping 20
10356 collect globfoo, $regs
10357 end
10358 collect globfoo2
10359 end
10360 pass count 1200
10361(@value{GDBP})
10362@end smallexample
10363
10364@noindent
10365This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
10366@end table
10367
10368@node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10369@subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10370
10371@table @code
10372@kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
10373@cindex information about static tracepoint markers
10374@item info static-tracepoint-markers
10375Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
10376program.
10377
10378For each marker, the following columns are printed:
10379
10380@table @emph
10381@item Count
10382An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
10383stable identifier.
10384@item ID
10385The marker ID, as reported by the target.
10386@item Enabled or Disabled
10387Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
10388that are not enabled.
10389@item Address
10390Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
10391@item What
10392Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
10393number. If the debug information included in the program does not
10394allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
10395will be left blank.
10396@end table
10397
10398@noindent
10399In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
10400
10401@table @emph
10402@item Data
10403User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
10404UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
10405marker call.
10406@item Static tracepoints probing the marker
10407The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
10408@end table
10409
10410@smallexample
10411(@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
10412Cnt ID Enb Address What
104131 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
10414 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
10415 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
104162 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
10417 Data: str %s
10418(@value{GDBP})
10419@end smallexample
10420@end table
10421
10422@node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10423@subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10424
10425@table @code
10426@kindex tstart
10427@cindex start a new trace experiment
10428@cindex collected data discarded
10429@item tstart
10430This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
10431begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
10432the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
10433experiment.
10434
10435@kindex tstop
10436@cindex stop a running trace experiment
10437@item tstop
10438This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
10439stops collecting data.
10440
10441@strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
10442automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
10443(@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
10444
10445@kindex tstatus
10446@cindex status of trace data collection
10447@cindex trace experiment, status of
10448@item tstatus
10449This command displays the status of the current trace data
10450collection.
10451@end table
10452
10453Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
10454
10455@smallexample
10456(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
10457(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10458Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
10459> collect $regs,$locals,$args
10460> while-stepping 11
10461 > collect $regs
10462 > end
10463> end
10464(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10465 [time passes @dots{}]
10466(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
10467@end smallexample
10468
10469@anchor{disconnected tracing}
10470@cindex disconnected tracing
10471You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
10472@value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
10473involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
10474ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
10475terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
10476unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
10477@code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
10478continue running without @value{GDBN}.
10479
10480@table @code
10481@item set disconnected-tracing on
10482@itemx set disconnected-tracing off
10483@kindex set disconnected-tracing
10484Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
10485has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
10486@code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
10487matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
10488for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
10489
10490@item show disconnected-tracing
10491@kindex show disconnected-tracing
10492Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
10493
10494@end table
10495
10496When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
10497still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
10498meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
10499it will continue after reconnection.
10500
10501Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
10502tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
10503information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
10504to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
10505have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
10506the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
10507debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
10508which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
10509necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
10510created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
10511
10512@cindex circular trace buffer
10513If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
10514can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
10515buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
10516frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
10517collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
10518hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
10519buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
10520@samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
10521including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
10522buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
10523the next run.
10524
10525@table @code
10526@item set circular-trace-buffer on
10527@itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
10528@kindex set circular-trace-buffer
10529Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
10530for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
10531fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
10532data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
10533
10534@item show circular-trace-buffer
10535@kindex show circular-trace-buffer
10536Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
10537match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
10538match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
10539for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
10540
10541@end table
10542
10543@node Tracepoint Restrictions
10544@subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
10545
10546@cindex tracepoint restrictions
10547There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
10548described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
10549without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
10550the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
10551examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
10552collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
10553is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
10554mentioned here.
10555
10556@itemize @bullet
10557
10558@item
10559Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
10560the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
10561You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
10562convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
10563state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
10564functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
10565cannot be collected either.
10566
10567@item
10568Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
10569@code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
10570behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
10571instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
10572may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
10573tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
10574variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
10575tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
10576where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
10577program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
10578
10579@item
10580Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
10581may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
10582in a misleading way.
10583
10584@item
10585When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
10586dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
10587being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
10588not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
10589dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
10590collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
10591@code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
10592by @code{ptr}.
10593
10594@item
10595It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
10596tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
10597bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*$esp@@300}
10598(adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
10599target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
10600Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
10601using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
10602depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
10603if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
10604stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
10605invalid address.
10606
10607@item
10608If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
10609infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
10610the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
10611for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
10612multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
10613inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
10614@value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
10615it to zero.
10616
10617@end itemize
10618
10619@node Analyze Collected Data
10620@section Using the Collected Data
10621
10622After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
10623for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
10624collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
10625snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
10626consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
10627examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
10628specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
10629snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
10630registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
10631rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
10632debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
10633(@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
10634behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
10635when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
10636the buffer will fail.
10637
10638@menu
10639* tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
10640* tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
10641* save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
10642@end menu
10643
10644@node tfind
10645@subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
10646
10647@kindex tfind
10648@cindex select trace snapshot
10649@cindex find trace snapshot
10650The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
10651@code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
10652counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
10653snapshot is selected.
10654
10655Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
10656
10657@table @code
10658@item tfind start
10659Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
10660@code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
10661
10662@item tfind none
10663Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
10664
10665@item tfind end
10666Same as @samp{tfind none}.
10667
10668@item tfind
10669No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
10670
10671@item tfind -
10672Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
10673retracing earlier steps.
10674
10675@item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
10676Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
10677proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
10678argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
10679for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
10680
10681@item tfind pc @var{addr}
10682Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
10683program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
10684snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
10685snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
10686
10687@item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10688Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
10689addresses (exclusive).
10690
10691@item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10692Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
10693@var{addr2} (inclusive).
10694
10695@item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
10696Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
10697the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
10698that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
10699trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
10700next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
10701@code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
10702stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
10703@end table
10704
10705The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
10706designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
10707instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
10708snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
10709trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
10710simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
10711snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
10712@key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
10713The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
10714for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
10715no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
10716(PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
10717no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
10718tracepoint as the current one.
10719
10720In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
10721these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
10722scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
10723you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
10724registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
10725
10726@smallexample
10727(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10728(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10729> printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
10730 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
10731> tfind
10732> end
10733
10734Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
10735Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
10736Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
10737Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
10738Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
10739Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
10740Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
10741Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
10742Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
10743Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
10744Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
10745@end smallexample
10746
10747Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
10748the buffer:
10749
10750@smallexample
10751(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10752(@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10753> printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
10754> tfind line
10755> end
10756
10757Frame 0, X = 1
10758Frame 7, X = 2
10759Frame 13, X = 255
10760@end smallexample
10761
10762@node tdump
10763@subsection @code{tdump}
10764@kindex tdump
10765@cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
10766@cindex tracepoint data, display
10767
10768This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
10769the current trace snapshot.
10770
10771@smallexample
10772(@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
10773(@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10774Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
10775> collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
10776> end
10777
10778(@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10779
10780(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
10781#0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
10782at gdb_test.c:444
10783444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
10784
10785(@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10786Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10787d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10788d1 0x18 24
10789d2 0x80 128
10790d3 0x33 51
10791d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10792d5 0x22 34
10793d6 0xe0 224
10794d7 0x380035 3670069
10795a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10796a1 0x3000668 50333288
10797a2 0x100 256
10798a3 0x322000 3284992
10799a4 0x3000698 50333336
10800a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10801fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10802sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10803ps 0x0 0
10804pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10805fpcontrol 0x0 0
10806fpstatus 0x0 0
10807fpiaddr 0x0 0
10808p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10809p1 = (void *) 0x11
10810p2 = (void *) 0x22
10811p3 = (void *) 0x33
10812p4 = (void *) 0x44
10813p5 = (void *) 0x55
10814p6 = (void *) 0x66
10815gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10816
10817(@value{GDBP})
10818@end smallexample
10819
10820@code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
10821actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
10822@code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
10823actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
10824
10825Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
10826uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
10827frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
10828collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
10829to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
10830body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
10831then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
10832list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
10833same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
10834@c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
10835
10836@node save tracepoints
10837@subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
10838@kindex save tracepoints
10839@kindex save-tracepoints
10840@cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10841
10842This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10843their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10844suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10845tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10846Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
10847alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
10848
10849@node Tracepoint Variables
10850@section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10851@cindex tracepoint variables
10852@cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10853
10854@table @code
10855@vindex $trace_frame
10856@item (int) $trace_frame
10857The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10858snapshot is selected.
10859
10860@vindex $tracepoint
10861@item (int) $tracepoint
10862The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10863
10864@vindex $trace_line
10865@item (int) $trace_line
10866The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10867
10868@vindex $trace_file
10869@item (char []) $trace_file
10870The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10871
10872@vindex $trace_func
10873@item (char []) $trace_func
10874The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10875@end table
10876
10877Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10878use @code{output} instead.
10879
10880Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10881stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10882data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10883which are managed by the target.
10884
10885@smallexample
10886(@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10887
10888(@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10889> output $trace_file
10890> printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10891> tfind
10892> end
10893@end smallexample
10894
10895@node Trace Files
10896@section Using Trace Files
10897@cindex trace files
10898
10899In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10900longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10901for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10902dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10903of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10904
10905@table @code
10906
10907@kindex tsave
10908@item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10909Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10910assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10911necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10912then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10913optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10914the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10915more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10916@code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10917
10918@kindex target tfile
10919@kindex tfile
10920@item target tfile @var{filename}
10921Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10922that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10923possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10924the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10925as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10926on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10927
10928@end table
10929
10930@node Overlays
10931@chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10932@cindex overlays
10933
10934If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10935memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10936problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10937use overlays.
10938
10939@menu
10940* How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10941* Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10942* Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10943 mapped by asking the inferior.
10944* Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10945@end menu
10946
10947@node How Overlays Work
10948@section How Overlays Work
10949@cindex mapped overlays
10950@cindex unmapped overlays
10951@cindex load address, overlay's
10952@cindex mapped address
10953@cindex overlay area
10954
10955Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10956kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10957other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10958management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10959adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10960
10961One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10962independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10963@dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10964their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10965instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10966largest overlay as well.
10967
10968Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10969overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10970for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10971there.
10972
10973@c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10974@c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10975@c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10976
10977@smallexample
10978@group
10979 Data Instruction Larger
10980Address Space Address Space Address Space
10981+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10982| | | | | |
10983+-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10984| program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10985| variables | | program | | +-----------+
10986| and heap | | | | | |
10987+-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10988| | +-----------+ | | | load address
10989+-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10990 | | | | | |
10991 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10992 address | | | | | |
10993 | overlay | <-' | | |
10994 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10995 | | <---. | | load address
10996 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
10997 | | | |
10998 +-----------+ | |
10999 +-----------+
11000 | |
11001 +-----------+
11002
11003 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
11004@end group
11005@end smallexample
11006
11007The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
11008and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
11009its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
11010Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
11011may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
11012data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
11013program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
11014program and the overlay area.
11015
11016An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
11017@dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
11018instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
11019in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
11020is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
11021the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
11022called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
11023
11024Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
11025program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
11026global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
11027
11028@itemize @bullet
11029
11030@item
11031Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
11032must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
11033return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
11034overlay, and your program will probably crash.
11035
11036@item
11037If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
11038will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
11039your program's performance.
11040
11041@item
11042The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
11043overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
11044mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
11045and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
11046You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
11047addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
11048ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
11049
11050@item
11051The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
11052to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
11053instruction and data spaces.
11054
11055@end itemize
11056
11057The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
11058improved in many ways:
11059
11060@itemize @bullet
11061
11062@item
11063If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
11064hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
11065contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
11066This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
11067area in the usual way.
11068
11069@item
11070If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
11071overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
11072
11073@item
11074You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
11075general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
11076code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
11077return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
11078the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
11079must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
11080different data overlay into the same mapped area.
11081
11082@end itemize
11083
11084
11085@node Overlay Commands
11086@section Overlay Commands
11087
11088To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
11089correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
11090virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
11091mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
11092@value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
11093variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
11094
11095@value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
11096you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
11097
11098@table @code
11099@item overlay off
11100@kindex overlay
11101Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
11102disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
11103always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
11104overlay support is disabled.
11105
11106@item overlay manual
11107@cindex manual overlay debugging
11108Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11109relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
11110using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
11111commands described below.
11112
11113@item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
11114@itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
11115@cindex map an overlay
11116Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
11117be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
11118overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
11119functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
11120that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
11121@var{overlay} are now unmapped.
11122
11123@item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
11124@itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
11125@cindex unmap an overlay
11126Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
11127must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
11128When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
11129overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
11130
11131@item overlay auto
11132Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11133consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
11134to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
11135Overlay Debugging}.
11136
11137@item overlay load-target
11138@itemx overlay load
11139@cindex reloading the overlay table
11140Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
11141re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
11142stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
11143overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
11144useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
11145
11146@item overlay list-overlays
11147@itemx overlay list
11148@cindex listing mapped overlays
11149Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
11150addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
11151
11152@end table
11153
11154Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
11155of the function the address falls in:
11156
11157@smallexample
11158(@value{GDBP}) print main
11159$3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
11160@end smallexample
11161@noindent
11162When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
11163unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
11164asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
11165unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
11166
11167@smallexample
11168(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11169No sections are mapped.
11170(@value{GDBP}) print foo
11171$5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
11172@end smallexample
11173@noindent
11174When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
11175name normally:
11176
11177@smallexample
11178(@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11179Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
11180 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
11181(@value{GDBP}) print foo
11182$6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
11183@end smallexample
11184
11185When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
11186address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
11187overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
11188@code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
11189code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
11190
11191@itemize @bullet
11192@item
11193@cindex breakpoints in overlays
11194@cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
11195You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
11196@value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
11197@item
11198@value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
11199unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
11200overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
11201you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
11202breakpoints properly.
11203@end itemize
11204
11205
11206@node Automatic Overlay Debugging
11207@section Automatic Overlay Debugging
11208@cindex automatic overlay debugging
11209
11210@value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
11211are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
11212inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
11213@code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
11214looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
11215current state of the overlays.
11216
11217Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
11218@value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
11219
11220@table @asis
11221
11222@item @code{_ovly_table}:
11223This variable must be an array of the following structures:
11224
11225@smallexample
11226struct
11227@{
11228 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
11229 unsigned long vma;
11230
11231 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
11232 unsigned long size;
11233
11234 /* The overlay's load address. */
11235 unsigned long lma;
11236
11237 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
11238 zero otherwise. */
11239 unsigned long mapped;
11240@}
11241@end smallexample
11242
11243@item @code{_novlys}:
11244This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
11245number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
11246
11247@end table
11248
11249To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
11250looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
11251@code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
11252executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
11253the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
11254currently mapped.
11255
11256In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
11257@code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
11258will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
11259calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
11260will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
11261are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
11262in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
11263overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
11264are not being executed.
11265
11266@node Overlay Sample Program
11267@section Overlay Sample Program
11268@cindex overlay example program
11269
11270When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
11271at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
11272addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
11273Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
11274since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
11275architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
11276portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
11277
11278However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
11279program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
11280suite. The program consists of the following files from
11281@file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
11282
11283@table @file
11284@item overlays.c
11285The main program file.
11286@item ovlymgr.c
11287A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
11288@item foo.c
11289@itemx bar.c
11290@itemx baz.c
11291@itemx grbx.c
11292Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
11293@item d10v.ld
11294@itemx m32r.ld
11295Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
11296and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
11297@end table
11298
11299You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
11300cross-compiler like this:
11301
11302@smallexample
11303$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
11304$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
11305$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
11306$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
11307$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
11308$ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
11309$ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
11310 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
11311@end smallexample
11312
11313The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
11314you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
11315target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
11316
11317
11318@node Languages
11319@chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
11320@cindex languages
11321
11322Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
11323rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
11324dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
11325Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
11326represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
11327@samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
11328
11329@cindex working language
11330Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
11331allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
11332native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
11333consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
11334language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
11335language}.
11336
11337@menu
11338* Setting:: Switching between source languages
11339* Show:: Displaying the language
11340* Checks:: Type and range checks
11341* Supported Languages:: Supported languages
11342* Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
11343@end menu
11344
11345@node Setting
11346@section Switching Between Source Languages
11347
11348There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
11349set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
11350@code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
11351defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
11352used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
11353are printed, etc.
11354
11355In addition to the working language, every source file that
11356@value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
11357file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
11358source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
11359language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
11360controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
11361show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
11362set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
11363set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
11364Displaying the Language}.
11365
11366This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
11367as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
11368another language. In that case, make the
11369program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
11370@value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
11371program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
11372
11373@menu
11374* Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
11375* Manually:: Setting the working language manually
11376* Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
11377@end menu
11378
11379@node Filenames
11380@subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
11381
11382If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
11383@value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
11384
11385@table @file
11386@item .ada
11387@itemx .ads
11388@itemx .adb
11389@itemx .a
11390Ada source file.
11391
11392@item .c
11393C source file
11394
11395@item .C
11396@itemx .cc
11397@itemx .cp
11398@itemx .cpp
11399@itemx .cxx
11400@itemx .c++
11401C@t{++} source file
11402
11403@item .d
11404D source file
11405
11406@item .m
11407Objective-C source file
11408
11409@item .f
11410@itemx .F
11411Fortran source file
11412
11413@item .mod
11414Modula-2 source file
11415
11416@item .s
11417@itemx .S
11418Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
11419@value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
11420@end table
11421
11422In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
11423extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
11424
11425@node Manually
11426@subsection Setting the Working Language
11427
11428If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
11429expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
11430your program.
11431
11432@kindex set language
11433If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
11434command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
11435a language, such as
11436@code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
11437For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
11438
11439Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
11440language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
11441to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
11442source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
11443languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
11444source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
11445command such as:
11446
11447@smallexample
11448print a = b + c
11449@end smallexample
11450
11451@noindent
11452might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
11453@code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
11454printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
11455@code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
11456
11457@node Automatically
11458@subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
11459
11460To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
11461@samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
11462then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
11463frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
11464working language to the language recorded for the function in that
11465frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
11466or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
11467does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
11468not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
11469
11470This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
11471entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
11472written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
11473a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
11474case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
11475
11476@node Show
11477@section Displaying the Language
11478
11479The following commands help you find out which language is the
11480working language, and also what language source files were written in.
11481
11482@table @code
11483@item show language
11484@kindex show language
11485Display the current working language. This is the
11486language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
11487build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
11488
11489@item info frame
11490@kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
11491Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
11492working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
11493@xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
11494information listed here.
11495
11496@item info source
11497@kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
11498Display the source language of this source file.
11499@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
11500information listed here.
11501@end table
11502
11503In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
11504not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
11505with a language explicitly:
11506
11507@table @code
11508@item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
11509@kindex set extension-language
11510Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
11511assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
11512
11513@item info extensions
11514@kindex info extensions
11515List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
11516@end table
11517
11518@node Checks
11519@section Type and Range Checking
11520
11521@quotation
11522@emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
11523checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
11524section documents the intended facilities.
11525@end quotation
11526@c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
11527
11528Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
11529errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
11530checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
11531sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
11532these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
11533by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
11534errors when your program is running.
11535
11536@value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
11537Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
11538it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
11539evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
11540working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
11541automatically based on your program's source language.
11542@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
11543settings of supported languages.
11544
11545@menu
11546* Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
11547* Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
11548@end menu
11549
11550@cindex type checking
11551@cindex checks, type
11552@node Type Checking
11553@subsection An Overview of Type Checking
11554
11555Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
11556arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
11557otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
11558errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
11559
11560@smallexample
115611 + 2 @result{} 3
11562@exdent but
11563@error{} 1 + 2.3
11564@end smallexample
11565
11566The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
11567type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
11568
11569For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
11570@value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
11571to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
11572or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
11573but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
11574these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
11575also issues a warning.
11576
11577Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
11578related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
11579For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
11580a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
11581with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
11582the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
11583
11584Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
11585instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
11586operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
11587represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
11588operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
11589details on specific languages.
11590
11591@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
11592
11593@kindex set check type
11594@kindex show check type
11595@table @code
11596@item set check type auto
11597Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
11598@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11599each language.
11600
11601@item set check type on
11602@itemx set check type off
11603Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11604current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
11605match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
11606evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
11607message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
11608
11609@item set check type warn
11610Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
11611evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
11612be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
11613numbers and structures.
11614
11615@item show type
11616Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
11617is setting it automatically.
11618@end table
11619
11620@cindex range checking
11621@cindex checks, range
11622@node Range Checking
11623@subsection An Overview of Range Checking
11624
11625In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
11626bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
11627checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
11628computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
11629not exceed the bounds of the array.
11630
11631For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
11632@value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
11633always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
11634warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
11635
11636A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
11637array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
11638of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
11639error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
11640result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
11641the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
11642
11643@smallexample
11644@var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
11645@end smallexample
11646
11647This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
11648specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
11649Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
11650
11651@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
11652
11653@kindex set check range
11654@kindex show check range
11655@table @code
11656@item set check range auto
11657Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
11658@xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11659each language.
11660
11661@item set check range on
11662@itemx set check range off
11663Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11664current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
11665match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
11666then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
11667
11668@item set check range warn
11669Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
11670but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
11671expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
11672memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
11673systems).
11674
11675@item show range
11676Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
11677being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
11678@end table
11679
11680@node Supported Languages
11681@section Supported Languages
11682
11683@value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, OpenCL C, Pascal,
11684assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
11685@c This is false ...
11686Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
11687language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
11688and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
11689,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
11690language.
11691
11692The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
11693supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
11694tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
11695@value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
11696formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
11697books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
11698language reference or tutorial.
11699
11700@menu
11701* C:: C and C@t{++}
11702* D:: D
11703* Objective-C:: Objective-C
11704* OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
11705* Fortran:: Fortran
11706* Pascal:: Pascal
11707* Modula-2:: Modula-2
11708* Ada:: Ada
11709@end menu
11710
11711@node C
11712@subsection C and C@t{++}
11713
11714@cindex C and C@t{++}
11715@cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
11716
11717Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
11718to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
11719together.
11720
11721@cindex C@t{++}
11722@cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
11723@cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
11724The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
11725compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
11726effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
11727C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
11728compiler (@code{aCC}).
11729
11730For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
11731format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
11732format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
11733command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
11734@xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
11735gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
11736
11737@menu
11738* C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
11739* C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
11740* C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
11741* C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
11742* C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
11743* Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
11744* Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
11745* Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
11746@end menu
11747
11748@node C Operators
11749@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
11750
11751@cindex C and C@t{++} operators
11752
11753Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11754@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11755often defined on groups of types.
11756
11757For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
11758
11759@itemize @bullet
11760
11761@item
11762@emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
11763specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
11764
11765@item
11766@emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
11767@code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
11768
11769@item
11770@emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
11771
11772@item
11773@emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
11774
11775@end itemize
11776
11777@noindent
11778The following operators are supported. They are listed here
11779in order of increasing precedence:
11780
11781@table @code
11782@item ,
11783The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
11784are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
11785expression being the last expression evaluated.
11786
11787@item =
11788Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
11789assigned. Defined on scalar types.
11790
11791@item @var{op}=
11792Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
11793and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
11794@w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
11795@var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
11796@code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
11797
11798@item ?:
11799The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
11800of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
11801integral type.
11802
11803@item ||
11804Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11805
11806@item &&
11807Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11808
11809@item |
11810Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11811
11812@item ^
11813Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11814
11815@item &
11816Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11817
11818@item ==@r{, }!=
11819Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11820expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11821
11822@item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11823Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11824Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11825and non-zero for true.
11826
11827@item <<@r{, }>>
11828left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11829
11830@item @@
11831The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11832
11833@item +@r{, }-
11834Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11835pointer types.
11836
11837@item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11838Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11839defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11840integral types.
11841
11842@item ++@r{, }--
11843Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11844operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11845when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11846operation takes place.
11847
11848@item *
11849Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11850@code{++}.
11851
11852@item &
11853Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11854
11855For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11856allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11857to examine the address
11858where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11859stored.
11860
11861@item -
11862Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11863precedence as @code{++}.
11864
11865@item !
11866Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11867@code{++}.
11868
11869@item ~
11870Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11871@code{++}.
11872
11873
11874@item .@r{, }->
11875Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11876@value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11877pointer based on the stored type information.
11878Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11879
11880@item .*@r{, }->*
11881Dereferences of pointers to members.
11882
11883@item []
11884Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11885@code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11886
11887@item ()
11888Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11889
11890@item ::
11891C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11892and @code{class} types.
11893
11894@item ::
11895Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11896(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11897above.
11898@end table
11899
11900If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11901attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11902predefined meaning.
11903
11904@node C Constants
11905@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11906
11907@cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11908
11909@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11910following ways:
11911
11912@itemize @bullet
11913@item
11914Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11915specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11916by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11917@samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11918@code{long} value.
11919
11920@item
11921Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11922point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11923exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11924@samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11925sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11926A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11927@samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11928the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11929a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11930constant.
11931
11932@item
11933Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11934integral equivalents.
11935
11936@item
11937Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11938(@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11939(usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11940be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11941the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11942of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11943@samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11944@samp{\n} for newline.
11945
11946@item
11947String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11948double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11949above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11950a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11951characters.
11952
11953@item
11954Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11955to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11956
11957@item
11958Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11959and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11960integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11961and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11962@end itemize
11963
11964@node C Plus Plus Expressions
11965@subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11966
11967@cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11968@value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11969
11970@cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11971@cindex C@t{++} compilers
11972@cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11973@cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11974@quotation
11975@emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11976proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11977works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11978@value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11979@option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11980stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11981stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11982specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11983are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11984C@t{++} code.
11985@end quotation
11986
11987@enumerate
11988
11989@cindex member functions
11990@item
11991Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11992
11993@smallexample
11994count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11995@end smallexample
11996
11997@vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11998@cindex namespace in C@t{++}
11999@item
12000While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
12001expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
12002that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
12003pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
12004
12005@cindex call overloaded functions
12006@cindex overloaded functions, calling
12007@cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
12008@item
12009You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
12010call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
12011perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
12012calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
12013in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
12014default arguments.
12015
12016It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
12017promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
12018class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
12019functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
12020number of function arguments.
12021
12022Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
12023@code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
12024,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
12025
12026You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
12027explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
12028@smallexample
12029p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
12030@end smallexample
12031
12032The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
12033see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
12034
12035@cindex reference declarations
12036@item
12037@value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
12038them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
12039dereferenced.
12040
12041In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
12042reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
12043avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
12044The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
12045you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
12046
12047@item
12048@value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
12049expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
12050one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
12051necessary, for example in an expression like
12052@samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
12053resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
12054debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
12055@end enumerate
12056
12057In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
12058calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
12059objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
12060invoking user-defined operators.
12061
12062@node C Defaults
12063@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
12064
12065@cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
12066
12067If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
12068both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
12069C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12070selects the working language.
12071
12072If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
12073recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
12074@file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
12075these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
12076@xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
12077for further details.
12078
12079@c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
12080@c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
12081@c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
12082
12083@node C Checks
12084@subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
12085
12086@cindex C and C@t{++} checks
12087
12088By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
12089is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
12090considers two variables type equivalent if:
12091
12092@itemize @bullet
12093@item
12094The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
12095enumerated tag.
12096
12097@item
12098The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
12099declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
12100
12101@ignore
12102@c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
12103@c FIXME--beers?
12104@item
12105The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
12106declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
12107compilers.)
12108@end ignore
12109@end itemize
12110
12111Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
12112indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
12113that is not itself an array.
12114
12115@node Debugging C
12116@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
12117
12118The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
12119the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
12120inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
12121appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
12122
12123The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
12124with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
12125,Expressions}.
12126
12127@node Debugging C Plus Plus
12128@subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
12129
12130@cindex commands for C@t{++}
12131
12132Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
12133designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
12134
12135@table @code
12136@cindex break in overloaded functions
12137@item @r{breakpoint menus}
12138When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
12139@value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
12140locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
12141@xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
12142
12143@cindex overloading in C@t{++}
12144@item rbreak @var{regex}
12145Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
12146breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
12147classes.
12148@xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12149
12150@cindex C@t{++} exception handling
12151@item catch throw
12152@itemx catch catch
12153Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
12154Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
12155
12156@cindex inheritance
12157@item ptype @var{typename}
12158Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
12159@var{typename}.
12160@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
12161
12162@cindex C@t{++} symbol display
12163@item set print demangle
12164@itemx show print demangle
12165@itemx set print asm-demangle
12166@itemx show print asm-demangle
12167Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
12168displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
12169@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12170
12171@item set print object
12172@itemx show print object
12173Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
12174@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12175
12176@item set print vtbl
12177@itemx show print vtbl
12178Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
12179@xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12180(The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
12181ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
12182
12183@kindex set overload-resolution
12184@cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
12185@item set overload-resolution on
12186Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
12187is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
12188and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
12189using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
12190Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
12191If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
12192
12193@item set overload-resolution off
12194Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
12195overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12196chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
12197symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
12198overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12199searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
12200argument types.
12201
12202@kindex show overload-resolution
12203@item show overload-resolution
12204Show the current setting of overload resolution.
12205
12206@item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
12207You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
12208the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
12209@code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
12210also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
12211available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
12212@xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
12213@end table
12214
12215@node Decimal Floating Point
12216@subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
12217@cindex decimal floating point format
12218
12219@value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
12220decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
12221@code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
12222specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
12223
12224There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
12225Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
12226PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
12227target.
12228
12229Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
12230to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
12231(using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
12232
12233In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
12234point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
12235underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
12236
12237In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
12238to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
12239See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
12240
12241@node D
12242@subsection D
12243
12244@cindex D
12245@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
12246GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
12247specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
12248
12249@node Objective-C
12250@subsection Objective-C
12251
12252@cindex Objective-C
12253This section provides information about some commands and command
12254options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
12255@ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
12256few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
12257
12258@menu
12259* Method Names in Commands::
12260* The Print Command with Objective-C::
12261@end menu
12262
12263@node Method Names in Commands
12264@subsubsection Method Names in Commands
12265
12266The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
12267names as line specifications:
12268
12269@kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
12270@kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
12271@kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
12272@kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
12273@kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
12274@itemize
12275@item @code{clear}
12276@item @code{break}
12277@item @code{info line}
12278@item @code{jump}
12279@item @code{list}
12280@end itemize
12281
12282A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
12283
12284@smallexample
12285-[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
12286@end smallexample
12287
12288where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
12289plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
12290name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
12291brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
12292source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
12293instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
12294debugged, enter:
12295
12296@smallexample
12297break -[Fruit create]
12298@end smallexample
12299
12300To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
12301enter:
12302
12303@smallexample
12304list +[NSText initialize]
12305@end smallexample
12306
12307In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
12308required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
12309sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
12310is also possible to specify just a method name:
12311
12312@smallexample
12313break create
12314@end smallexample
12315
12316You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
12317your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
12318you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
12319method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
12320none apply.
12321
12322As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
12323@code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
12324
12325@smallexample
12326clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
12327@end smallexample
12328
12329@node The Print Command with Objective-C
12330@subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
12331@cindex Objective-C, print objects
12332@kindex print-object
12333@kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
12334
12335The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
12336
12337@smallexample
12338print -[@var{object} hash]
12339@end smallexample
12340
12341@cindex print an Objective-C object description
12342@cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
12343@noindent
12344will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
12345and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
12346@code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
12347the description of an object. However, this command may only work
12348with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
12349function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
12350
12351@node OpenCL C
12352@subsection OpenCL C
12353
12354@cindex OpenCL C
12355This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
12356
12357@menu
12358* OpenCL C Datatypes::
12359* OpenCL C Expressions::
12360* OpenCL C Operators::
12361@end menu
12362
12363@node OpenCL C Datatypes
12364@subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
12365
12366@cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
12367@value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
12368by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
12369data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
12370extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
12371
12372@node OpenCL C Expressions
12373@subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
12374
12375@cindex OpenCL C Expressions
12376@value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
12377lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
12378supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
12379
12380@node OpenCL C Operators
12381@subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
12382
12383@cindex OpenCL C Operators
12384@value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
12385vector data types.
12386
12387@node Fortran
12388@subsection Fortran
12389@cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
12390
12391@value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
12392currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
12393
12394@cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
12395Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
12396among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
12397functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
12398will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
12399underscore.
12400
12401@menu
12402* Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
12403* Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
12404* Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
12405@end menu
12406
12407@node Fortran Operators
12408@subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
12409
12410@cindex Fortran operators and expressions
12411
12412Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12413@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
12414arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
12415
12416@table @code
12417@item **
12418The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
12419of the second one.
12420
12421@item :
12422The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
12423represent a section of array.
12424
12425@item %
12426The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
12427types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
12428this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
12429union type.
12430@end table
12431
12432@node Fortran Defaults
12433@subsubsection Fortran Defaults
12434
12435@cindex Fortran Defaults
12436
12437Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
12438default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
12439change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
12440@ref{Symbols}, for the details.
12441
12442@node Special Fortran Commands
12443@subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
12444
12445@cindex Special Fortran commands
12446
12447@value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
12448such as displaying common blocks.
12449
12450@table @code
12451@cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
12452@kindex info common
12453@item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
12454This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
12455block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
12456all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
12457printed.
12458@end table
12459
12460@node Pascal
12461@subsection Pascal
12462
12463@cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
12464Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
12465nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
12466entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
12467syntax.
12468
12469The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
12470controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
12471@xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
12472
12473@node Modula-2
12474@subsection Modula-2
12475
12476@cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
12477
12478The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
12479output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
12480developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
12481attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12482to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
12483table.
12484
12485@cindex expressions in Modula-2
12486@menu
12487* M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
12488* Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
12489* M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
12490* M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
12491* M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
12492* Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
12493* M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
12494* M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12495* GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12496@end menu
12497
12498@node M2 Operators
12499@subsubsection Operators
12500@cindex Modula-2 operators
12501
12502Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12503@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12504often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
12505following definitions hold:
12506
12507@itemize @bullet
12508
12509@item
12510@emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
12511their subranges.
12512
12513@item
12514@emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
12515
12516@item
12517@emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
12518
12519@item
12520@emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
12521@var{type}}.
12522
12523@item
12524@emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
12525
12526@item
12527@emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
12528
12529@item
12530@emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
12531@end itemize
12532
12533@noindent
12534The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
12535increasing precedence:
12536
12537@table @code
12538@item ,
12539Function argument or array index separator.
12540
12541@item :=
12542Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
12543@var{value}.
12544
12545@item <@r{, }>
12546Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
12547types.
12548
12549@item <=@r{, }>=
12550Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
12551on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
12552set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
12553
12554@item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
12555Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
12556Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
12557available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
12558comment character.
12559
12560@item IN
12561Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
12562Same precedence as @code{<}.
12563
12564@item OR
12565Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12566
12567@item AND@r{, }&
12568Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12569
12570@item @@
12571The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12572
12573@item +@r{, }-
12574Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
12575and difference on set types.
12576
12577@item *
12578Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
12579on set types.
12580
12581@item /
12582Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
12583types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
12584
12585@item DIV@r{, }MOD
12586Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
12587precedence as @code{*}.
12588
12589@item -
12590Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
12591
12592@item ^
12593Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
12594
12595@item NOT
12596Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
12597@code{^}.
12598
12599@item .
12600@code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
12601precedence as @code{^}.
12602
12603@item []
12604Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
12605
12606@item ()
12607Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
12608as @code{^}.
12609
12610@item ::@r{, }.
12611@value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
12612@end table
12613
12614@quotation
12615@emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
12616treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
12617@code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
12618@code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
12619@end quotation
12620
12621
12622@node Built-In Func/Proc
12623@subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
12624@cindex Modula-2 built-ins
12625
12626Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
12627In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
12628
12629@table @var
12630
12631@item a
12632represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
12633
12634@item c
12635represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
12636
12637@item i
12638represents a variable or constant of integral type.
12639
12640@item m
12641represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
12642same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
12643be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
12644
12645@item n
12646represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
12647
12648@item r
12649represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
12650
12651@item t
12652represents a type.
12653
12654@item v
12655represents a variable.
12656
12657@item x
12658represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
12659explanation of the function for details.
12660@end table
12661
12662All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
12663
12664@table @code
12665@item ABS(@var{n})
12666Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
12667
12668@item CAP(@var{c})
12669If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
12670equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
12671
12672@item CHR(@var{i})
12673Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12674
12675@item DEC(@var{v})
12676Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12677
12678@item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
12679Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12680new value.
12681
12682@item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12683Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
12684set.
12685
12686@item FLOAT(@var{i})
12687Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
12688
12689@item HIGH(@var{a})
12690Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
12691
12692@item INC(@var{v})
12693Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12694
12695@item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
12696Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12697new value.
12698
12699@item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12700Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
12701there. Returns the new set.
12702
12703@item MAX(@var{t})
12704Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
12705
12706@item MIN(@var{t})
12707Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
12708
12709@item ODD(@var{i})
12710Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
12711
12712@item ORD(@var{x})
12713Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
12714value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
12715@sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
12716integral, character and enumerated types.
12717
12718@item SIZE(@var{x})
12719Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12720
12721@item TRUNC(@var{r})
12722Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
12723
12724@item TSIZE(@var{x})
12725Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12726
12727@item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
12728Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12729@end table
12730
12731@quotation
12732@emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
12733@value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
12734an error.
12735@end quotation
12736
12737@cindex Modula-2 constants
12738@node M2 Constants
12739@subsubsection Constants
12740
12741@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
12742ways:
12743
12744@itemize @bullet
12745
12746@item
12747Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
12748expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
12749rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
12750trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
12751
12752@item
12753Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
12754decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
12755then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
12756@samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
12757digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
12758digits.
12759
12760@item
12761Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
12762like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
12763also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
12764followed by a @samp{C}.
12765
12766@item
12767String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
12768pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
12769Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
12770Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
12771sequences.
12772
12773@item
12774Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
12775
12776@item
12777Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
12778@code{FALSE}.
12779
12780@item
12781Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
12782
12783@item
12784Set constants are not yet supported.
12785@end itemize
12786
12787@node M2 Types
12788@subsubsection Modula-2 Types
12789@cindex Modula-2 types
12790
12791Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
12792syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
12793types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
12794print the contents of variables declared using these type.
12795This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
12796sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
12797
12798The first example contains the following section of code:
12799
12800@smallexample
12801VAR
12802 s: SET OF CHAR ;
12803 r: [20..40] ;
12804@end smallexample
12805
12806@noindent
12807and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
12808@code{r} and @code{s}.
12809
12810@smallexample
12811(@value{GDBP}) print s
12812@{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
12813(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12814SET OF CHAR
12815(@value{GDBP}) print r
1281621
12817(@value{GDBP}) ptype r
12818[20..40]
12819@end smallexample
12820
12821@noindent
12822Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
12823
12824@smallexample
12825VAR
12826 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
12827@end smallexample
12828
12829@noindent
12830then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
12831
12832@smallexample
12833(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12834type = SET ['A'..'Z']
12835@end smallexample
12836
12837@noindent
12838Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
12839expressions using the debugger.
12840
12841The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
12842and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
12843
12844@smallexample
12845VAR
12846 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
12847@end smallexample
12848
12849@smallexample
12850(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12851ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
12852@end smallexample
12853
12854Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12855is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12856arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12857above.
12858
12859Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12860
12861@smallexample
12862TYPE
12863 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12864 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12865VAR
12866 s: t ;
12867BEGIN
12868 s := blue ;
12869@end smallexample
12870
12871@noindent
12872The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12873and value of a variable.
12874
12875@smallexample
12876(@value{GDBP}) print s
12877$1 = blue
12878(@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12879type = [blue..yellow]
12880@end smallexample
12881
12882@noindent
12883In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12884displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12885their @code{C} counterparts.
12886
12887@smallexample
12888VAR
12889 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12890BEGIN
12891 s[1] := 1 ;
12892@end smallexample
12893
12894@smallexample
12895(@value{GDBP}) print s
12896$1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12897(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12898type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12899@end smallexample
12900
12901The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12902pointer types as shown in this example:
12903
12904@smallexample
12905VAR
12906 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12907BEGIN
12908 NEW(s) ;
12909 s^[1] := 1 ;
12910@end smallexample
12911
12912@noindent
12913and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12914
12915@smallexample
12916(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12917type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12918@end smallexample
12919
12920@value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12921Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12922types:
12923
12924@smallexample
12925TYPE
12926 foo = RECORD
12927 f1: CARDINAL ;
12928 f2: CHAR ;
12929 f3: myarray ;
12930 END ;
12931
12932 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12933 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12934VAR
12935 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12936@end smallexample
12937
12938@noindent
12939and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12940below.
12941
12942@smallexample
12943(@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12944type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12945 f1 : CARDINAL;
12946 f2 : CHAR;
12947 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12948END
12949@end smallexample
12950
12951@node M2 Defaults
12952@subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12953@cindex Modula-2 defaults
12954
12955If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12956both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12957Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12958selected the working language.
12959
12960If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12961code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12962working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12963Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12964
12965@node Deviations
12966@subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12967@cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12968
12969A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12970This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12971
12972@itemize @bullet
12973@item
12974Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12975integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12976debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12977pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12978through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12979returned a pointer.)
12980
12981@item
12982C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12983non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12984escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12985printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12986
12987@item
12988The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12989argument.
12990
12991@item
12992All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12993@end itemize
12994
12995@node M2 Checks
12996@subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12997@cindex Modula-2 checks
12998
12999@quotation
13000@emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
13001range checking.
13002@end quotation
13003@c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
13004
13005@value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
13006
13007@itemize @bullet
13008@item
13009They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
13010@var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
13011
13012@item
13013They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
13014@sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
13015@end itemize
13016
13017As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
13018whose types are not equivalent is an error.
13019
13020Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
13021index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
13022
13023@node M2 Scope
13024@subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13025@cindex scope
13026@cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
13027@cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
13028@ifinfo
13029@vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
13030@c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
13031@end ifinfo
13032@ifnotinfo
13033@vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
13034@end ifnotinfo
13035
13036There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
13037(@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
13038similar syntax:
13039
13040@smallexample
13041
13042@var{module} . @var{id}
13043@var{scope} :: @var{id}
13044@end smallexample
13045
13046@noindent
13047where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
13048@var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
13049identifier within your program, except another module.
13050
13051Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
13052specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
13053found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
13054enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
13055
13056Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
13057the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
13058definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
13059an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
13060module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
13061@var{module}.
13062
13063@node GDB/M2
13064@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13065
13066Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
13067Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
13068specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
13069@samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
13070apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
13071analogue in Modula-2.
13072
13073The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
13074with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
13075intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
13076created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
13077address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
13078@samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
13079
13080@cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
13081In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
13082interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
13083
13084@node Ada
13085@subsection Ada
13086@cindex Ada
13087
13088The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
13089output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
13090Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
13091attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13092to be difficult.
13093
13094
13095@cindex expressions in Ada
13096@menu
13097* Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
13098 and semantics supported by Ada mode
13099 in @value{GDBN}.
13100* Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
13101* Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
13102* Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
13103* Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
13104* Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13105* Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
13106 Profile
13107* Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
13108@end menu
13109
13110@node Ada Mode Intro
13111@subsubsection Introduction
13112@cindex Ada mode, general
13113
13114The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
13115syntax, with some extensions.
13116The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
13117
13118@itemize @bullet
13119@item
13120That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
13121arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
13122leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
13123program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
13124
13125@item
13126That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
13127are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13128
13129@item
13130That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13131@end itemize
13132
13133Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
13134user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
13135according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
13136names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
13137ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
13138
13139The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
13140As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
13141was translated from an Ada source file.
13142
13143While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
13144mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
13145(@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
13146middle (to allow based literals).
13147
13148The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
13149the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
13150actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
13151the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
13152procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
13153functions to procedures elsewhere.
13154
13155@node Omissions from Ada
13156@subsubsection Omissions from Ada
13157@cindex Ada, omissions from
13158
13159Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
13160
13161@itemize @bullet
13162@item
13163Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
13164
13165@itemize @minus
13166@item
13167@t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
13168 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
13169
13170@item
13171@t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
13172
13173@item
13174@t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
13175
13176@item
13177@t{'Tag}.
13178
13179@item
13180@t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
13181operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
13182
13183@item
13184@t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
13185@t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
13186
13187@item
13188@t{'Address}.
13189@end itemize
13190
13191@item
13192The names in
13193@code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
13194concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
13195not currently available.
13196
13197@item
13198Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
13199equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
13200for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
13201They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
13202types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
13203(in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
13204zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
13205indeterminate values.
13206
13207@item
13208The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
13209@code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
13210are not implemented.
13211
13212@item
13213@cindex array aggregates (Ada)
13214@cindex record aggregates (Ada)
13215@cindex aggregates (Ada)
13216There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
13217permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
13218
13219@smallexample
13220(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
13221(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
13222(@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
13223(@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
13224(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
13225(@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
13226@end smallexample
13227
13228Changing a
13229discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
13230undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
13231However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
13232them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
13233aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
13234declared to have a type such as:
13235
13236@smallexample
13237type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
13238 Id : Integer;
13239 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
13240end record;
13241@end smallexample
13242
13243you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
13244assignments:
13245
13246@smallexample
13247(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
13248(@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
13249@end smallexample
13250
13251As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
13252rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
13253components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
13254component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
13255original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
13256indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
13257redundant component associations, although which component values are
13258assigned in such cases is not defined.
13259
13260@item
13261Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
13262
13263@item
13264The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
13265than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
13266which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
13267looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
13268function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
13269the proper resolution.
13270
13271@item
13272The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
13273
13274@item
13275Entry calls are not implemented.
13276
13277@item
13278Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
13279formats are not supported.
13280
13281@item
13282It is not possible to slice a packed array.
13283
13284@item
13285The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
13286are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
13287context.
13288Should your program
13289redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
13290you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
13291@end itemize
13292
13293@node Additions to Ada
13294@subsubsection Additions to Ada
13295@cindex Ada, deviations from
13296
13297As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
13298extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
13299
13300@itemize @bullet
13301@item
13302If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
13303a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
13304then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
13305@var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
13306Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
13307in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
13308Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
13309which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
13310
13311@item
13312@code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
13313appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
13314you must typically surround it in single quotes.
13315
13316@item
13317The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
13318@var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
13319
13320@item
13321A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
13322(@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
13323@end itemize
13324
13325In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
13326additions specific to Ada:
13327
13328@itemize @bullet
13329@item
13330The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
13331its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
13332
13333@smallexample
13334(@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
13335(@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
13336@end smallexample
13337
13338@item
13339The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
13340the value of its right-hand operand.
13341This allows, for example,
13342complex conditional breaks:
13343
13344@smallexample
13345(@value{GDBP}) break f
13346(@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
13347@end smallexample
13348
13349@item
13350Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
13351characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
13352which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
13353@samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
13354(single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
13355sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
13356in strings. For example,
13357@smallexample
13358 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
13359@end smallexample
13360@noindent
13361contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
13362after each period.
13363
13364@item
13365The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
13366@t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
13367to write
13368
13369@smallexample
13370(@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
13371@end smallexample
13372
13373@item
13374When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
13375array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
13376For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
13377of 3 might print as
13378
13379@smallexample
13380(3 => 10, 17, 1)
13381@end smallexample
13382
13383@noindent
13384That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
13385clause.
13386
13387@item
13388You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
13389multi-character subsequence of
13390their names (an exact match gets preference).
13391For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
13392in place of @t{a'length}.
13393
13394@item
13395@cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
13396Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
13397to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
13398some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
13399For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
13400enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
13401For example,
13402@smallexample
13403(@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
13404@end smallexample
13405
13406@item
13407Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
13408access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
13409specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
13410selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
13411object.
13412
13413@end itemize
13414
13415@node Stopping Before Main Program
13416@subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
13417
13418@cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
13419It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
13420before reaching the main procedure.
13421As defined in the Ada Reference
13422Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
13423@code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
13424elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
13425@code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
13426
13427@node Ada Tasks
13428@subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
13429@cindex Ada, tasking
13430
13431Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
13432@value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
13433
13434@table @code
13435@kindex info tasks
13436@item info tasks
13437This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
13438
13439
13440@smallexample
13441@iftex
13442@leftskip=0.5cm
13443@end iftex
13444(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13445 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13446 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13447 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
13448 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
13449* 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
13450
13451@end smallexample
13452
13453@noindent
13454In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
13455task currently being inspected.
13456
13457@table @asis
13458@item ID
13459Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
13460
13461@item TID
13462The Ada task ID.
13463
13464@item P-ID
13465The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
13466
13467@item Pri
13468The base priority of the task.
13469
13470@item State
13471Current state of the task.
13472
13473@table @code
13474@item Unactivated
13475The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
13476executing.
13477
13478@item Runnable
13479The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
13480for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
13481
13482@item Terminated
13483The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
13484that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
13485terminated themselves.
13486
13487@item Child Activation Wait
13488The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
13489
13490@item Accept Statement
13491The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
13492
13493@item Waiting on entry call
13494The task is waiting on an entry call.
13495
13496@item Async Select Wait
13497The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
13498select statement.
13499
13500@item Delay Sleep
13501The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
13502alternative open.
13503
13504@item Child Termination Wait
13505The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
13506waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
13507waiting on a terminate Phase.
13508
13509@item Wait Child in Term Alt
13510The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
13511finish terminating.
13512
13513@item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
13514The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
13515@end table
13516
13517@item Name
13518Name of the task in the program.
13519
13520@end table
13521
13522@kindex info task @var{taskno}
13523@item info task @var{taskno}
13524This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
13525the following example:
13526@smallexample
13527@iftex
13528@leftskip=0.5cm
13529@end iftex
13530(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13531 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13532 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13533* 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
13534(@value{GDBP}) info task 2
13535Ada Task: 0x807c468
13536Name: task_1
13537Thread: 0x807f378
13538Parent: 1 (main_task)
13539Base Priority: 15
13540State: Runnable
13541@end smallexample
13542
13543@item task
13544@kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
13545@cindex current Ada task ID
13546This command prints the ID of the current task.
13547
13548@smallexample
13549@iftex
13550@leftskip=0.5cm
13551@end iftex
13552(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13553 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13554 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13555* 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13556(@value{GDBP}) task
13557[Current task is 2]
13558@end smallexample
13559
13560@item task @var{taskno}
13561@cindex Ada task switching
13562This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
13563command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
13564from the current task to the given task.
13565
13566@smallexample
13567@iftex
13568@leftskip=0.5cm
13569@end iftex
13570(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13571 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13572 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13573* 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13574(@value{GDBP}) task 1
13575[Switching to task 1]
13576#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13577(@value{GDBP}) bt
13578#0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13579#1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
13580#2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
13581#3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
13582#4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
13583@end smallexample
13584
13585@item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
13586@itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
13587@cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
13588@cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
13589@kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
13590These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
13591command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
13592@var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
13593in @ref{Specify Location}.
13594
13595Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
13596to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
13597particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
13598numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
13599column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
13600
13601If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
13602breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
13603program.
13604
13605You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
13606well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
13607breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
13608
13609For example,
13610
13611@smallexample
13612@iftex
13613@leftskip=0.5cm
13614@end iftex
13615(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13616 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13617 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13618 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
13619 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13620* 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
13621(@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
13622Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
13623(@value{GDBP}) cont
13624Continuing.
13625task # 1 running
13626task # 2 running
13627
13628Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
1362915 flush;
13630(@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13631 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13632 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13633* 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
13634 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13635 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
13636@end smallexample
13637@end table
13638
13639@node Ada Tasks and Core Files
13640@subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13641@cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
13642
13643When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
13644tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
13645the platform being used.
13646For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
13647switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
13648as usual.
13649
13650On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
13651memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
13652a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
13653privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
13654Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
13655file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
13656
13657@node Ravenscar Profile
13658@subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
13659@cindex Ravenscar Profile
13660
13661The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
13662specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
13663requirements.
13664
13665@table @code
13666@kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
13667@cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
13668@item set ravenscar task-switching on
13669Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13670Profile. This is the default.
13671
13672@kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
13673@item set ravenscar task-switching off
13674Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13675Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
13676for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
13677the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
13678To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
13679
13680@kindex show ravenscar task-switching
13681@item show ravenscar task-switching
13682Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
13683using the Ravenscar Profile.
13684
13685@end table
13686
13687@node Ada Glitches
13688@subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
13689@cindex Ada, problems
13690
13691Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
13692we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
13693@value{GDBN},
13694some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
13695and the GNU Ada compiler.
13696
13697@itemize @bullet
13698@item
13699Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
13700storage are invisible to the debugger.
13701
13702@item
13703Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
13704argument lists are treated as positional).
13705
13706@item
13707Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
13708
13709@item
13710Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
13711floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
13712the host machine.
13713
13714@item
13715The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
13716the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
13717this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
13718look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
13719symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
13720defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
13721local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
13722GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
13723you can usually resolve the confusion
13724by qualifying the problematic names with package
13725@code{Standard} explicitly.
13726@end itemize
13727
13728Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
13729information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
13730of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
13731around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
13732to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
13733enabled.
13734
13735@kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13736@kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13737@table @code
13738
13739@item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
13740Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
13741value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
13742types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
13743a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
13744This is the default.
13745
13746@item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
13747This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
13748sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
13749trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
13750the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
13751@code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
13752recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
13753
13754@end table
13755
13756@node Unsupported Languages
13757@section Unsupported Languages
13758
13759@cindex unsupported languages
13760@cindex minimal language
13761In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
13762@value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
13763It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
13764of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
13765This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
13766an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
13767
13768If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
13769select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
13770language.
13771
13772@node Symbols
13773@chapter Examining the Symbol Table
13774
13775The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
13776symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
13777program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
13778does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
13779program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
13780(@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
13781file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13782
13783@cindex symbol names
13784@cindex names of symbols
13785@cindex quoting names
13786Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
13787characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
13788most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
13789source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
13790are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
13791ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
13792@samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
13793@samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
13794
13795@smallexample
13796p 'foo.c'::x
13797@end smallexample
13798
13799@noindent
13800looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
13801
13802@table @code
13803@cindex case-insensitive symbol names
13804@cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
13805@kindex set case-sensitive
13806@item set case-sensitive on
13807@itemx set case-sensitive off
13808@itemx set case-sensitive auto
13809Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
13810with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
13811Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
13812case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
13813case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
13814you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
13815suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
13816matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
13817case-insensitive matches.
13818
13819@kindex show case-sensitive
13820@item show case-sensitive
13821This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
13822lookups.
13823
13824@kindex info address
13825@cindex address of a symbol
13826@item info address @var{symbol}
13827Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
13828variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
13829local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
13830is always stored.
13831
13832Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
13833at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
13834the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
13835
13836@kindex info symbol
13837@cindex symbol from address
13838@cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
13839@item info symbol @var{addr}
13840Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
13841If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
13842nearest symbol and an offset from it:
13843
13844@smallexample
13845(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
13846_initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
13847@end smallexample
13848
13849@noindent
13850This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
13851it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
13852
13853For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
13854library containing the symbol is also printed:
13855
13856@smallexample
13857(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
13858_start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
13859(@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
13860__read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
13861@end smallexample
13862
13863@kindex whatis
13864@item whatis [@var{arg}]
13865Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
13866a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
13867last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
13868not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
13869assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
13870@var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
13871for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
13872@samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
13873@samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
13874@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13875
13876@kindex ptype
13877@item ptype [@var{arg}]
13878@code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13879detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13880@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13881
13882For example, for this variable declaration:
13883
13884@smallexample
13885struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13886@end smallexample
13887
13888@noindent
13889the two commands give this output:
13890
13891@smallexample
13892@group
13893(@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13894type = struct complex
13895(@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13896type = struct complex @{
13897 double real;
13898 double imag;
13899@}
13900@end group
13901@end smallexample
13902
13903@noindent
13904As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13905the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13906
13907@cindex incomplete type
13908Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13909of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13910program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13911the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13912given these declarations:
13913
13914@smallexample
13915 struct foo;
13916 struct foo *fooptr;
13917@end smallexample
13918
13919@noindent
13920but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13921
13922@smallexample
13923 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13924 $1 = <incomplete type>
13925@end smallexample
13926
13927@noindent
13928``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13929completely specified.
13930
13931@kindex info types
13932@item info types @var{regexp}
13933@itemx info types
13934Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13935expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13936no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13937complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13938types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13939@samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13940name is @code{value}.
13941
13942This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13943@code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13944lists all source files where a type is defined.
13945
13946@kindex info scope
13947@cindex local variables
13948@item info scope @var{location}
13949List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13950accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13951an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13952to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13953details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13954
13955@smallexample
13956(@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13957Scope for command_line_handler:
13958Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13959Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13960Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13961Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13962Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13963Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13964Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13965@end smallexample
13966
13967@noindent
13968This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13969during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13970collect}.
13971
13972@kindex info source
13973@item info source
13974Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13975the function containing the current point of execution:
13976@itemize @bullet
13977@item
13978the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13979@item
13980the directory it was compiled in,
13981@item
13982its length, in lines,
13983@item
13984which programming language it is written in,
13985@item
13986whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13987if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13988@item
13989whether the debugging information includes information about
13990preprocessor macros.
13991@end itemize
13992
13993
13994@kindex info sources
13995@item info sources
13996Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13997debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13998have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
13999
14000@kindex info functions
14001@item info functions
14002Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
14003
14004@item info functions @var{regexp}
14005Print the names and data types of all defined functions
14006whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
14007Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
14008include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
14009start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
14010that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
14011@samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
14012
14013@kindex info variables
14014@item info variables
14015Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
14016outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
14017
14018@item info variables @var{regexp}
14019Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
14020variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
14021@var{regexp}.
14022
14023@kindex info classes
14024@cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
14025@item info classes
14026@itemx info classes @var{regexp}
14027Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
14028(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
14029expression.
14030
14031@kindex info selectors
14032@item info selectors
14033@itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
14034Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
14035(with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
14036expression.
14037
14038@ignore
14039This was never implemented.
14040@kindex info methods
14041@item info methods
14042@itemx info methods @var{regexp}
14043The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
14044methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
14045specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
14046C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
14047from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
14048@code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
14049which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
14050@end ignore
14051
14052@cindex reloading symbols
14053Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
14054be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
14055in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
14056running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
14057@value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
14058
14059@table @code
14060@kindex set symbol-reloading
14061@item set symbol-reloading on
14062Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
14063object file with a particular name is seen again.
14064
14065@item set symbol-reloading off
14066Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
14067same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
14068running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
14069should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
14070may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
14071several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
14072name.
14073
14074@kindex show symbol-reloading
14075@item show symbol-reloading
14076Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
14077@end table
14078
14079@cindex opaque data types
14080@kindex set opaque-type-resolution
14081@item set opaque-type-resolution on
14082Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
14083declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
14084@code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
14085source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
14086another source file. The default is on.
14087
14088A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
14089the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
14090
14091@item set opaque-type-resolution off
14092Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
14093is printed as follows:
14094@smallexample
14095@{<no data fields>@}
14096@end smallexample
14097
14098@kindex show opaque-type-resolution
14099@item show opaque-type-resolution
14100Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
14101
14102@kindex maint print symbols
14103@cindex symbol dump
14104@kindex maint print psymbols
14105@cindex partial symbol dump
14106@item maint print symbols @var{filename}
14107@itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
14108@itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
14109Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
14110These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
14111symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
14112symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
14113collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
14114only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
14115command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
14116use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
14117symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
14118files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
14119@samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
14120required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
14121@xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
14122@value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
14123
14124@kindex maint info symtabs
14125@kindex maint info psymtabs
14126@cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
14127@cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14128@cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14129@cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14130@item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14131@itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14132
14133List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
14134structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
14135given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
14136copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
14137structure in more detail. For example:
14138
14139@smallexample
14140(@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
14141@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14142 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14143 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14144 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
14145 readin no
14146 fullname (null)
14147 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
14148 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
14149 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
14150 dependencies (none)
14151 @}
14152@}
14153(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14154(@value{GDBP})
14155@end smallexample
14156@noindent
14157We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
14158the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
14159and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
14160If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
14161read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
14162
14163@smallexample
14164(@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
14165Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
14166line 1574.
14167(@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14168@{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14169 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14170 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14171 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
14172 dirname (null)
14173 fullname (null)
14174 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
14175 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
14176 debugformat DWARF 2
14177 @}
14178@}
14179(@value{GDBP})
14180@end smallexample
14181@end table
14182
14183
14184@node Altering
14185@chapter Altering Execution
14186
14187Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
14188find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
14189correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
14190experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
14191program.
14192
14193For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
14194locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
14195address, or even return prematurely from a function.
14196
14197@menu
14198* Assignment:: Assignment to variables
14199* Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
14200* Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
14201* Returning:: Returning from a function
14202* Calling:: Calling your program's functions
14203* Patching:: Patching your program
14204@end menu
14205
14206@node Assignment
14207@section Assignment to Variables
14208
14209@cindex assignment
14210@cindex setting variables
14211To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
14212@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
14213
14214@smallexample
14215print x=4
14216@end smallexample
14217
14218@noindent
14219stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
14220value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
14221@xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
14222information on operators in supported languages.
14223
14224@kindex set variable
14225@cindex variables, setting
14226If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
14227@code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
14228really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
14229not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
14230,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
14231
14232If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
14233appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
14234variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
14235to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
14236program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
14237a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
14238command @code{set width}:
14239
14240@smallexample
14241(@value{GDBP}) whatis width
14242type = double
14243(@value{GDBP}) p width
14244$4 = 13
14245(@value{GDBP}) set width=47
14246Invalid syntax in expression.
14247@end smallexample
14248
14249@noindent
14250The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
14251order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
14252
14253@smallexample
14254(@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
14255@end smallexample
14256
14257Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
14258with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
14259@code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
14260your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
14261to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
14262the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
14263
14264@smallexample
14265@group
14266(@value{GDBP}) whatis g
14267type = double
14268(@value{GDBP}) p g
14269$1 = 1
14270(@value{GDBP}) set g=4
14271(@value{GDBP}) p g
14272$2 = 1
14273(@value{GDBP}) r
14274The program being debugged has been started already.
14275Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
14276Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
14277"/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
14278 Invalid bfd target.
14279(@value{GDBP}) show g
14280The current BFD target is "=4".
14281@end group
14282@end smallexample
14283
14284@noindent
14285The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
14286@code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
14287@code{g}, use
14288
14289@smallexample
14290(@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
14291@end smallexample
14292
14293@value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
14294freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
14295and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
14296same length or shorter.
14297@comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
14298@comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
14299
14300To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
14301construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
14302(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
14303to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
14304and representation in memory), and
14305
14306@smallexample
14307set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
14308@end smallexample
14309
14310@noindent
14311stores the value 4 into that memory location.
14312
14313@node Jumping
14314@section Continuing at a Different Address
14315
14316Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
14317it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
14318an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
14319
14320@table @code
14321@kindex jump
14322@item jump @var{linespec}
14323@itemx jump @var{location}
14324Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
14325@var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
14326breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
14327different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
14328practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
14329@code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14330
14331The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
14332the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
14333register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
14334a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
14335be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
14336of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
14337confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
14338executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
14339well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
14340@end table
14341
14342@c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
14343On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
14344command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
14345difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
14346changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
14347example,
14348
14349@smallexample
14350set $pc = 0x485
14351@end smallexample
14352
14353@noindent
14354makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
14355address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
14356@xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
14357
14358The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
14359up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
14360that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
14361detail.
14362
14363@c @group
14364@node Signaling
14365@section Giving your Program a Signal
14366@cindex deliver a signal to a program
14367
14368@table @code
14369@kindex signal
14370@item signal @var{signal}
14371Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
14372signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
14373signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
14374SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
14375
14376Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
14377giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
14378a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
14379@code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
14380signal.
14381
14382@code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
14383after executing the command.
14384@end table
14385@c @end group
14386
14387Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
14388@code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
14389causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
14390the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
14391passes the signal directly to your program.
14392
14393
14394@node Returning
14395@section Returning from a Function
14396
14397@table @code
14398@cindex returning from a function
14399@kindex return
14400@item return
14401@itemx return @var{expression}
14402You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
14403command. If you give an
14404@var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
14405value.
14406@end table
14407
14408When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
14409(and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
14410discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
14411be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
14412
14413This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
14414Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
14415innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
14416specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
14417of functions.
14418
14419The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
14420program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
14421returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
14422and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
14423selected stack frame returns naturally.
14424
14425@value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
14426the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
14427type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
14428OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
14429CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
14430registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
14431specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
14432current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
14433assignment into the right register(s).
14434
14435Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
14436use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
14437debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
14438function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
14439int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
14440into a @code{long long int}:
14441
14442@smallexample
14443Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
1444429 return 31;
14445(@value{GDBP}) return -1
14446Make func return now? (y or n) y
14447#0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
1444843 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
14449(@value{GDBP})
14450@end smallexample
14451
14452However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
14453function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
14454to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
14455in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
14456typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
14457of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
14458architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
14459an appropriate cast explicitly:
14460
14461@smallexample
14462Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
14463(@value{GDBP}) return -1
14464Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
14465Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
14466(@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
14467Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
14468#0 0x00400526 in main ()
14469(@value{GDBP})
14470@end smallexample
14471
14472@node Calling
14473@section Calling Program Functions
14474
14475@table @code
14476@cindex calling functions
14477@cindex inferior functions, calling
14478@item print @var{expr}
14479Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
14480@var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
14481debugged.
14482
14483@kindex call
14484@item call @var{expr}
14485Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
14486returned values.
14487
14488You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
14489execute a function from your program that does not return anything
14490(a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
14491with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
14492print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
14493value history.
14494@end table
14495
14496It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
14497@code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
14498the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
14499in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
14500
14501Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
14502call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
14503exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
14504frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
14505an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
14506dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
14507seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
14508in that case is controlled by the
14509@code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
14510
14511@table @code
14512@item set unwindonsignal
14513@kindex set unwindonsignal
14514@cindex unwind stack in called functions
14515@cindex call dummy stack unwinding
14516Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
14517that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
14518@value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
14519the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
14520default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
14521received.
14522
14523@item show unwindonsignal
14524@kindex show unwindonsignal
14525Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14526@value{GDBN}.
14527
14528@item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14529@kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14530@cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
14531@cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
14532Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
14533unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
14534debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
14535it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
14536the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
14537the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
14538
14539@item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14540@kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14541Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14542@value{GDBN}.
14543
14544@end table
14545
14546@cindex weak alias functions
14547Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
14548for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
14549the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
14550which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
14551As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
14552even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
14553function instead.
14554
14555@node Patching
14556@section Patching Programs
14557
14558@cindex patching binaries
14559@cindex writing into executables
14560@cindex writing into corefiles
14561
14562By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
14563executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
14564alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
14565patching your program's binary.
14566
14567If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
14568explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
14569want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
14570repairs.
14571
14572@table @code
14573@kindex set write
14574@item set write on
14575@itemx set write off
14576If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
14577core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
14578off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
14579
14580If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
14581@code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
14582write}, for your new setting to take effect.
14583
14584@item show write
14585@kindex show write
14586Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
14587as well as reading.
14588@end table
14589
14590@node GDB Files
14591@chapter @value{GDBN} Files
14592
14593@value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
14594both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
14595program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
14596@value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
14597
14598@menu
14599* Files:: Commands to specify files
14600* Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
14601* Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
14602* Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
14603* Data Files:: GDB data files
14604@end menu
14605
14606@node Files
14607@section Commands to Specify Files
14608
14609@cindex symbol table
14610@cindex core dump file
14611
14612You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
14613way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
14614@value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
14615Out of @value{GDBN}}).
14616
14617Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
14618@value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
14619specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
14620via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
14621Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
14622new files are useful.
14623
14624@table @code
14625@cindex executable file
14626@kindex file
14627@item file @var{filename}
14628Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
14629symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
14630executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
14631directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
14632@value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
14633directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
14634to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
14635and your program, using the @code{path} command.
14636
14637@cindex unlinked object files
14638@cindex patching object files
14639You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
14640the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
14641file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
14642if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
14643@kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
14644that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
14645case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
14646the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
14647
14648@item file
14649@code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
14650has on both executable file and the symbol table.
14651
14652@kindex exec-file
14653@item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14654Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
14655in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
14656if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
14657discard information on the executable file.
14658
14659@kindex symbol-file
14660@item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14661Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
14662searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
14663table and program to run from the same file.
14664
14665@code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
14666program's symbol table.
14667
14668The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
14669some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
14670contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
14671which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
14672@value{GDBN}.
14673
14674@code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
14675executing it once.
14676
14677When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
14678understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
14679generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
14680other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
14681Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
14682using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
14683optimized code.
14684
14685For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
14686using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
14687symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
14688quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
14689details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
14690
14691The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
14692start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
14693occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
14694file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
14695pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
14696Warnings and Messages}.)
14697
14698We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
14699symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
14700symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
14701still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
14702in stabs format.
14703
14704@kindex readnow
14705@cindex reading symbols immediately
14706@cindex symbols, reading immediately
14707@item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14708@itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14709You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
14710tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
14711load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14712entire symbol table available.
14713
14714@c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
14715@c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
14716@c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
14717@c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
14718@c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
14719@c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
14720@c files.
14721
14722@kindex core-file
14723@item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
14724@itemx core
14725Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
14726of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
14727address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
14728executable file itself for other parts.
14729
14730@code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
14731to be used.
14732
14733Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
14734under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
14735wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
14736the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
14737(@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
14738
14739@kindex add-symbol-file
14740@cindex dynamic linking
14741@item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
14742@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
14743@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
14744The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
14745information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
14746when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
14747into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
14748address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
14749this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
14750of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
14751section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
14752@var{address} as an expression.
14753
14754The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
14755originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
14756@code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
14757thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
14758instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
14759
14760@cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
14761@cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
14762@cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
14763@cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
14764@cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
14765Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
14766executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
14767relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
14768information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
14769
14770@itemize @bullet
14771@item
14772the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
14773that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
14774@item
14775every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
14776been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
14777@item
14778you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
14779provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14780@end itemize
14781
14782@noindent
14783Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
14784relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
14785typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
14786important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
14787procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
14788assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
14789general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
14790relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
14791as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
14792way.
14793
14794@code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
14795
14796@kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
14797@cindex @code{syscall DSO}
14798@cindex load symbols from memory
14799@item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
14800Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
14801object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
14802For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
14803process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
14804some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
14805evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
14806For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
14807@code{exec-file} commands in advance.
14808
14809@kindex add-shared-symbol-files
14810@kindex assf
14811@item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
14812@itemx assf @var{library-file}
14813The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
14814in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
14815alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
14816@value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
14817@value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
14818@code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
14819library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
14820@code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
14821
14822@kindex section
14823@item section @var{section} @var{addr}
14824The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
14825@var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
14826exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
14827@code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
14828itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
14829@code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
14830their addresses.
14831
14832@kindex info files
14833@kindex info target
14834@item info files
14835@itemx info target
14836@code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
14837current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
14838including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
14839use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
14840command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
14841current ones.
14842
14843@kindex maint info sections
14844@item maint info sections
14845Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
14846is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
14847displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
14848offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
14849@code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
14850may be arbitrarily combined):
14851
14852@table @code
14853@item ALLOBJ
14854Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
14855@item @var{sections}
14856Display info only for named @var{sections}.
14857@item @var{section-flags}
14858Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
14859The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
14860@table @code
14861@item ALLOC
14862Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
14863Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
14864@item LOAD
14865Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
14866Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
14867@item RELOC
14868Section needs to be relocated before loading.
14869@item READONLY
14870Section cannot be modified by the child process.
14871@item CODE
14872Section contains executable code only.
14873@item DATA
14874Section contains data only (no executable code).
14875@item ROM
14876Section will reside in ROM.
14877@item CONSTRUCTOR
14878Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14879@item HAS_CONTENTS
14880Section is not empty.
14881@item NEVER_LOAD
14882An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14883@item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14884A notification to the linker that the section contains
14885COFF shared library information.
14886@item IS_COMMON
14887Section contains common symbols.
14888@end table
14889@end table
14890@kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14891@cindex read-only sections
14892@item set trust-readonly-sections on
14893Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14894really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14895In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14896out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14897For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14898enhancement to debugging performance.
14899
14900The default is off.
14901
14902@item set trust-readonly-sections off
14903Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14904the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14905and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14906
14907@item show trust-readonly-sections
14908Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14909@end table
14910
14911All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14912as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14913name and remembers it that way.
14914
14915@cindex shared libraries
14916@anchor{Shared Libraries}
14917@value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14918and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14919
14920On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14921shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14922
14923@value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14924when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14925(Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14926references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14927debugging a core file).
14928
14929On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14930automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14931
14932@c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14933@c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14934@c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14935
14936There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14937symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14938particularly large or there are many of them.
14939
14940To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14941commands:
14942
14943@table @code
14944@kindex set auto-solib-add
14945@item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14946If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14947will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14948attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14949informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14950is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14951@code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14952
14953@cindex memory used for symbol tables
14954If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14955takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14956memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14957symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14958auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14959library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14960@var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14961the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14962
14963@kindex show auto-solib-add
14964@item show auto-solib-add
14965Display the current autoloading mode.
14966@end table
14967
14968@cindex load shared library
14969To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14970command:
14971
14972@table @code
14973@kindex info sharedlibrary
14974@kindex info share
14975@item info share @var{regex}
14976@itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14977Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14978that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14979all shared libraries that are loaded.
14980
14981@kindex sharedlibrary
14982@kindex share
14983@item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14984@itemx share @var{regex}
14985Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14986Unix regular expression.
14987As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14988required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14989@var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14990loaded.
14991
14992@item nosharedlibrary
14993@kindex nosharedlibrary
14994@cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14995Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14996that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14997libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
14998discarded.
14999@end table
15000
15001Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
15002when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
15003stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
15004
15005@table @code
15006@item set stop-on-solib-events
15007@kindex set stop-on-solib-events
15008This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
15009when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
15010The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
15011shared library.
15012
15013@item show stop-on-solib-events
15014@kindex show stop-on-solib-events
15015Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
15016library events happen.
15017@end table
15018
15019Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
15020configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
15021this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
15022on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
15023libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
15024provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
15025copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
15026not.
15027
15028@cindex where to look for shared libraries
15029For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
15030libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
15031may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
15032to specify the search directories for target libraries.
15033
15034@table @code
15035@cindex prefix for shared library file names
15036@cindex system root, alternate
15037@kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
15038@kindex set sysroot
15039@item set sysroot @var{path}
15040Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
15041absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
15042runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
15043target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
15044libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
15045the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
15046under @var{path}.
15047
15048If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
15049retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
15050supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
15051command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
15052The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
15053(if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
15054@footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
15055that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
15056variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
15057
15058For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
15059SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
15060absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
15061@value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
15062slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
15063
15064@smallexample
15065 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
15066@end smallexample
15067
15068Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
15069@var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
15070system:
15071
15072@smallexample
15073 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
15074@end smallexample
15075
15076If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
15077the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
15078for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
15079colons:
15080
15081@smallexample
15082 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
15083@end smallexample
15084
15085This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
15086with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
15087copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
15088@samp{z}):
15089
15090@smallexample
15091 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
15092 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15093 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15094@end smallexample
15095
15096@noindent
15097and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
15098@value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
15099@file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
15100
15101If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
15102removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
15103
15104@smallexample
15105 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
15106@end smallexample
15107
15108This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
15109if you don't want or need to.
15110
15111The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
15112sysroot}.
15113
15114@cindex default system root
15115@cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
15116You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
15117@samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
15118@value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15119@samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
15120automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15121location.
15122
15123@kindex show sysroot
15124@item show sysroot
15125Display the current shared library prefix.
15126
15127@kindex set solib-search-path
15128@item set solib-search-path @var{path}
15129If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15130directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
15131is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
15132path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
15133use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
15134@samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
15135finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
15136it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
15137of shared library symbols.
15138
15139@kindex show solib-search-path
15140@item show solib-search-path
15141Display the current shared library search path.
15142
15143@cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
15144@kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
15145@kindex show target-file-system-kind
15146@item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
15147Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
15148
15149Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
15150make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
15151example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
15152system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
15153@value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
15154@file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
15155drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
15156indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
15157normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
15158the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
15159as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
15160it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
15161shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
15162with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
15163@code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
15164to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
15165map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
15166semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
15167to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
15168tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
15169current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
15170Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
15171
15172@table @code
15173@item unix
15174Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
15175kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
15176are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
15177the forward slash.
15178
15179@item dos-based
15180Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
15181File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
15182followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
15183both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
15184considered directory separators.
15185
15186@item auto
15187Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
15188target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
15189This is the default.
15190@end table
15191@end table
15192
15193
15194@node Separate Debug Files
15195@section Debugging Information in Separate Files
15196@cindex separate debugging information files
15197@cindex debugging information in separate files
15198@cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
15199@cindex debugging information directory, global
15200@cindex global debugging information directory
15201@cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
15202@cindex @file{.build-id} directory
15203
15204@value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
15205file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
15206@value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
15207Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
15208than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
15209information for their executables in separate files, which users can
15210install only when they need to debug a problem.
15211
15212@value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
15213file:
15214
15215@itemize @bullet
15216@item
15217The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
15218the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
15219usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
15220name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
15221(e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
15222debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
15223checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
15224the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
15225
15226@item
15227The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
15228also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
15229only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
15230for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
15231this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
15232command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
15233The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
15234explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
15235below.
15236@end itemize
15237
15238Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
15239uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
15240
15241@itemize @bullet
15242@item
15243For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
15244the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
15245directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
15246directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
15247directories of the executable's absolute file name.
15248
15249@item
15250For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
15251@file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
15252named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
15253first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
15254are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
15255hex characters, not 10.)
15256@end itemize
15257
15258So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
15259@file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
15260file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
15261@code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
15262@file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
15263debug information files, in the indicated order:
15264
15265@itemize @minus
15266@item
15267@file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
15268@item
15269@file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
15270@item
15271@file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
15272@item
15273@file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
15274@end itemize
15275
15276You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
15277name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
15278
15279@table @code
15280
15281@kindex set debug-file-directory
15282@item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
15283Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15284information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
15285concatenating them by a directory separator.
15286
15287@kindex show debug-file-directory
15288@item show debug-file-directory
15289Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15290information files.
15291
15292@end table
15293
15294@cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
15295@cindex debug link sections
15296A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
15297@code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
15298
15299@itemize
15300@item
15301A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
15302a zero byte,
15303@item
15304zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
15305boundary within the section, and
15306@item
15307a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
15308executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
15309information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
15310zero as the @var{crc} argument.
15311@end itemize
15312
15313Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
15314contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
15315described above.
15316
15317@cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
15318@cindex build ID sections
15319The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
15320ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
15321often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
15322It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
15323the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
15324algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
15325content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
15326value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
15327stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
15328
15329The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
15330executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
15331debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
15332should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
15333but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
15334in an ordinary executable.
15335
15336The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
15337@samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
15338the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
15339following commands:
15340
15341@smallexample
15342@kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
15343@kbd{strip -g foo}
15344@end smallexample
15345
15346@noindent
15347These commands remove the debugging
15348information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
15349@file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
15350two files:
15351
15352@itemize @bullet
15353@item
15354The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
15355behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
15356
15357@smallexample
15358@kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
15359@end smallexample
15360
15361Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
15362a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
15363foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
15364the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
15365
15366@item
15367Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
15368the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
15369compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
15370utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
15371@end itemize
15372
15373@noindent
15374
15375@cindex CRC algorithm definition
15376The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
15377IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
15378
15379@c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
15380@c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
15381@c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
15382@c different ways!
15383@ifhtml
15384@display
15385@html
15386 <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>
15387 + <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
15388@end html
15389@end display
15390@end ifhtml
15391@ifnothtml
15392@display
15393 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
15394 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
15395@end display
15396@end ifnothtml
15397
15398The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
15399significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
15400@code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
15401the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
15402CRC.
15403
15404@emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
15405@dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
15406, @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
15407case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
15408significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
15409zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
15410
15411To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
15412which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
15413initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
15414this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
15415@code{0xffffffff}.
15416
15417@kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
15418@smallexample
15419unsigned long
15420gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
15421 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
15422@{
15423 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
15424 @{
15425 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
15426 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
15427 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
15428 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
15429 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
15430 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
15431 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
15432 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
15433 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
15434 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
15435 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
15436 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
15437 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
15438 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
15439 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
15440 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
15441 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
15442 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
15443 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
15444 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
15445 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
15446 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
15447 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
15448 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
15449 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
15450 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
15451 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
15452 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
15453 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
15454 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
15455 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
15456 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
15457 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
15458 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
15459 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
15460 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
15461 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
15462 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
15463 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
15464 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
15465 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
15466 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
15467 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
15468 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
15469 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
15470 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
15471 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
15472 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
15473 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
15474 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
15475 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
15476 0x2d02ef8d
15477 @};
15478 unsigned char *end;
15479
15480 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15481 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
15482 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
15483 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15484@}
15485@end smallexample
15486
15487@noindent
15488This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
15489
15490
15491@node Index Files
15492@section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
15493@cindex index files
15494@cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
15495
15496When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
15497file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
15498@value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
15499on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
15500@value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
15501startup.
15502
15503The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
15504write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
15505using @command{objcopy}.
15506
15507To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
15508
15509@table @code
15510@item save gdb-index @var{directory}
15511@kindex save gdb-index
15512Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
15513@value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
15514with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
15515@var{directory}.
15516@end table
15517
15518Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
15519file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
15520
15521@smallexample
15522$ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
15523 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
15524@end smallexample
15525
15526There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
15527for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
15528currently work for programs using Ada.
15529
15530@node Symbol Errors
15531@section Errors Reading Symbol Files
15532
15533While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
15534such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
15535output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
15536they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
15537debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
15538about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
15539only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
15540times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
15541to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
15542complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15543Messages}).
15544
15545The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
15546
15547@table @code
15548@item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
15549
15550The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
15551(such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
15552error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
15553in its outer scope blocks.
15554
15555@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
15556the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
15557may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
15558function.
15559
15560@item block at @var{address} out of order
15561
15562The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
15563order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
15564do so.
15565
15566@value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
15567locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
15568can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
15569@code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15570Messages}.)
15571
15572@item bad block start address patched
15573
15574The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
15575smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
15576to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
15577
15578@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
15579starting on the previous source line.
15580
15581@item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
15582
15583@cindex foo
15584Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
15585larger than the size of the string table.
15586
15587@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
15588name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
15589with this name.
15590
15591@item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
15592
15593The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
15594not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
15595uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
15596
15597@value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
15598This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
15599are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
15600debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
15601on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
15602and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
15603
15604@item stub type has NULL name
15605
15606@value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
15607
15608@item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
15609The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
15610information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
15611it.
15612
15613@item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
15614
15615@value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
15616
15617@end table
15618
15619@node Data Files
15620@section GDB Data Files
15621
15622@cindex prefix for data files
15623@value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
15624are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
15625
15626You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
15627is currently using.
15628
15629@table @code
15630@kindex set data-directory
15631@item set data-directory @var{directory}
15632Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
15633to @var{directory}.
15634
15635@kindex show data-directory
15636@item show data-directory
15637Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
15638@end table
15639
15640@cindex default data directory
15641@cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
15642You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
15643@samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
15644@value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15645@samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
15646automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15647location.
15648
15649The data directory may also be specified with the
15650@code{--data-directory} command line option.
15651@xref{Mode Options}.
15652
15653@node Targets
15654@chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
15655
15656@cindex debugging target
15657A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
15658
15659Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
15660in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
15661you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
15662flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
15663host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
15664realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
15665command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
15666(@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
15667
15668@cindex target architecture
15669It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
15670architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
15671one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
15672command.
15673
15674@table @code
15675@kindex set architecture
15676@kindex show architecture
15677@item set architecture @var{arch}
15678This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
15679value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
15680supported architectures.
15681
15682@item show architecture
15683Show the current target architecture.
15684
15685@item set processor
15686@itemx processor
15687@kindex set processor
15688@kindex show processor
15689These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
15690and @code{show architecture}.
15691@end table
15692
15693@menu
15694* Active Targets:: Active targets
15695* Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
15696* Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
15697@end menu
15698
15699@node Active Targets
15700@section Active Targets
15701
15702@cindex stacking targets
15703@cindex active targets
15704@cindex multiple targets
15705
15706There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
15707recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
15708and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
15709on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
15710example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
15711the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
15712recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
15713presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
15714remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
15715
15716Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
15717file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
15718specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
15719command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
15720
15721@node Target Commands
15722@section Commands for Managing Targets
15723
15724@table @code
15725@item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
15726Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
15727process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
15728facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
15729protocol of the target machine.
15730
15731Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
15732typically include things like device names or host names to connect
15733with, process numbers, and baud rates.
15734
15735The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
15736after executing the command.
15737
15738@kindex help target
15739@item help target
15740Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
15741currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
15742(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15743
15744@item help target @var{name}
15745Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
15746select it.
15747
15748@kindex set gnutarget
15749@item set gnutarget @var{args}
15750@value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
15751knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
15752a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
15753with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
15754with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
15755
15756@quotation
15757@emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
15758you must know the actual BFD name.
15759@end quotation
15760
15761@noindent
15762@xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
15763
15764@kindex show gnutarget
15765@item show gnutarget
15766Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
15767@code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
15768@value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
15769and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
15770@end table
15771
15772@cindex common targets
15773Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
15774configuration):
15775
15776@table @code
15777@kindex target
15778@item target exec @var{program}
15779@cindex executable file target
15780An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
15781@samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
15782
15783@item target core @var{filename}
15784@cindex core dump file target
15785A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
15786@samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
15787
15788@item target remote @var{medium}
15789@cindex remote target
15790A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
15791connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
15792protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
15793
15794For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
15795machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
15796
15797@smallexample
15798target remote /dev/ttya
15799@end smallexample
15800
15801@code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
15802useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
15803system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
15804clobbered by the download.
15805
15806@item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
15807@cindex built-in simulator target
15808Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
15809In general,
15810@smallexample
15811 target sim
15812 load
15813 run
15814@end smallexample
15815@noindent
15816works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
15817drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
15818provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
15819see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
15820Processors}.
15821
15822@end table
15823
15824Some configurations may include these targets as well:
15825
15826@table @code
15827
15828@item target nrom @var{dev}
15829@cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
15830NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
15831
15832@end table
15833
15834Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
15835your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
15836
15837Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
15838you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
15839various aspects of this process.
15840
15841@table @code
15842
15843@item set hash
15844@kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15845@cindex hash mark while downloading
15846This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
15847downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
15848displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
15849monitor.
15850
15851@item show hash
15852@kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15853Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
15854
15855@item set debug monitor
15856@kindex set debug monitor
15857@cindex display remote monitor communications
15858Enable or disable display of communications messages between
15859@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15860
15861@item show debug monitor
15862@kindex show debug monitor
15863Show the current status of displaying communications between
15864@value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15865@end table
15866
15867@table @code
15868
15869@kindex load @var{filename}
15870@item load @var{filename}
15871@anchor{load}
15872Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
15873@value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
15874is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
15875on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
15876@code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
15877the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15878
15879If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
15880execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
15881target is @dots{}}''
15882
15883The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
15884For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
15885link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
15886specifies a fixed address.
15887@c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
15888
15889Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
15890load programs into flash memory.
15891
15892@code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
15893@end table
15894
15895@node Byte Order
15896@section Choosing Target Byte Order
15897
15898@cindex choosing target byte order
15899@cindex target byte order
15900
15901Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
15902offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
15903orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
15904designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
15905which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
15906@value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
15907
15908@table @code
15909@kindex set endian
15910@item set endian big
15911Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
15912
15913@item set endian little
15914Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
15915
15916@item set endian auto
15917Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
15918executable.
15919
15920@item show endian
15921Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
15922
15923@end table
15924
15925Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
15926data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
15927target system.
15928
15929
15930@node Remote Debugging
15931@chapter Debugging Remote Programs
15932@cindex remote debugging
15933
15934If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
15935@value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
15936For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
15937or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
15938powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
15939
15940Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
15941to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
15942@value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
15943but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
15944write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
15945communicate with @value{GDBN}.
15946
15947Other remote targets may be available in your
15948configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
15949
15950@menu
15951* Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
15952* File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
15953* Server:: Using the gdbserver program
15954* Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
15955* Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
15956@end menu
15957
15958@node Connecting
15959@section Connecting to a Remote Target
15960
15961On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
15962your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
15963Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
15964program as the first argument.
15965
15966@cindex @code{target remote}
15967@value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
15968over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
15969each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
15970program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
15971@code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
15972Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
15973
15974@table @code
15975
15976@item target remote @var{serial-device}
15977@cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
15978Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
15979to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
15980
15981@smallexample
15982target remote /dev/ttyb
15983@end smallexample
15984
15985If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
15986@w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
15987(@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
15988@code{target} command.
15989
15990@item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
15991@itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15992@cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
15993Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
15994The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
15995address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
15996the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
15997it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
15998target.
15999
16000For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
16001@code{manyfarms}:
16002
16003@smallexample
16004target remote manyfarms:2828
16005@end smallexample
16006
16007If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
16008debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
16009same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
16010port 1234 on your local machine:
16011
16012@smallexample
16013target remote :1234
16014@end smallexample
16015@noindent
16016
16017Note that the colon is still required here.
16018
16019@item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
16020@cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
16021Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
16022connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
16023
16024@smallexample
16025target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
16026@end smallexample
16027
16028When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
16029keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
16030can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
16031cause havoc with your debugging session.
16032
16033@item target remote | @var{command}
16034@cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
16035Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
16036pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
16037by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
16038protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
16039standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
16040that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
16041using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
16042
16043If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
16044@value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
16045program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
16046
16047@end table
16048
16049Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
16050commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
16051running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
16052need to use @kbd{run}.
16053
16054@cindex interrupting remote programs
16055@cindex remote programs, interrupting
16056Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
16057interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
16058program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
16059and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
16060interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
16061
16062@smallexample
16063Interrupted while waiting for the program.
16064Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
16065@end smallexample
16066
16067If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
16068(If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
16069remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
16070goes back to waiting.
16071
16072@table @code
16073@kindex detach (remote)
16074@item detach
16075When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
16076@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
16077Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
16078will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
16079command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
16080
16081@kindex disconnect
16082@item disconnect
16083The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
16084the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
16085(this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
16086the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
16087another target.
16088
16089@cindex send command to remote monitor
16090@cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
16091@cindex add new commands for external monitor
16092@kindex monitor
16093@item monitor @var{cmd}
16094This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
16095remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
16096sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
16097can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
16098and implement.
16099@end table
16100
16101@node File Transfer
16102@section Sending files to a remote system
16103@cindex remote target, file transfer
16104@cindex file transfer
16105@cindex sending files to remote systems
16106
16107Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
16108connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
16109for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
16110running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
16111e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
16112the only way to upload or download files.
16113
16114Not all remote targets support these commands.
16115
16116@table @code
16117@kindex remote put
16118@item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
16119Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
16120@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
16121
16122@kindex remote get
16123@item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
16124Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
16125on the host system.
16126
16127@kindex remote delete
16128@item remote delete @var{targetfile}
16129Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
16130
16131@end table
16132
16133@node Server
16134@section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
16135
16136@kindex gdbserver
16137@cindex remote connection without stubs
16138@code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
16139allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
16140@code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
16141
16142@code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
16143because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
16144that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
16145@code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
16146@value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
16147because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
16148also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
16149started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
16150Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
16151the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
16152do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
16153by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
16154choice for debugging.
16155
16156@value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
16157or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
16158protocol.
16159
16160@quotation
16161@emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
16162Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
16163@value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
16164target system with the same privileges as the user running
16165@code{gdbserver}.
16166@end quotation
16167
16168@subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
16169@cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
16170@cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
16171
16172Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
16173program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
16174@code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
16175strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
16176system does all the symbol handling.
16177
16178To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
16179the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
16180syntax is:
16181
16182@smallexample
16183target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
16184@end smallexample
16185
16186@var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
16187hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
16188@samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
16189@file{/dev/com1}:
16190
16191@smallexample
16192target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
16193@end smallexample
16194
16195@code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
16196with it.
16197
16198To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
16199
16200@smallexample
16201target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
16202@end smallexample
16203
16204The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
16205specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
16206TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
16207expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
16208(Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
16209you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
16210TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
16211reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
16212conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
16213and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
16214@code{target remote} command.
16215
16216@subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
16217@cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
16218@cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
16219
16220On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
16221This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
16222
16223@smallexample
16224target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
16225@end smallexample
16226
16227@var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
16228to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
16229
16230@pindex pidof
16231You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
16232@code{pidof} utility:
16233
16234@smallexample
16235target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
16236@end smallexample
16237
16238In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
16239has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
16240@code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
16241
16242@subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
16243@cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
16244@cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
16245
16246When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
16247@code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
16248program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
16249and @code{gdbserver} exits.
16250
16251If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
16252enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
16253detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
16254though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
16255commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
16256The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
16257remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
16258arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
16259redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
16260
16261@cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
16262To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
16263or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
16264Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
16265the program you want to debug.
16266
16267In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
16268use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
16269@code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
16270conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
16271connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
16272@option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
16273
16274@subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
16275
16276This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
16277
16278@code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
16279terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
16280extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
16281@value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
16282which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
16283mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
16284cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
16285stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
16286
16287When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
16288Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
16289completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
16290
16291@cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
16292By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
16293additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
16294with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
16295connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
16296means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
16297first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
16298connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
16299connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
16300@option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
16301multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
16302instance closes its port after the first connection.
16303
16304@subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
16305
16306@cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
16307The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
16308status information about the debugging process.
16309@cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
16310The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
16311remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
16312@code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
16313
16314@cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
16315The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
16316for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
16317wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
16318@kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
16319
16320@code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
16321command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
16322program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
16323runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
16324
16325You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
16326its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
16327this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
16328with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
16329
16330For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
16331the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
16332environment:
16333
16334@smallexample
16335$ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
16336@end smallexample
16337
16338@subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
16339
16340Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
16341
16342First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
16343your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
16344@code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
16345was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
16346
16347The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
16348and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
16349system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
16350are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
16351during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
16352files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
16353programs.
16354
16355Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
16356For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
16357the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
16358text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
16359@samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
16360command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
16361already on the target.
16362
16363@subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
16364@cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
16365@anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
16366
16367During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
16368@code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
16369Here are the available commands.
16370
16371@table @code
16372@item monitor help
16373List the available monitor commands.
16374
16375@item monitor set debug 0
16376@itemx monitor set debug 1
16377Disable or enable general debugging messages.
16378
16379@item monitor set remote-debug 0
16380@itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
16381Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
16382protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
16383
16384@item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
16385@cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
16386When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16387directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
16388libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
16389@samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
16390
16391The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
16392not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
16393
16394@item monitor exit
16395Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
16396@code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
16397detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
16398Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
16399of a multi-process mode debug session.
16400
16401@end table
16402
16403@subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16404@cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16405
16406On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
16407tracepoints and static tracepoints.
16408
16409For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
16410@dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
16411This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
16412@code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
16413requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
16414support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
16415@url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
16416is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
16417standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
16418@code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
16419to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
16420using @option{--with-ust=no}.
16421
16422There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
16423
16424@table @code
16425@item Specifying it as dependency at link time
16426
16427You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
16428library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
16429@code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
16430
16431@item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
16432
16433You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
16434your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
16435support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
16436cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
16437in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
16438@option{--wrapper} command line option.
16439
16440@item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
16441
16442On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
16443by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
16444of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
16445systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
16446command for that. For example:
16447
16448@smallexample
16449(@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
16450@end smallexample
16451
16452Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
16453available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
16454@end table
16455
16456On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
16457systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
16458remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
16459loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
16460program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
16461case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
16462features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
16463libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
16464main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
16465@code{gdbserver} like so:
16466
16467@smallexample
16468$ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
16469@end smallexample
16470
16471Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
16472
16473@smallexample
16474$ gdb myprogram
16475(@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
164760x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
16477(@value{GDBP}) b main
16478(@value{GDBP}) continue
16479@end smallexample
16480
16481The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
16482process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
16483command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
16484process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
16485tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
16486tracing.
16487
16488@node Remote Configuration
16489@section Remote Configuration
16490
16491@kindex set remote
16492@kindex show remote
16493This section documents the configuration options available when
16494debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
16495extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
16496system-call-allowed}.
16497
16498@table @code
16499@item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
16500@cindex address size for remote targets
16501@cindex bits in remote address
16502Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
16503number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
16504that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
16505default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
16506
16507@item show remoteaddresssize
16508Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
16509
16510@item set remotebaud @var{n}
16511@cindex baud rate for remote targets
16512Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
16513value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
16514remote targets.
16515
16516@item show remotebaud
16517Show the current speed of the remote connection.
16518
16519@item set remotebreak
16520@cindex interrupt remote programs
16521@cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
16522@anchor{set remotebreak}
16523If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
16524when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
16525on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
16526character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
16527expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
16528
16529@item show remotebreak
16530Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
16531interrupt the remote program.
16532
16533@item set remoteflow on
16534@itemx set remoteflow off
16535@kindex set remoteflow
16536Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
16537on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
16538
16539@item show remoteflow
16540@kindex show remoteflow
16541Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
16542
16543@item set remotelogbase @var{base}
16544Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
16545communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
16546@code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
16547@code{ascii}.
16548
16549@item show remotelogbase
16550Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
16551protocol.
16552
16553@item set remotelogfile @var{file}
16554@cindex record serial communications on file
16555Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
16556default is not to record at all.
16557
16558@item show remotelogfile.
16559Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
16560serial communications.
16561
16562@item set remotetimeout @var{num}
16563@cindex timeout for serial communications
16564@cindex remote timeout
16565Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
16566@var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
16567
16568@item show remotetimeout
16569Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
16570responses.
16571
16572@cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
16573@cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
16574@anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
16575@anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
16576@item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
16577@itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
16578Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
16579watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
16580
16581@item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
16582@itemx show remote exec-file
16583@anchor{set remote exec-file}
16584@cindex executable file, for remote target
16585Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
16586extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
16587target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
16588filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
16589
16590@item set remote interrupt-sequence
16591@cindex interrupt remote programs
16592@cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
16593Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
16594@samp{BREAK-g} as the
16595sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
16596@samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
16597is high level of serial line for some certain time.
16598Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
16599It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
16600
16601@item show interrupt-sequence
16602Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
16603is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
16604@code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
16605also known as Magic SysRq g.
16606
16607@item set remote interrupt-on-connect
16608@cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
16609Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
16610@value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
16611Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
16612which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
16613
16614@item show interrupt-on-connect
16615Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
16616to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
16617
16618@kindex set tcp
16619@kindex show tcp
16620@item set tcp auto-retry on
16621@cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
16622Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
16623debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
16624condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
16625before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
16626enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
16627to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
16628@code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
16629
16630@item set tcp auto-retry off
16631Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
16632
16633@item show tcp auto-retry
16634Show the current auto-retry setting.
16635
16636@item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
16637@cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
16638@cindex timeout, for remote target connection
16639Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
16640@var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
16641(enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
16642that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
16643value.
16644
16645@item show tcp connect-timeout
16646Show the current connection timeout setting.
16647@end table
16648
16649@cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
16650The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
16651your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
16652can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
16653packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
16654packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
16655or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
16656all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
16657see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
16658
16659During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
16660If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
16661in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
16662@value{GDBN} developers.
16663
16664For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
16665packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
16666are:
16667
16668@multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
16669@item Command Name
16670@tab Remote Packet
16671@tab Related Features
16672
16673@item @code{fetch-register}
16674@tab @code{p}
16675@tab @code{info registers}
16676
16677@item @code{set-register}
16678@tab @code{P}
16679@tab @code{set}
16680
16681@item @code{binary-download}
16682@tab @code{X}
16683@tab @code{load}, @code{set}
16684
16685@item @code{read-aux-vector}
16686@tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
16687@tab @code{info auxv}
16688
16689@item @code{symbol-lookup}
16690@tab @code{qSymbol}
16691@tab Detecting multiple threads
16692
16693@item @code{attach}
16694@tab @code{vAttach}
16695@tab @code{attach}
16696
16697@item @code{verbose-resume}
16698@tab @code{vCont}
16699@tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
16700
16701@item @code{run}
16702@tab @code{vRun}
16703@tab @code{run}
16704
16705@item @code{software-breakpoint}
16706@tab @code{Z0}
16707@tab @code{break}
16708
16709@item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
16710@tab @code{Z1}
16711@tab @code{hbreak}
16712
16713@item @code{write-watchpoint}
16714@tab @code{Z2}
16715@tab @code{watch}
16716
16717@item @code{read-watchpoint}
16718@tab @code{Z3}
16719@tab @code{rwatch}
16720
16721@item @code{access-watchpoint}
16722@tab @code{Z4}
16723@tab @code{awatch}
16724
16725@item @code{target-features}
16726@tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
16727@tab @code{set architecture}
16728
16729@item @code{library-info}
16730@tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
16731@tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
16732
16733@item @code{memory-map}
16734@tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
16735@tab @code{info mem}
16736
16737@item @code{read-sdata-object}
16738@tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
16739@tab @code{print $_sdata}
16740
16741@item @code{read-spu-object}
16742@tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
16743@tab @code{info spu}
16744
16745@item @code{write-spu-object}
16746@tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
16747@tab @code{info spu}
16748
16749@item @code{read-siginfo-object}
16750@tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
16751@tab @code{print $_siginfo}
16752
16753@item @code{write-siginfo-object}
16754@tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
16755@tab @code{set $_siginfo}
16756
16757@item @code{threads}
16758@tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
16759@tab @code{info threads}
16760
16761@item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
16762@tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
16763@tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
16764
16765@item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
16766@tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
16767@tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
16768
16769@item @code{search-memory}
16770@tab @code{qSearch:memory}
16771@tab @code{find}
16772
16773@item @code{supported-packets}
16774@tab @code{qSupported}
16775@tab Remote communications parameters
16776
16777@item @code{pass-signals}
16778@tab @code{QPassSignals}
16779@tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
16780
16781@item @code{hostio-close-packet}
16782@tab @code{vFile:close}
16783@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16784
16785@item @code{hostio-open-packet}
16786@tab @code{vFile:open}
16787@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16788
16789@item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
16790@tab @code{vFile:pread}
16791@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16792
16793@item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
16794@tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
16795@tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16796
16797@item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
16798@tab @code{vFile:unlink}
16799@tab @code{remote delete}
16800
16801@item @code{noack-packet}
16802@tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
16803@tab Packet acknowledgment
16804
16805@item @code{osdata}
16806@tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
16807@tab @code{info os}
16808
16809@item @code{query-attached}
16810@tab @code{qAttached}
16811@tab Querying remote process attach state.
16812
16813@item @code{traceframe-info}
16814@tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
16815@tab Traceframe info
16816@end multitable
16817
16818@node Remote Stub
16819@section Implementing a Remote Stub
16820
16821@cindex debugging stub, example
16822@cindex remote stub, example
16823@cindex stub example, remote debugging
16824The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
16825communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
16826@value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
16827these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
16828implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
16829with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
16830organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
16831
16832@cindex remote serial debugging, overview
16833To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
16834@dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
16835prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
16836program, you need:
16837
16838@enumerate
16839@item
16840A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
16841have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
16842your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
16843
16844@item
16845A C subroutine library to support your program's
16846subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
16847
16848@item
16849A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
16850download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
16851manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
16852documentation.
16853@end enumerate
16854
16855The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
16856communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
16857machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
16858
16859@table @emph
16860@item On the host,
16861@value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
16862else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
16863(@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
16864
16865@item On the target,
16866you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
16867implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
16868subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
16869
16870On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
16871@code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
16872@xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
16873@end table
16874
16875The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
16876machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
16877@sc{sparc} boards.
16878
16879@cindex remote serial stub list
16880These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
16881
16882@table @code
16883
16884@item i386-stub.c
16885@cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
16886@cindex Intel
16887@cindex i386
16888For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
16889
16890@item m68k-stub.c
16891@cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
16892@cindex Motorola 680x0
16893@cindex m680x0
16894For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
16895
16896@item sh-stub.c
16897@cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
16898@cindex Renesas
16899@cindex SH
16900For Renesas SH architectures.
16901
16902@item sparc-stub.c
16903@cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
16904@cindex Sparc
16905For @sc{sparc} architectures.
16906
16907@item sparcl-stub.c
16908@cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
16909@cindex Fujitsu
16910@cindex SparcLite
16911For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
16912
16913@end table
16914
16915The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
16916recently added stubs.
16917
16918@menu
16919* Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
16920* Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
16921* Debug Session:: Putting it all together
16922@end menu
16923
16924@node Stub Contents
16925@subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
16926
16927@cindex remote serial stub
16928The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
16929subroutines:
16930
16931@table @code
16932@item set_debug_traps
16933@findex set_debug_traps
16934@cindex remote serial stub, initialization
16935This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
16936program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
16937beginning of your program.
16938
16939@item handle_exception
16940@findex handle_exception
16941@cindex remote serial stub, main routine
16942This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
16943explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
16944run when a trap is triggered.
16945
16946@code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
16947execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
16948with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
16949protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
16950representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
16951information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
16952retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
16953execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
16954@code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
16955machine.
16956
16957@item breakpoint
16958@cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
16959Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
16960breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
16961way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
16962machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
16963pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
16964@code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
16965simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
16966again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
16967your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
16968@value{GDBN} session gets control.
16969
16970Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
16971to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
16972start of your debugging session.
16973@end table
16974
16975@node Bootstrapping
16976@subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
16977
16978@cindex remote stub, support routines
16979The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
16980chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
16981debugging target machine.
16982
16983First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
16984serial port.
16985
16986@table @code
16987@item int getDebugChar()
16988@findex getDebugChar
16989Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
16990It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
16991different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16992
16993@item void putDebugChar(int)
16994@findex putDebugChar
16995Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
16996It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
16997different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16998@end table
16999
17000@cindex control C, and remote debugging
17001@cindex interrupting remote targets
17002If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
17003running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
17004for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
17005character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
17006remote system to stop.
17007
17008Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
17009probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
17010is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
17011@value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
17012
17013Other routines you need to supply are:
17014
17015@table @code
17016@item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
17017@findex exceptionHandler
17018Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
17019handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
17020way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
17021are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
17022containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
17023@var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
17024its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
17025might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
17026exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
17027@var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
17028and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
17029you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
17030should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
17031
17032For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
17033gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
17034should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
17035@sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
17036help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
17037
17038@item void flush_i_cache()
17039@findex flush_i_cache
17040On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
17041instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
17042instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
17043
17044On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
17045function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
17046@end table
17047
17048@noindent
17049You must also make sure this library routine is available:
17050
17051@table @code
17052@item void *memset(void *, int, int)
17053@findex memset
17054This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
17055memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
17056@code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
17057either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
17058@end table
17059
17060If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
17061library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
17062but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
17063subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
17064
17065
17066@node Debug Session
17067@subsection Putting it All Together
17068
17069@cindex remote serial debugging summary
17070In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
17071steps.
17072
17073@enumerate
17074@item
17075Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
17076(@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
17077@display
17078@code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
17079@code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
17080@end display
17081
17082@item
17083Insert these lines near the top of your program:
17084
17085@smallexample
17086set_debug_traps();
17087breakpoint();
17088@end smallexample
17089
17090@item
17091For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
17092@code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
17093
17094@smallexample
17095void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
17096@end smallexample
17097
17098@noindent
17099but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
17100function in your program, that function is called when
17101@code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
17102error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
17103one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
17104
17105@item
17106Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
17107your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
17108
17109@item
17110Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
17111the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
17112
17113@item
17114@c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
17115@c document that. FIXME.
17116Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
17117whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
17118
17119@item
17120Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
17121(@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17122
17123@end enumerate
17124
17125@node Configurations
17126@chapter Configuration-Specific Information
17127
17128While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
17129cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
17130describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
17131
17132There are three major categories of configurations: native
17133configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
17134operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
17135different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
17136are quite different from each other.
17137
17138@menu
17139* Native::
17140* Embedded OS::
17141* Embedded Processors::
17142* Architectures::
17143@end menu
17144
17145@node Native
17146@section Native
17147
17148This section describes details specific to particular native
17149configurations.
17150
17151@menu
17152* HP-UX:: HP-UX
17153* BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
17154* SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
17155* DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
17156* Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
17157* Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
17158* Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
17159* Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
17160@end menu
17161
17162@node HP-UX
17163@subsection HP-UX
17164
17165On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
17166begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
17167name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
17168
17169
17170@node BSD libkvm Interface
17171@subsection BSD libkvm Interface
17172
17173@cindex libkvm
17174@cindex kernel memory image
17175@cindex kernel crash dump
17176
17177BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
17178interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
17179memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
17180uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
17181dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
17182special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
17183the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
17184@code{kvm} target:
17185
17186@smallexample
17187(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
17188@end smallexample
17189
17190For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
17191argument:
17192
17193@smallexample
17194(@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
17195@end smallexample
17196
17197Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
17198available:
17199
17200@table @code
17201@kindex kvm
17202@item kvm pcb
17203Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
17204
17205@item kvm proc
17206Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
17207modern FreeBSD systems.
17208@end table
17209
17210@node SVR4 Process Information
17211@subsection SVR4 Process Information
17212@cindex /proc
17213@cindex examine process image
17214@cindex process info via @file{/proc}
17215
17216Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
17217@samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
17218process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
17219for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
17220proc} is available to report information about the process running
17221your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
17222proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
17223This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
17224Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
17225
17226@table @code
17227@kindex info proc
17228@cindex process ID
17229@item info proc
17230@itemx info proc @var{process-id}
17231Summarize available information about any running process. If a
17232process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
17233that process; otherwise display information about the program being
17234debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
17235line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
17236executable file's absolute file name.
17237
17238On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
17239@samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
17240within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
17241a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
17242needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
17243a process ID rather than a thread ID).
17244
17245@item info proc mappings
17246@cindex memory address space mappings
17247Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
17248information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
17249rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
17250includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
17251memory access rights to that range.
17252
17253@item info proc stat
17254@itemx info proc status
17255@cindex process detailed status information
17256These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
17257the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
17258how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
17259the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
17260consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
17261value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
17262(type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
17263
17264@item info proc all
17265Show all the information about the process described under all of the
17266above @code{info proc} subcommands.
17267
17268@ignore
17269@comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
17270@comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
17271@comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
17272@kindex info proc times
17273@item info proc times
17274Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
17275its children.
17276
17277@kindex info proc id
17278@item info proc id
17279Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
17280the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
17281@end ignore
17282
17283@item set procfs-trace
17284@kindex set procfs-trace
17285@cindex @code{procfs} API calls
17286This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
17287
17288@item show procfs-trace
17289@kindex show procfs-trace
17290Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
17291
17292@item set procfs-file @var{file}
17293@kindex set procfs-file
17294Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
17295@var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
17296contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
17297standard output.
17298
17299@item show procfs-file
17300@kindex show procfs-file
17301Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
17302
17303@item proc-trace-entry
17304@itemx proc-trace-exit
17305@itemx proc-untrace-entry
17306@itemx proc-untrace-exit
17307@kindex proc-trace-entry
17308@kindex proc-trace-exit
17309@kindex proc-untrace-entry
17310@kindex proc-untrace-exit
17311These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
17312from the @code{syscall} interface.
17313
17314@item info pidlist
17315@kindex info pidlist
17316@cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
17317For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
17318processes and all the threads within each process.
17319
17320@item info meminfo
17321@kindex info meminfo
17322@cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
17323For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
17324@end table
17325
17326@node DJGPP Native
17327@subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
17328@cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
17329@cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
17330@cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
17331
17332@cindex DPMI
17333@sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
17334MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
17335that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
17336top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
17337
17338@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
17339defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
17340subsection describes those commands.
17341
17342@table @code
17343@kindex info dos
17344@item info dos
17345This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
17346information about the target system and important OS structures.
17347
17348@kindex sysinfo
17349@cindex MS-DOS system info
17350@cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
17351@item info dos sysinfo
17352This command displays assorted information about the underlying
17353platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
17354DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
17355
17356@cindex GDT
17357@cindex LDT
17358@cindex IDT
17359@cindex segment descriptor tables
17360@cindex descriptor tables display
17361@item info dos gdt
17362@itemx info dos ldt
17363@itemx info dos idt
17364These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
17365and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
17366tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
17367that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
17368descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
17369descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
17370rights.
17371
17372A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
17373segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
17374allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
17375conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
17376additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
17377
17378@cindex garbled pointers
17379These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
17380Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
17381displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
17382display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
17383example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
17384debugged program's data segment:
17385
17386@smallexample
17387@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
17388@exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
17389@end smallexample
17390
17391@noindent
17392This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
17393the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
17394
17395@cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
17396@item info dos pde
17397@itemx info dos pte
17398These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
17399Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
17400data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
17401into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
17402page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
17403may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
17404Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
17405that is currently in use.
17406
17407Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
17408Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
17409the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
17410@kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
17411Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
17412means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
17413the specified entry in the Page Directory.
17414
17415@cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
17416These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
17417Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
17418controller.
17419
17420These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
17421
17422@cindex physical address from linear address
17423@item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
17424This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
17425address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
17426already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
17427because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
17428segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
17429the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
17430
17431@smallexample
17432@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
17433@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
17434@exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
17435@end smallexample
17436
17437@noindent
17438This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
17439whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
17440attributes of that page.
17441
17442Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
17443since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
17444address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
17445be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
17446declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
17447@code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
17448
17449Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
17450transfer buffer:
17451
17452@smallexample
17453@exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
17454@exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
17455@exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
17456@end smallexample
17457
17458@noindent
17459(The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
174603rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
17461clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
17462memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
17463linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
17464
17465This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
17466@end table
17467
17468@cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
17469In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
17470debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
17471to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
17472
17473@table @code
17474@kindex set com1base
17475@kindex set com1irq
17476@kindex set com2base
17477@kindex set com2irq
17478@kindex set com3base
17479@kindex set com3irq
17480@kindex set com4base
17481@kindex set com4irq
17482@item set com1base @var{addr}
17483This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
17484port.
17485
17486@item set com1irq @var{irq}
17487This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
17488for the @file{COM1} serial port.
17489
17490There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
17491etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
17492other 3 COM ports.
17493
17494@kindex show com1base
17495@kindex show com1irq
17496@kindex show com2base
17497@kindex show com2irq
17498@kindex show com3base
17499@kindex show com3irq
17500@kindex show com4base
17501@kindex show com4irq
17502The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
17503display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
17504lines used by the COM ports.
17505
17506@item info serial
17507@kindex info serial
17508@cindex DOS serial port status
17509This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
17510port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
17511IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
17512counts of various errors encountered so far.
17513@end table
17514
17515
17516@node Cygwin Native
17517@subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
17518@cindex MS Windows debugging
17519@cindex native Cygwin debugging
17520@cindex Cygwin-specific commands
17521
17522@value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
17523DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
17524
17525@cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
17526@cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
17527MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
17528special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
17529by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
17530supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
17531sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
17532ignores @kbd{C-c}.
17533
17534There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
17535this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
17536described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
17537
17538@table @code
17539@kindex info w32
17540@item info w32
17541This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
17542information about the target system and important OS structures.
17543
17544@item info w32 selector
17545This command displays information returned by
17546the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
17547It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
17548a long value to give the information about this given selector.
17549Without argument, this command displays information
17550about the six segment registers.
17551
17552@item info w32 thread-information-block
17553This command displays thread specific information stored in the
17554Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
17555selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
17556
17557@kindex info dll
17558@item info dll
17559This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
17560
17561@kindex dll-symbols
17562@item dll-symbols
17563This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
17564add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
17565
17566@kindex set cygwin-exceptions
17567@cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
17568@cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
17569@item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
17570If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
17571happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
17572@value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
17573exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
17574``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
17575Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
17576@value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
17577
17578@kindex show cygwin-exceptions
17579@item show cygwin-exceptions
17580Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
17581inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
17582
17583@kindex set new-console
17584@item set new-console @var{mode}
17585If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
17586be started in a new console on next start.
17587If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
17588be started in the same console as the debugger.
17589
17590@kindex show new-console
17591@item show new-console
17592Displays whether a new console is used
17593when the debuggee is started.
17594
17595@kindex set new-group
17596@item set new-group @var{mode}
17597This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
17598start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
17599This affects the way the Windows OS handles
17600@samp{Ctrl-C}.
17601
17602@kindex show new-group
17603@item show new-group
17604Displays current value of new-group boolean.
17605
17606@kindex set debugevents
17607@item set debugevents
17608This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
17609to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
17610signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
17611unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
17612Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
17613
17614@kindex set debugexec
17615@item set debugexec
17616This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
17617(such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
17618
17619@kindex set debugexceptions
17620@item set debugexceptions
17621This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
17622debuggee seen by the debugger.
17623
17624@kindex set debugmemory
17625@item set debugmemory
17626This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
17627and writes by the debugger.
17628
17629@kindex set shell
17630@item set shell
17631This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
17632via a shell or directly (default value is on).
17633
17634@kindex show shell
17635@item show shell
17636Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
17637
17638@end table
17639
17640@menu
17641* Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
17642@end menu
17643
17644@node Non-debug DLL Symbols
17645@subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
17646@cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
17647@cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
17648
17649Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
17650not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
17651@file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
17652symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
17653information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
17654describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
17655``minimal symbols''.
17656
17657Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
17658will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
17659start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
17660program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
17661@value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
17662see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
17663@code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
17664explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
17665cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
17666which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
17667
17668@subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
17669
17670In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
17671tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
17672DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
17673also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
17674sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
17675(particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
17676necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
17677contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
17678exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
17679
17680Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
17681though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
17682symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
17683some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
17684@code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
17685(@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
17686
17687@smallexample
17688(@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
17689All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
17690
17691Non-debugging symbols:
176920x77e885f4 CreateFileA
176930x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
17694@end smallexample
17695
17696@smallexample
17697(@value{GDBP}) info function !
17698All functions matching regular expression "!":
17699
17700Non-debugging symbols:
177010x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
177020x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
177030x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
17704[etc...]
17705@end smallexample
17706
17707@subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
17708
17709Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
17710type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
17711refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
17712contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
17713contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
17714means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
17715a function within a DLL without a running program.
17716
17717Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
17718automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
17719variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
17720type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
17721problem:
17722
17723@smallexample
17724(@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
17725$1 = 268572168
17726@end smallexample
17727
17728@smallexample
17729(@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
177300x10021610: "\230y\""
17731@end smallexample
17732
17733And two possible solutions:
17734
17735@smallexample
17736(@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
17737$2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17738@end smallexample
17739
17740@smallexample
17741(@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
177420x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
17743(@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
177440x10021608: 0x0022fd98
17745(@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
177460x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17747@end smallexample
17748
17749Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
17750starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
17751examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
17752function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
17753to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
17754
17755@smallexample
17756(@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
17757Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
17758@end smallexample
17759
17760The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
17761break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
17762safe.
17763
17764@node Hurd Native
17765@subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
17766@cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
17767
17768This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
17769@sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
17770
17771@table @code
17772@item set signals
17773@itemx set sigs
17774@kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
17775@kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17776This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
17777@value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
17778affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
17779@code{signals}.
17780
17781@item show signals
17782@itemx show sigs
17783@kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
17784@kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17785Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
17786
17787@item set signal-thread
17788@itemx set sigthread
17789@kindex set signal-thread
17790@kindex set sigthread
17791This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
17792thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
17793process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
17794signal-thread}.
17795
17796@item show signal-thread
17797@itemx show sigthread
17798@kindex show signal-thread
17799@kindex show sigthread
17800These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
17801delivered a signal.
17802
17803@item set stopped
17804@kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17805This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
17806as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
17807continued by delivering a signal to it.
17808
17809@item show stopped
17810@kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17811This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
17812stopped.
17813
17814@item set exceptions
17815@kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17816Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
17817When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
17818single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
17819trapping on.
17820
17821@item show exceptions
17822@kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17823Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
17824
17825@item set task pause
17826@kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
17827@cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17828@cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17829This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
17830Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
17831whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
17832effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
17833to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
17834thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
17835
17836@item show task pause
17837@kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
17838Show the current state of task suspension.
17839
17840@item set task detach-suspend-count
17841@cindex task suspend count
17842@cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17843This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
17844@value{GDBN} detaches from it.
17845
17846@item show task detach-suspend-count
17847Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
17848
17849@item set task exception-port
17850@itemx set task excp
17851@cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17852This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
17853forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
17854rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
17855
17856@item set noninvasive
17857@cindex noninvasive task options
17858This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
17859invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
17860is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
17861@code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
17862
17863@item info send-rights
17864@itemx info receive-rights
17865@itemx info port-rights
17866@itemx info port-sets
17867@itemx info dead-names
17868@itemx info ports
17869@itemx info psets
17870@cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17871@cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17872@cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17873@cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17874@cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17875These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
17876receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
17877There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
17878port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
17879
17880@item set thread pause
17881@kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
17882@cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17883@cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17884This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
17885control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
17886thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
17887off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
17888Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
17889control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
17890task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
17891only the current thread.
17892
17893@item show thread pause
17894@kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
17895This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
17896
17897@item set thread run
17898This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17899
17900@item show thread run
17901Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17902
17903@item set thread detach-suspend-count
17904@cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17905@cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17906This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
17907thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
17908found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
17909takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
17910
17911@item show thread detach-suspend-count
17912Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
17913detaching.
17914
17915@item set thread exception-port
17916@itemx set thread excp
17917Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
17918overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
17919@code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
17920
17921@item set thread takeover-suspend-count
17922Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
17923value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
17924changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
17925
17926@item set thread default
17927@itemx show thread default
17928@cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17929Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
17930default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
17931thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
17932variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
17933threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
17934the non-default commands.
17935@end table
17936
17937
17938@node Neutrino
17939@subsection QNX Neutrino
17940@cindex QNX Neutrino
17941
17942@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
17943Neutrino target:
17944
17945@table @code
17946@item set debug nto-debug
17947@kindex set debug nto-debug
17948When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
17949Neutrino support.
17950
17951@item show debug nto-debug
17952@kindex show debug nto-debug
17953Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
17954@end table
17955
17956@node Darwin
17957@subsection Darwin
17958@cindex Darwin
17959
17960@value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
17961
17962@table @code
17963@item set debug darwin @var{num}
17964@kindex set debug darwin
17965When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
17966the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
17967
17968@item show debug darwin
17969@kindex show debug darwin
17970Show the current state of Darwin messages.
17971
17972@item set debug mach-o @var{num}
17973@kindex set debug mach-o
17974When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
17975@value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
17976file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
17977values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
17978problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
17979usage.
17980
17981@item show debug mach-o
17982@kindex show debug mach-o
17983Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
17984
17985@item set mach-exceptions on
17986@itemx set mach-exceptions off
17987@kindex set mach-exceptions
17988On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
17989mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
17990Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
17991better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
17992
17993@item show mach-exceptions
17994@kindex show mach-exceptions
17995Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
17996@end table
17997
17998
17999@node Embedded OS
18000@section Embedded Operating Systems
18001
18002This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
18003embedded operating systems that are available for several different
18004architectures.
18005
18006@menu
18007* VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
18008@end menu
18009
18010@value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
18011various real-time operating systems.
18012
18013@node VxWorks
18014@subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
18015
18016@cindex VxWorks
18017
18018@table @code
18019
18020@kindex target vxworks
18021@item target vxworks @var{machinename}
18022A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
18023is the target system's machine name or IP address.
18024
18025@end table
18026
18027On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
18028current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
18029
18030@value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
18031VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
18032the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18033both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
18034@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
18035installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
18036@value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
18037
18038@table @code
18039@item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
18040@kindex vxworks-timeout
18041All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
18042This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18043seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
18044your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
18045of a thin network line.
18046@end table
18047
18048The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
18049this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
18050procedures.
18051
18052@findex INCLUDE_RDB
18053To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
18054to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
18055library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
18056VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
18057kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
18058source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
18059information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
18060manual.
18061@c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
18062
18063Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
18064your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18065run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
18066@code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
18067
18068@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18069
18070@smallexample
18071(vxgdb)
18072@end smallexample
18073
18074@menu
18075* VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
18076* VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
18077* VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
18078@end menu
18079
18080@node VxWorks Connection
18081@subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
18082
18083The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
18084network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
18085
18086@smallexample
18087(vxgdb) target vxworks tt
18088@end smallexample
18089
18090@need 750
18091@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18092
18093@smallexample
18094Attaching remote machine across net...
18095Connected to tt.
18096@end smallexample
18097
18098@need 1000
18099@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
18100loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
18101these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
18102path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
18103to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
18104
18105@smallexample
18106prog.o: No such file or directory.
18107@end smallexample
18108
18109When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
18110the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
18111command again.
18112
18113@node VxWorks Download
18114@subsubsection VxWorks Download
18115
18116@cindex download to VxWorks
18117If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
18118object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
18119@code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
18120incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
18121command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
18122to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
18123table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
18124the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
18125filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
18126Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
18127to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
18128the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
18129@file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
18130and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
18131program, type this on VxWorks:
18132
18133@smallexample
18134-> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
18135@end smallexample
18136
18137@noindent
18138Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18139
18140@smallexample
18141(vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
18142(vxgdb) load prog.o
18143@end smallexample
18144
18145@value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
18146
18147@smallexample
18148Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
18149@end smallexample
18150
18151You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
18152after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
18153this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
18154auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
18155history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
18156debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
18157table.)
18158
18159@node VxWorks Attach
18160@subsubsection Running Tasks
18161
18162@cindex running VxWorks tasks
18163You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
18164follows:
18165
18166@smallexample
18167(vxgdb) attach @var{task}
18168@end smallexample
18169
18170@noindent
18171where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
18172or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
18173the time of attachment.
18174
18175@node Embedded Processors
18176@section Embedded Processors
18177
18178This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
18179configurations.
18180
18181@cindex send command to simulator
18182Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
18183allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
18184
18185@table @code
18186@item sim @var{command}
18187@kindex sim@r{, a command}
18188Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
18189documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
18190acceptable commands.
18191@end table
18192
18193
18194@menu
18195* ARM:: ARM RDI
18196* M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
18197* M68K:: Motorola M68K
18198* MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
18199* MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
18200* OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
18201* PA:: HP PA Embedded
18202* PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
18203* Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
18204* Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
18205* Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
18206* AVR:: Atmel AVR
18207* CRIS:: CRIS
18208* Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
18209@end menu
18210
18211@node ARM
18212@subsection ARM
18213@cindex ARM RDI
18214
18215@table @code
18216@kindex target rdi
18217@item target rdi @var{dev}
18218ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
18219use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
18220monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
18221
18222@kindex target rdp
18223@item target rdp @var{dev}
18224ARM Demon monitor.
18225
18226@end table
18227
18228@value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
18229
18230@table @code
18231@item set arm disassembler
18232@kindex set arm
18233This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
18234@code{"std"} style is the standard style.
18235
18236@item show arm disassembler
18237@kindex show arm
18238Show the current disassembly style.
18239
18240@item set arm apcs32
18241@cindex ARM 32-bit mode
18242This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
18243
18244@item show arm apcs32
18245Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
18246
18247@item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
18248This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
18249argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
18250
18251@table @code
18252@item auto
18253Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
18254@item softfpa
18255Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
18256processors.
18257@item fpa
18258GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
18259@item softvfp
18260Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
18261@item vfp
18262VFP co-processor.
18263@end table
18264
18265@item show arm fpu
18266Show the current type of the FPU.
18267
18268@item set arm abi
18269This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
18270
18271@item show arm abi
18272Show the currently used ABI.
18273
18274@item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18275@value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
18276whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
18277@value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
18278available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
18279use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
18280register).
18281
18282@item show arm fallback-mode
18283Show the current fallback instruction mode.
18284
18285@item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18286This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
18287instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
18288causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
18289of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
18290
18291@item show arm force-mode
18292Show the current forced instruction mode.
18293
18294@item set debug arm
18295Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
18296target support subsystem.
18297
18298@item show debug arm
18299Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
18300@end table
18301
18302The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
18303using the RDI interface:
18304
18305@table @code
18306@item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18307@kindex rdilogfile
18308@cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
18309Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
18310With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
18311no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
18312@file{rdi.log}.
18313
18314@item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
18315@kindex rdilogenable
18316Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
18317enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
18318no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
18319ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
18320are logged to a file.
18321
18322@item set rdiromatzero
18323@kindex set rdiromatzero
18324@cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
18325Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
18326vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
18327(the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
18328effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
18329
18330@item show rdiromatzero
18331@kindex show rdiromatzero
18332Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
18333
18334@item set rdiheartbeat
18335@kindex set rdiheartbeat
18336@cindex RDI heartbeat
18337Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
18338turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
18339well as the Angel monitor.
18340
18341@item show rdiheartbeat
18342@kindex show rdiheartbeat
18343Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
18344@end table
18345
18346@table @code
18347@item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
18348The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
18349
18350@table @code
18351@item --swi-support=@var{type}
18352Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
18353@var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
18354The default value is @code{all}.
18355
18356@table @code
18357@item none
18358@item demon
18359@item angel
18360@item redboot
18361@item all
18362@end table
18363@end table
18364@end table
18365
18366@node M32R/D
18367@subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
18368
18369@table @code
18370@kindex target m32r
18371@item target m32r @var{dev}
18372Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
18373
18374@kindex target m32rsdi
18375@item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
18376Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
18377@end table
18378
18379The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
18380
18381@table @code
18382@item set download-path @var{path}
18383@kindex set download-path
18384@cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
18385Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18386
18387@item show download-path
18388@kindex show download-path
18389Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18390
18391@item set board-address @var{addr}
18392@kindex set board-address
18393@cindex M32-EVA target board address
18394Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
18395
18396@item show board-address
18397@kindex show board-address
18398Show the current IP address of the target board.
18399
18400@item set server-address @var{addr}
18401@kindex set server-address
18402@cindex download server address (M32R)
18403Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
18404host machine.
18405
18406@item show server-address
18407@kindex show server-address
18408Display the IP address of the download server.
18409
18410@item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18411@kindex upload@r{, M32R}
18412Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
18413upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
18414executable file is uploaded.
18415
18416@item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18417@kindex tload@r{, M32R}
18418Test the @code{upload} command.
18419@end table
18420
18421The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
18422
18423@table @code
18424@item sdireset
18425@kindex sdireset
18426@cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
18427This command resets the SDI connection.
18428
18429@item sdistatus
18430@kindex sdistatus
18431This command shows the SDI connection status.
18432
18433@item debug_chaos
18434@kindex debug_chaos
18435@cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
18436Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
18437
18438@item use_debug_dma
18439@kindex use_debug_dma
18440Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
18441
18442@item use_mon_code
18443@kindex use_mon_code
18444Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
18445
18446@item use_ib_break
18447@kindex use_ib_break
18448Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
18449
18450@item use_dbt_break
18451@kindex use_dbt_break
18452Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
18453@end table
18454
18455@node M68K
18456@subsection M68k
18457
18458The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
18459target command for the following ROM monitor.
18460
18461@table @code
18462
18463@kindex target dbug
18464@item target dbug @var{dev}
18465dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
18466
18467@end table
18468
18469@node MicroBlaze
18470@subsection MicroBlaze
18471@cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
18472@cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
18473
18474The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
18475FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
18476usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
18477Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
18478This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
18479the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
18480communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
18481presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
18482@code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
18483this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
18484commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
18485
18486Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
18487
18488@table @code
18489@item target remote :1234
18490Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
18491on the same system as @code{xmd}.
18492
18493@item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
18494Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
18495running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
18496
18497@item load
18498Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
18499
18500@item set debug microblaze @var{n}
18501Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
18502
18503@item show debug microblaze @var{n}
18504Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
18505@end table
18506
18507@node MIPS Embedded
18508@subsection MIPS Embedded
18509
18510@cindex MIPS boards
18511@value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
18512MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
18513you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
18514
18515@need 1000
18516Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
18517
18518@table @code
18519@item target mips @var{port}
18520@kindex target mips @var{port}
18521To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
18522name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
18523command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
18524the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
18525been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
18526download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
18527
18528For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
18529port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
18530debugger:
18531
18532@smallexample
18533host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
18534@value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
18535(@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
18536(@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
18537(@value{GDBP}) run
18538@end smallexample
18539
18540@item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
18541On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
18542connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
18543concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
18544@samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
18545
18546@item target pmon @var{port}
18547@kindex target pmon @var{port}
18548PMON ROM monitor.
18549
18550@item target ddb @var{port}
18551@kindex target ddb @var{port}
18552NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
18553
18554@item target lsi @var{port}
18555@kindex target lsi @var{port}
18556LSI variant of PMON.
18557
18558@kindex target r3900
18559@item target r3900 @var{dev}
18560Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
18561
18562@kindex target array
18563@item target array @var{dev}
18564Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
18565
18566@end table
18567
18568
18569@noindent
18570@value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
18571
18572@table @code
18573@item set mipsfpu double
18574@itemx set mipsfpu single
18575@itemx set mipsfpu none
18576@itemx set mipsfpu auto
18577@itemx show mipsfpu
18578@kindex set mipsfpu
18579@kindex show mipsfpu
18580@cindex MIPS remote floating point
18581@cindex floating point, MIPS remote
18582If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
18583coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
18584need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
18585file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
18586functions which return floating point values. It also allows
18587@value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
18588functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
18589with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
18590processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
18591double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
18592@samp{set mipsfpu double}.
18593
18594In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
18595floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
18596and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
18597
18598As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
18599@samp{show mipsfpu}.
18600
18601@item set timeout @var{seconds}
18602@itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
18603@itemx show timeout
18604@itemx show retransmit-timeout
18605@cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
18606@cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
18607@kindex set timeout
18608@kindex show timeout
18609@kindex set retransmit-timeout
18610@kindex show retransmit-timeout
18611You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
18612remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
18613default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
18614waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
18615retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
18616You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
18617retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
18618@value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
18619
18620The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
18621is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
18622forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
18623to run before stopping.
18624
18625@item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
18626@kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18627@cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
18628Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
18629it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
18630characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
18631
18632@item show syn-garbage-limit
18633@kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18634Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
18635trying to synchronize with the remote system.
18636
18637@item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
18638@kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18639@cindex remote monitor prompt
18640Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
18641remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
18642@table @asis
18643@item pmon target
18644@samp{PMON}
18645@item ddb target
18646@samp{NEC010}
18647@item lsi target
18648@samp{PMON>}
18649@end table
18650
18651@item show monitor-prompt
18652@kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18653Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
18654remote monitor.
18655
18656@item set monitor-warnings
18657@kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18658Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
18659has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
18660display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
18661PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
18662
18663@item show monitor-warnings
18664@kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18665Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
18666
18667@item pmon @var{command}
18668@kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
18669@cindex send PMON command
18670This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
18671monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
18672@end table
18673
18674@node OpenRISC 1000
18675@subsection OpenRISC 1000
18676@cindex OpenRISC 1000
18677
18678@cindex or1k boards
18679See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
18680about platform and commands.
18681
18682@table @code
18683
18684@kindex target jtag
18685@item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
18686
18687Connects to remote JTAG server.
18688JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
18689connected via parallel port to the board.
18690
18691Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
18692
18693@kindex or1ksim
18694@item or1ksim @var{command}
18695If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
18696Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
18697
18698@kindex info or1k spr
18699@item info or1k spr
18700Displays spr groups.
18701
18702@item info or1k spr @var{group}
18703@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
18704Displays register names in selected group.
18705
18706@item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
18707@itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
18708@itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
18709@itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
18710Shows information about specified spr register.
18711
18712@kindex spr
18713@item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
18714@itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
18715@itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
18716@itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
18717Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
18718@end table
18719
18720Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
18721It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
18722program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
18723triggers can be set using:
18724@table @code
18725@item $LEA/$LDATA
18726Load effective address/data
18727@item $SEA/$SDATA
18728Store effective address/data
18729@item $AEA/$ADATA
18730Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
18731@item $FETCH
18732Fetch data
18733@end table
18734
18735When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
18736@code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
18737
18738@code{htrace} commands:
18739@cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
18740@table @code
18741@kindex hwatch
18742@item hwatch @var{conditional}
18743Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
18744or Data. For example:
18745
18746@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18747
18748@code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18749
18750@kindex htrace
18751@item htrace info
18752Display information about current HW trace configuration.
18753
18754@item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
18755Set starting criteria for HW trace.
18756
18757@item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
18758Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
18759
18760@item htrace stop @var{conditional}
18761Set HW trace stopping criteria.
18762
18763@item htrace record [@var{data}]*
18764Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
18765triggered.
18766
18767@item htrace enable
18768@itemx htrace disable
18769Enables/disables the HW trace.
18770
18771@item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
18772Clears currently recorded trace data.
18773
18774If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
18775will be written there.
18776
18777@item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
18778Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
18779
18780@item htrace mode continuous
18781Set continuous trace mode.
18782
18783@item htrace mode suspend
18784Set suspend trace mode.
18785
18786@end table
18787
18788@node PowerPC Embedded
18789@subsection PowerPC Embedded
18790
18791@cindex DVC register
18792@value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
18793implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
18794
18795@smallexample
18796(@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
18797 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
18798@end smallexample
18799
18800The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
18801such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
18802debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
18803variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
18804is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
18805or newer.
18806
18807When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
18808ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
18809in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
18810watching variables of scalar types.
18811
18812You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
18813region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
18814
18815@smallexample
18816(@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
18817(@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
18818@end smallexample
18819
18820PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
18821about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
18822
18823@cindex ranged breakpoint
18824PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
18825@dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
18826the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
18827the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
18828use the @code{break-range} command.
18829
18830@value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
18831
18832@table @code
18833@kindex break-range
18834@item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
18835Set a breakpoint for an address range.
18836@var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
18837a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
18838location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
18839for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
18840The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
18841executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
18842(including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
18843
18844@kindex set powerpc
18845@item set powerpc soft-float
18846@itemx show powerpc soft-float
18847Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
18848convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
18849on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18850
18851@item set powerpc vector-abi
18852@itemx show powerpc vector-abi
18853Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
18854arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
18855@samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
18856@samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
18857registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
18858based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18859
18860@item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
18861@itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
18862Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
18863of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
18864address of its first byte.
18865
18866@kindex target dink32
18867@item target dink32 @var{dev}
18868DINK32 ROM monitor.
18869
18870@kindex target ppcbug
18871@item target ppcbug @var{dev}
18872@kindex target ppcbug1
18873@item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
18874PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
18875
18876@kindex target sds
18877@item target sds @var{dev}
18878SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
18879@end table
18880
18881@cindex SDS protocol
18882The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
18883by @value{GDBN}:
18884
18885@table @code
18886@item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
18887@kindex set sdstimeout
18888Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
18889default is 2 seconds.
18890
18891@item show sdstimeout
18892@kindex show sdstimeout
18893Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
18894
18895@item sds @var{command}
18896@kindex sds@r{, a command}
18897Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
18898@end table
18899
18900
18901@node PA
18902@subsection HP PA Embedded
18903
18904@table @code
18905
18906@kindex target op50n
18907@item target op50n @var{dev}
18908OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
18909
18910@kindex target w89k
18911@item target w89k @var{dev}
18912W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
18913
18914@end table
18915
18916@node Sparclet
18917@subsection Tsqware Sparclet
18918
18919@cindex Sparclet
18920
18921@value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
18922Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
18923@value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18924both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
18925@code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
18926
18927@table @code
18928@item remotetimeout @var{args}
18929@kindex remotetimeout
18930@value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
18931This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18932seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
18933@end table
18934
18935@cindex compiling, on Sparclet
18936When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
18937information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
18938load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
18939@samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
18940
18941@smallexample
18942sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
18943@end smallexample
18944
18945You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
18946
18947@smallexample
18948sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
18949@end smallexample
18950
18951@cindex running, on Sparclet
18952Once you have set
18953your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18954run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
18955(or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
18956
18957@value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18958
18959@smallexample
18960(gdbslet)
18961@end smallexample
18962
18963@menu
18964* Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
18965* Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
18966* Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
18967* Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
18968@end menu
18969
18970@node Sparclet File
18971@subsubsection Setting File to Debug
18972
18973The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
18974
18975@smallexample
18976(gdbslet) file prog
18977@end smallexample
18978
18979@need 1000
18980@value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
18981@value{GDBN} locates
18982the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
18983path.
18984If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
18985files will be searched as well.
18986@value{GDBN} locates
18987the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
18988path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
18989If it fails
18990to find a file, it displays a message such as:
18991
18992@smallexample
18993prog: No such file or directory.
18994@end smallexample
18995
18996When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
18997the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
18998@code{target} command again.
18999
19000@node Sparclet Connection
19001@subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
19002
19003The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
19004To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
19005
19006@smallexample
19007(gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
19008Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
19009main () at ../prog.c:3
19010@end smallexample
19011
19012@need 750
19013@value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19014
19015@smallexample
19016Connected to ttya.
19017@end smallexample
19018
19019@node Sparclet Download
19020@subsubsection Sparclet Download
19021
19022@cindex download to Sparclet
19023Once connected to the Sparclet target,
19024you can use the @value{GDBN}
19025@code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
19026The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
19027command.
19028Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
19029address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
19030offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
19031of each of the file's sections.
19032For instance, if the program
19033@file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
19034and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19035
19036@smallexample
19037(gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
19038Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
19039@end smallexample
19040
19041If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
19042to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
19043to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
19044
19045@node Sparclet Execution
19046@subsubsection Running and Debugging
19047
19048@cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
19049You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
19050commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
19051manual for the list of commands.
19052
19053@smallexample
19054(gdbslet) b main
19055Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
19056(gdbslet) run
19057Starting program: prog
19058Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
190593 char *symarg = 0;
19060(gdbslet) step
190614 char *execarg = "hello!";
19062(gdbslet)
19063@end smallexample
19064
19065@node Sparclite
19066@subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
19067
19068@table @code
19069
19070@kindex target sparclite
19071@item target sparclite @var{dev}
19072Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
19073You must use an additional command to debug the program.
19074For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
19075remote protocol.
19076
19077@end table
19078
19079@node Z8000
19080@subsection Zilog Z8000
19081
19082@cindex Z8000
19083@cindex simulator, Z8000
19084@cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
19085
19086When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
19087a Z8000 simulator.
19088
19089For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
19090unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
19091segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
19092appropriate by inspecting the object code.
19093
19094@table @code
19095@item target sim @var{args}
19096@kindex sim
19097@kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
19098Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
19099options, specify them via @var{args}.
19100@end table
19101
19102@noindent
19103After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
19104CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
19105@code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
19106to run your program, and so on.
19107
19108As well as making available all the usual machine registers
19109(@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
19110additional items of information as specially named registers:
19111
19112@table @code
19113
19114@item cycles
19115Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
19116
19117@item insts
19118Counts instructions run in the simulator.
19119
19120@item time
19121Execution time in 60ths of a second.
19122
19123@end table
19124
19125You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
19126conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
19127conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
19128simulated clock ticks.
19129
19130@node AVR
19131@subsection Atmel AVR
19132@cindex AVR
19133
19134When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
19135following AVR-specific commands:
19136
19137@table @code
19138@item info io_registers
19139@kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
19140@cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
19141This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
19142each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
19143@end table
19144
19145@node CRIS
19146@subsection CRIS
19147@cindex CRIS
19148
19149When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
19150following CRIS-specific commands:
19151
19152@table @code
19153@item set cris-version @var{ver}
19154@cindex CRIS version
19155Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
19156The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
19157case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
19158
19159@item show cris-version
19160Show the current CRIS version.
19161
19162@item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
19163@cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
19164Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
19165Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
19166@code{R59}.
19167
19168@item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
19169Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
19170
19171@item set cris-mode @var{mode}
19172@cindex CRIS mode
19173Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
19174debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
19175@samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
19176
19177@item show cris-mode
19178Show the current CRIS mode.
19179@end table
19180
19181@node Super-H
19182@subsection Renesas Super-H
19183@cindex Super-H
19184
19185For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
19186commands:
19187
19188@table @code
19189@item regs
19190@kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
19191Show the values of all Super-H registers.
19192
19193@item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
19194@kindex set sh calling-convention
19195Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
19196Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
19197With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
19198convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
19199that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
19200is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
19201is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
19202regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
19203default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
19204does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
19205
19206@item show sh calling-convention
19207@kindex show sh calling-convention
19208Show the current calling convention setting.
19209
19210@end table
19211
19212
19213@node Architectures
19214@section Architectures
19215
19216This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
19217all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
19218
19219@menu
19220* i386::
19221* A29K::
19222* Alpha::
19223* MIPS::
19224* HPPA:: HP PA architecture
19225* SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19226* PowerPC::
19227@end menu
19228
19229@node i386
19230@subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
19231
19232@table @code
19233@item set struct-convention @var{mode}
19234@kindex set struct-convention
19235@cindex struct return convention
19236@cindex struct/union returned in registers
19237Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
19238@code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
19239@var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
19240default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
19241are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
19242@code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
19243be returned in a register.
19244
19245@item show struct-convention
19246@kindex show struct-convention
19247Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
19248from functions.
19249@end table
19250
19251@node A29K
19252@subsection A29K
19253
19254@table @code
19255
19256@kindex set rstack_high_address
19257@cindex AMD 29K register stack
19258@cindex register stack, AMD29K
19259@item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
19260On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
19261@dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
19262extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
19263stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
19264memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
19265this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
19266the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
19267address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
19268hexadecimal.
19269
19270@kindex show rstack_high_address
19271@item show rstack_high_address
19272Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
19273processors.
19274
19275@end table
19276
19277@node Alpha
19278@subsection Alpha
19279
19280See the following section.
19281
19282@node MIPS
19283@subsection MIPS
19284
19285@cindex stack on Alpha
19286@cindex stack on MIPS
19287@cindex Alpha stack
19288@cindex MIPS stack
19289Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
19290sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
19291find the beginning of a function.
19292
19293@cindex response time, MIPS debugging
19294To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
19295@value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
19296you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
19297commands:
19298
19299@table @code
19300@cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
19301@item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
19302Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
19303search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
19304default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
19305larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
19306and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
19307this command when debugging a stripped executable.
19308
19309@item show heuristic-fence-post
19310Display the current limit.
19311@end table
19312
19313@noindent
19314These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
19315for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
19316
19317Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
19318programs:
19319
19320@table @code
19321@item set mips abi @var{arg}
19322@kindex set mips abi
19323@cindex set ABI for MIPS
19324Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
19325values of @var{arg} are:
19326
19327@table @samp
19328@item auto
19329The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
19330default).
19331@item o32
19332@item o64
19333@item n32
19334@item n64
19335@item eabi32
19336@item eabi64
19337@item auto
19338@end table
19339
19340@item show mips abi
19341@kindex show mips abi
19342Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
19343
19344@item set mipsfpu
19345@itemx show mipsfpu
19346@xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
19347
19348@item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
19349@kindex set mips mask-address
19350@cindex MIPS addresses, masking
19351This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
19352MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
19353@samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
19354setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
19355
19356@item show mips mask-address
19357@kindex show mips mask-address
19358Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
19359not.
19360
19361@item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19362@kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19363This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
19364transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
19365that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
19366and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
19367
19368@item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19369@kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19370Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
19371
19372@item set debug mips
19373@kindex set debug mips
19374This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
19375target code in @value{GDBN}.
19376
19377@item show debug mips
19378@kindex show debug mips
19379Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
19380@end table
19381
19382
19383@node HPPA
19384@subsection HPPA
19385@cindex HPPA support
19386
19387When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
19388following special commands:
19389
19390@table @code
19391@item set debug hppa
19392@kindex set debug hppa
19393This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
19394messages are to be displayed.
19395
19396@item show debug hppa
19397Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
19398
19399@item maint print unwind @var{address}
19400@kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
19401This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
19402given @var{address}.
19403
19404@end table
19405
19406
19407@node SPU
19408@subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19409@cindex Cell Broadband Engine
19410@cindex SPU
19411
19412When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
19413it provides the following special commands:
19414
19415@table @code
19416@item info spu event
19417@kindex info spu
19418Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
19419and pending event status.
19420
19421@item info spu signal
19422Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
19423signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
19424notification channels.
19425
19426@item info spu mailbox
19427Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
19428in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
19429SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
19430
19431@item info spu dma
19432Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19433DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19434and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19435
19436@item info spu proxydma
19437Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19438Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19439and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19440
19441@end table
19442
19443When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
19444on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
19445special commands:
19446
19447@table @code
19448@item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
19449@kindex set spu
19450Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
19451will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
19452function. The default is @code{off}.
19453
19454@item show spu stop-on-load
19455@kindex show spu
19456Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
19457
19458@item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
19459Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
19460@code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
19461cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
19462view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
19463does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
19464
19465@item show spu auto-flush-cache
19466Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
19467
19468@end table
19469
19470@node PowerPC
19471@subsection PowerPC
19472@cindex PowerPC architecture
19473
19474When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
19475pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
19476numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
19477in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
19478@code{f0} or @code{f2}.
19479
19480The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
19481by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
19482@code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
19483
19484For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
19485wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
19486
19487
19488@node Controlling GDB
19489@chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
19490
19491You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
19492@code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
19493data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
19494described here.
19495
19496@menu
19497* Prompt:: Prompt
19498* Editing:: Command editing
19499* Command History:: Command history
19500* Screen Size:: Screen size
19501* Numbers:: Numbers
19502* ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
19503* Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
19504* Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
19505* Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
19506@end menu
19507
19508@node Prompt
19509@section Prompt
19510
19511@cindex prompt
19512
19513@value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
19514called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
19515can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
19516instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
19517the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
19518which one you are talking to.
19519
19520@emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
19521prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
19522or a prompt that does not.
19523
19524@table @code
19525@kindex set prompt
19526@item set prompt @var{newprompt}
19527Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
19528
19529@kindex show prompt
19530@item show prompt
19531Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
19532@end table
19533
19534@node Editing
19535@section Command Editing
19536@cindex readline
19537@cindex command line editing
19538
19539@value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
19540@sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
19541command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
19542or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
19543substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
19544debugging sessions.
19545
19546You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
19547command @code{set}.
19548
19549@table @code
19550@kindex set editing
19551@cindex editing
19552@item set editing
19553@itemx set editing on
19554Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
19555
19556@item set editing off
19557Disable command line editing.
19558
19559@kindex show editing
19560@item show editing
19561Show whether command line editing is enabled.
19562@end table
19563
19564@ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19565@xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
19566@end ifset
19567@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19568@xref{Command Line Editing},
19569@end ifclear
19570for more details about the Readline
19571interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
19572encouraged to read that chapter.
19573
19574@node Command History
19575@section Command History
19576@cindex command history
19577
19578@value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
19579debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
19580happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
19581history facility.
19582
19583@value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
19584package, to provide the history facility.
19585@ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19586@xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
19587@end ifset
19588@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19589@xref{Using History Interactively},
19590@end ifclear
19591for the detailed description of the History library.
19592
19593To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
19594the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
19595(@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
19596means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
19597affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
19598pressed on a line by itself.
19599
19600@cindex @code{server}, command prefix
19601The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
19602history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
19603use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
19604
19605Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
19606history.
19607
19608@table @code
19609@cindex history substitution
19610@cindex history file
19611@kindex set history filename
19612@cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
19613@item set history filename @var{fname}
19614Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
19615This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
19616list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
19617exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
19618the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
19619to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
19620@file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
19621is not set.
19622
19623@cindex save command history
19624@kindex set history save
19625@item set history save
19626@itemx set history save on
19627Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
19628@code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
19629
19630@item set history save off
19631Stop recording command history in a file.
19632
19633@cindex history size
19634@kindex set history size
19635@cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
19636@item set history size @var{size}
19637Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
19638This defaults to the value of the environment variable
19639@code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
19640@end table
19641
19642History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
19643@ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19644@xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
19645@end ifset
19646@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19647@xref{Event Designators},
19648@end ifclear
19649for more details.
19650
19651@cindex history expansion, turn on/off
19652Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
19653is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
19654@code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
19655follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
19656a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
19657history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
19658@kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
19659
19660The commands to control history expansion are:
19661
19662@table @code
19663@item set history expansion on
19664@itemx set history expansion
19665@kindex set history expansion
19666Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
19667
19668@item set history expansion off
19669Disable history expansion.
19670
19671@c @group
19672@kindex show history
19673@item show history
19674@itemx show history filename
19675@itemx show history save
19676@itemx show history size
19677@itemx show history expansion
19678These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
19679@code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
19680@c @end group
19681@end table
19682
19683@table @code
19684@kindex show commands
19685@cindex show last commands
19686@cindex display command history
19687@item show commands
19688Display the last ten commands in the command history.
19689
19690@item show commands @var{n}
19691Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
19692
19693@item show commands +
19694Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
19695@end table
19696
19697@node Screen Size
19698@section Screen Size
19699@cindex size of screen
19700@cindex pauses in output
19701
19702Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
19703information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
19704@value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
19705output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
19706to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
19707determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
19708printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
19709rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
19710
19711Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
19712driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
19713together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
19714@code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
19715you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
19716width} commands:
19717
19718@table @code
19719@kindex set height
19720@kindex set width
19721@kindex show width
19722@kindex show height
19723@item set height @var{lpp}
19724@itemx show height
19725@itemx set width @var{cpl}
19726@itemx show width
19727These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
19728a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
19729commands display the current settings.
19730
19731If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
19732output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
19733file or to an editor buffer.
19734
19735Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
19736from wrapping its output.
19737
19738@item set pagination on
19739@itemx set pagination off
19740@kindex set pagination
19741Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
19742pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
19743running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
19744Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
19745
19746@item show pagination
19747@kindex show pagination
19748Show the current pagination mode.
19749@end table
19750
19751@node Numbers
19752@section Numbers
19753@cindex number representation
19754@cindex entering numbers
19755
19756You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
19757@value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
19758@samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
19759begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
19760@samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
1976110; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
19762format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
19763both input and output with the commands described below.
19764
19765@table @code
19766@kindex set input-radix
19767@item set input-radix @var{base}
19768Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
19769for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19770specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
19771example, any of
19772
19773@smallexample
19774set input-radix 012
19775set input-radix 10.
19776set input-radix 0xa
19777@end smallexample
19778
19779@noindent
19780sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
19781leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
19782@samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
19783interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
19784@samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
19785change the radix.
19786
19787@kindex set output-radix
19788@item set output-radix @var{base}
19789Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
19790for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19791specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
19792
19793@kindex show input-radix
19794@item show input-radix
19795Display the current default base for numeric input.
19796
19797@kindex show output-radix
19798@item show output-radix
19799Display the current default base for numeric display.
19800
19801@item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
19802@itemx show radix
19803@kindex set radix
19804@kindex show radix
19805These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
19806of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
19807the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
19808default value of 10.
19809
19810@end table
19811
19812@node ABI
19813@section Configuring the Current ABI
19814
19815@value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
19816application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
19817conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
19818current ABI.
19819
19820@cindex OS ABI
19821@kindex set osabi
19822@kindex show osabi
19823
19824One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
19825system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
19826@value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
19827but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
19828One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
19829an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
19830not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
19831platform provides.
19832
19833@table @code
19834@item show osabi
19835Show the OS ABI currently in use.
19836
19837@item set osabi
19838With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
19839
19840@item set osabi @var{abi}
19841Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
19842@end table
19843
19844@cindex float promotion
19845
19846Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
19847function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
19848(i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
19849according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
19850(i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
19851@code{double} and then passed.
19852
19853Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
19854a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
19855as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
19856
19857@table @code
19858@kindex set coerce-float-to-double
19859@item set coerce-float-to-double
19860@itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
19861Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
19862to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
19863
19864@item set coerce-float-to-double off
19865Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
19866functions.
19867
19868@kindex show coerce-float-to-double
19869@item show coerce-float-to-double
19870Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
19871@end table
19872
19873@kindex set cp-abi
19874@kindex show cp-abi
19875@value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
19876objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
19877used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
19878programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
19879multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
19880program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
19881Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
19882before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
19883``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
19884use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
19885``auto''.
19886
19887@table @code
19888@item show cp-abi
19889Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
19890
19891@item set cp-abi
19892With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
19893
19894@item set cp-abi @var{abi}
19895@itemx set cp-abi auto
19896Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
19897@end table
19898
19899@node Messages/Warnings
19900@section Optional Warnings and Messages
19901
19902@cindex verbose operation
19903@cindex optional warnings
19904By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
19905running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
19906command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
19907internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
19908
19909Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
19910which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
19911see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
19912
19913@table @code
19914@kindex set verbose
19915@item set verbose on
19916Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19917
19918@item set verbose off
19919Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19920
19921@kindex show verbose
19922@item show verbose
19923Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
19924@end table
19925
19926By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
19927object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
19928find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
19929Symbol Files}).
19930
19931@table @code
19932
19933@kindex set complaints
19934@item set complaints @var{limit}
19935Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
19936unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
19937@var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
19938to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
19939
19940@kindex show complaints
19941@item show complaints
19942Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
19943
19944@end table
19945
19946@anchor{confirmation requests}
19947By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
19948lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
19949you try to run a program which is already running:
19950
19951@smallexample
19952(@value{GDBP}) run
19953The program being debugged has been started already.
19954Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
19955@end smallexample
19956
19957If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
19958commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
19959
19960@table @code
19961
19962@kindex set confirm
19963@cindex flinching
19964@cindex confirmation
19965@cindex stupid questions
19966@item set confirm off
19967Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
19968the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
19969automatically disables confirmation requests.
19970
19971@item set confirm on
19972Enables confirmation requests (the default).
19973
19974@kindex show confirm
19975@item show confirm
19976Displays state of confirmation requests.
19977
19978@end table
19979
19980@cindex command tracing
19981If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
19982useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
19983printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
19984quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
19985
19986@table @code
19987@kindex set trace-commands
19988@cindex command scripts, debugging
19989@item set trace-commands on
19990Enable command tracing.
19991@item set trace-commands off
19992Disable command tracing.
19993@item show trace-commands
19994Display the current state of command tracing.
19995@end table
19996
19997@node Debugging Output
19998@section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
19999@cindex optional debugging messages
20000
20001@value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
20002various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
20003interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
20004section documents those commands.
20005
20006@table @code
20007@kindex set exec-done-display
20008@item set exec-done-display
20009Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
20010completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
20011asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
20012@kindex show exec-done-display
20013@item show exec-done-display
20014Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
20015notification.
20016@kindex set debug
20017@cindex gdbarch debugging info
20018@cindex architecture debugging info
20019@item set debug arch
20020Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
20021@kindex show debug
20022@item show debug arch
20023Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
20024@item set debug aix-thread
20025@cindex AIX threads
20026Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
20027module.
20028@item show debug aix-thread
20029Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
20030@item set debug dwarf2-die
20031@cindex DWARF2 DIEs
20032Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
20033The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
20034A value of zero turns off the display.
20035@item show debug dwarf2-die
20036Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
20037@item set debug displaced
20038@cindex displaced stepping debugging info
20039Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
20040displaced stepping support. The default is off.
20041@item show debug displaced
20042Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
20043related to displaced stepping.
20044@item set debug event
20045@cindex event debugging info
20046Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
20047default is off.
20048@item show debug event
20049Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
20050info.
20051@item set debug expression
20052@cindex expression debugging info
20053Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
20054expression parsing. The default is off.
20055@item show debug expression
20056Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
20057@value{GDBN} expression parsing.
20058@item set debug frame
20059@cindex frame debugging info
20060Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
20061default is off.
20062@item show debug frame
20063Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
20064info.
20065@item set debug gnu-nat
20066@cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
20067Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
20068@item show debug gnu-nat
20069Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
20070@item set debug infrun
20071@cindex inferior debugging info
20072Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
20073The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
20074for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
20075@item show debug infrun
20076Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
20077@item set debug jit
20078@cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
20079Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
20080@item show debug jit
20081Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
20082@item set debug lin-lwp
20083@cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
20084@cindex Linux lightweight processes
20085Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
20086@item show debug lin-lwp
20087Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
20088@item set debug observer
20089@cindex observer debugging info
20090Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
20091includes info such as the notification of observable events.
20092@item show debug observer
20093Displays the current state of observer debugging.
20094@item set debug overload
20095@cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
20096Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
20097info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
20098is off.
20099@item show debug overload
20100Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
20101debugging info.
20102@cindex expression parser, debugging info
20103@cindex debug expression parser
20104@item set debug parser
20105Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
20106Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
20107parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
20108details. The default is off.
20109@item show debug parser
20110Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
20111@cindex packets, reporting on stdout
20112@cindex serial connections, debugging
20113@cindex debug remote protocol
20114@cindex remote protocol debugging
20115@cindex display remote packets
20116@item set debug remote
20117Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
20118the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
20119@value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
20120@item show debug remote
20121Displays the state of display of remote packets.
20122@item set debug serial
20123Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
20124default is off.
20125@item show debug serial
20126Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
20127info.
20128@item set debug solib-frv
20129@cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
20130Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
20131@item show debug solib-frv
20132Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
20133messages.
20134@item set debug target
20135@cindex target debugging info
20136Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
20137includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
20138default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
20139value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
20140until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
20141@item show debug target
20142Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
20143info.
20144@item set debug timestamp
20145@cindex timestampping debugging info
20146Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
20147When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
20148message.
20149@item show debug timestamp
20150Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
20151debugging info.
20152@item set debugvarobj
20153@cindex variable object debugging info
20154Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
20155info. The default is off.
20156@item show debugvarobj
20157Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
20158debugging info.
20159@item set debug xml
20160@cindex XML parser debugging
20161Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
20162@item show debug xml
20163Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
20164@end table
20165
20166@node Other Misc Settings
20167@section Other Miscellaneous Settings
20168@cindex miscellaneous settings
20169
20170@table @code
20171@kindex set interactive-mode
20172@item set interactive-mode
20173If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
20174in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
20175for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
20176the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
20177in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
20178If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
20179its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
20180is, non-interactively otherwise.
20181
20182In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
20183correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
20184in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
20185inside a cygwin window.
20186
20187@kindex show interactive-mode
20188@item show interactive-mode
20189Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
20190@end table
20191
20192@node Extending GDB
20193@chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
20194@cindex extending GDB
20195
20196@value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
20197on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
20198Python scripting language.
20199
20200To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
20201of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
20202can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
20203the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
20204are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20205@xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
20206
20207You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
20208setting:
20209
20210@table @code
20211@kindex set script-extension
20212@kindex show script-extension
20213@item set script-extension off
20214All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20215
20216@item set script-extension soft
20217The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20218extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
20219evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
20220the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
20221
20222@item set script-extension strict
20223The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20224extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
20225language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
20226
20227@item show script-extension
20228Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
20229
20230@end table
20231
20232@menu
20233* Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
20234* Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20235@end menu
20236
20237@node Sequences
20238@section Canned Sequences of Commands
20239
20240Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
20241Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
20242commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
20243files.
20244
20245@menu
20246* Define:: How to define your own commands
20247* Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
20248* Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
20249* Output:: Commands for controlled output
20250@end menu
20251
20252@node Define
20253@subsection User-defined Commands
20254
20255@cindex user-defined command
20256@cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
20257A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
20258which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
20259@code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
20260separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
20261via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
20262
20263@smallexample
20264define adder
20265 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20266end
20267@end smallexample
20268
20269@noindent
20270To execute the command use:
20271
20272@smallexample
20273adder 1 2 3
20274@end smallexample
20275
20276@noindent
20277This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
20278its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
20279reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
20280functions calls.
20281
20282@cindex argument count in user-defined commands
20283@cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
20284In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
20285been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
20286
20287@smallexample
20288define adder
20289 if $argc == 2
20290 print $arg0 + $arg1
20291 end
20292 if $argc == 3
20293 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20294 end
20295end
20296@end smallexample
20297
20298@table @code
20299
20300@kindex define
20301@item define @var{commandname}
20302Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
20303by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
20304@var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
20305numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
20306prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
20307a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
20308
20309The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
20310which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
20311commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20312
20313@kindex document
20314@kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
20315@item document @var{commandname}
20316Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
20317accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
20318defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
20319reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
20320After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
20321@var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
20322
20323You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
20324documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
20325does not change the documentation.
20326
20327@kindex dont-repeat
20328@cindex don't repeat command
20329@item dont-repeat
20330Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
20331command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
20332(@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
20333
20334@kindex help user-defined
20335@item help user-defined
20336List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
20337(if any) for each.
20338
20339@kindex show user
20340@item show user
20341@itemx show user @var{commandname}
20342Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
20343not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
20344definitions for all user-defined commands.
20345
20346@cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
20347@kindex show max-user-call-depth
20348@kindex set max-user-call-depth
20349@item show max-user-call-depth
20350@itemx set max-user-call-depth
20351The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
20352levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
20353infinite recursion and aborts the command.
20354@end table
20355
20356In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
20357use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
20358
20359When user-defined commands are executed, the
20360commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
20361stops execution of the user-defined command.
20362
20363If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
20364without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
20365commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
20366messages when used in a user-defined command.
20367
20368@node Hooks
20369@subsection User-defined Command Hooks
20370@cindex command hooks
20371@cindex hooks, for commands
20372@cindex hooks, pre-command
20373
20374@kindex hook
20375You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
20376command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
20377command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
20378before that command.
20379
20380@cindex hooks, post-command
20381@kindex hookpost
20382A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
20383Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
20384@samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
20385that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
20386pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
20387
20388It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
20389occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
20390
20391@c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
20392@c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
20393
20394@kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
20395In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
20396(@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
20397execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
20398displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
20399
20400For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
20401single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
20402you could define:
20403
20404@smallexample
20405define hook-stop
20406handle SIGALRM nopass
20407end
20408
20409define hook-run
20410handle SIGALRM pass
20411end
20412
20413define hook-continue
20414handle SIGALRM pass
20415end
20416@end smallexample
20417
20418As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
20419command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
20420you could define:
20421
20422@smallexample
20423define hook-echo
20424echo <<<---
20425end
20426
20427define hookpost-echo
20428echo --->>>\n
20429end
20430
20431(@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
20432<<<---Hello World--->>>
20433(@value{GDBP})
20434
20435@end smallexample
20436
20437You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
20438not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
20439name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
20440@c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
20441@c or not?
20442You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
20443@code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
20444@samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
20445
20446If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
20447@value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
20448(before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
20449
20450If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
20451get a warning from the @code{define} command.
20452
20453@node Command Files
20454@subsection Command Files
20455
20456@cindex command files
20457@cindex scripting commands
20458A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
20459@value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
20460also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
20461does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
20462terminal.
20463
20464You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
20465command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
20466scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
20467using the @code{script-extension} setting.
20468@xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
20469
20470@table @code
20471@kindex source
20472@cindex execute commands from a file
20473@item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
20474Execute the command file @var{filename}.
20475@end table
20476
20477The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
20478unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
20479@emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
20480printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
20481execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
20482
20483@value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
20484If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
20485directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
20486(specified with the @samp{directory} command);
20487except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
20488is not relevant to scripts.
20489
20490If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
20491on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
20492The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
20493search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
20494and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20495look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
20496The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
20497For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
20498the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20499look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
20500For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
20501it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
20502@file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
20503will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
20504
20505If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
20506each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
20507@var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
20508
20509Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
20510without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
20511normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
20512when called from command files.
20513
20514@value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
20515mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
20516standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
20517not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
20518the next command.
20519
20520@smallexample
20521gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
20522@end smallexample
20523
20524(The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
20525will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
20526would be directed to @file{log}.
20527
20528Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
20529commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
20530complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
20531variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
20532built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
20533deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
20534complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
20535conditionally, etc.
20536
20537@table @code
20538@kindex if
20539@kindex else
20540@item if
20541@itemx else
20542This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
20543commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
20544expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
20545are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
20546There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
20547of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
20548end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20549
20550@kindex while
20551@item while
20552This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
20553@code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
20554to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
20555line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
20556@dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
20557executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
20558
20559@kindex loop_break
20560@item loop_break
20561This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
20562Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
20563line.
20564
20565@kindex loop_continue
20566@item loop_continue
20567This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
20568in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
20569branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
20570the controlling expression.
20571
20572@kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
20573@item end
20574Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
20575@code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
20576@end table
20577
20578
20579@node Output
20580@subsection Commands for Controlled Output
20581
20582During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
20583@value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
20584explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
20585describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
20586want.
20587
20588@table @code
20589@kindex echo
20590@item echo @var{text}
20591@c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
20592@c because it is not in ANSI.
20593Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
20594@var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
20595newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
20596In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
20597by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
20598string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
20599trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
20600To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
20601@samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
20602
20603A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
20604the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
20605
20606@smallexample
20607echo This is some text\n\
20608which is continued\n\
20609onto several lines.\n
20610@end smallexample
20611
20612produces the same output as
20613
20614@smallexample
20615echo This is some text\n
20616echo which is continued\n
20617echo onto several lines.\n
20618@end smallexample
20619
20620@kindex output
20621@item output @var{expression}
20622Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
20623newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
20624value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
20625on expressions.
20626
20627@item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
20628Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
20629the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
20630Formats}, for more information.
20631
20632@kindex printf
20633@item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20634Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20635the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
20636@var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
20637which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
20638specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
20639executing the code below:
20640
20641@smallexample
20642printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
20643@end smallexample
20644
20645As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
20646are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
20647by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
20648evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
20649style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
20650printed.
20651
20652For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
20653
20654@smallexample
20655printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
20656@end smallexample
20657
20658@code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
20659specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
20660character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
20661
20662@itemize @bullet
20663@item
20664The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
20665
20666@item
20667The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
20668width.
20669
20670@item
20671The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
20672@code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
20673
20674@item
20675The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
20676supported.
20677
20678@item
20679The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
20680
20681@item
20682The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
20683@end itemize
20684
20685@noindent
20686Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
20687underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
20688the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
20689supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
20690
20691As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
20692sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
20693@samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
20694single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
20695supported.
20696
20697Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
20698(@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
20699together with a floating point specifier.
20700letters:
20701
20702@itemize @bullet
20703@item
20704@samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
20705
20706@item
20707@samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
20708
20709@item
20710@samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
20711@end itemize
20712
20713If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
20714support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
20715such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
20716
20717In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
20718available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
20719
20720Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
20721@smallexample
20722printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
20723@end smallexample
20724
20725@kindex eval
20726@item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20727Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20728the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
20729
20730@end table
20731
20732@node Python
20733@section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20734@cindex python scripting
20735@cindex scripting with python
20736
20737You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
20738Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
20739@value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
20740
20741@cindex python directory
20742Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
20743@file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
20744the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
20745This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
20746is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
20747the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
20748
20749@menu
20750* Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
20751* Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
20752* Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
20753* Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
20754@end menu
20755
20756@node Python Commands
20757@subsection Python Commands
20758@cindex python commands
20759@cindex commands to access python
20760
20761@value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
20762and one related setting:
20763
20764@table @code
20765@kindex python
20766@item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
20767The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
20768
20769If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
20770argument as a Python command. For example:
20771
20772@smallexample
20773(@value{GDBP}) python print 23
2077423
20775@end smallexample
20776
20777If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
20778multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
20779script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
20780@code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
20781containing @code{end}. For example:
20782
20783@smallexample
20784(@value{GDBP}) python
20785Type python script
20786End with a line saying just "end".
20787>print 23
20788>end
2078923
20790@end smallexample
20791
20792@kindex maint set python print-stack
20793@item maint set python print-stack
20794By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
20795in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
20796python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
20797printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
20798disabled.
20799@end table
20800
20801It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
20802interpreter:
20803
20804@table @code
20805@item source @file{script-name}
20806The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
20807to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
20808the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
20809
20810@item python execfile ("script-name")
20811This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
20812and thus is always available.
20813@end table
20814
20815@node Python API
20816@subsection Python API
20817@cindex python api
20818@cindex programming in python
20819
20820@cindex python stdout
20821@cindex python pagination
20822At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
20823@code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
20824A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
20825output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
20826situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
20827
20828@menu
20829* Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
20830* Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
20831* Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
20832* Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
20833* Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
20834* Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
20835* Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
20836* Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
20837* Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
20838* Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
20839* Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
20840* Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
20841* Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
20842* Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
20843* Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
20844* Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20845* Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
20846* Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
20847* Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
20848* Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
20849* Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
20850@end menu
20851
20852@node Basic Python
20853@subsubsection Basic Python
20854
20855@cindex python functions
20856@cindex python module
20857@cindex gdb module
20858@value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
20859methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
20860@value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
20861use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
20862
20863@findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
20864@defvar PYTHONDIR
20865A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
20866@end defvar
20867
20868@findex gdb.execute
20869@defun execute command [from_tty] [to_string]
20870Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20871If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
20872translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
20873
20874@var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
20875command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
20876It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
20877
20878By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
20879@value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
20880@code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
20881returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
20882return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
20883@value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
20884and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
20885@end defun
20886
20887@findex gdb.breakpoints
20888@defun breakpoints
20889Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
20890@xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
20891@end defun
20892
20893@findex gdb.parameter
20894@defun parameter parameter
20895Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
20896string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
20897spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
20898@samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
20899
20900If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
20901@code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
20902parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
20903type, and returned.
20904@end defun
20905
20906@findex gdb.history
20907@defun history number
20908Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
20909History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
20910If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
20911and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
20912find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
20913return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
20914doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
20915raised.
20916
20917If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
20918@code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
20919@end defun
20920
20921@findex gdb.parse_and_eval
20922@defun parse_and_eval expression
20923Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
20924evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20925@var{expression} must be a string.
20926
20927This function can be useful when implementing a new command
20928(@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
20929command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
20930compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
20931convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20932@end defun
20933
20934@findex gdb.post_event
20935@defun post_event event
20936Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
20937@value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
20938some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
20939posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
20940were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
20941processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
20942
20943@value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
20944threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
20945functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
20946this. For example:
20947
20948@smallexample
20949(@value{GDBP}) python
20950>import threading
20951>
20952>class Writer():
20953> def __init__(self, message):
20954> self.message = message;
20955> def __call__(self):
20956> gdb.write(self.message)
20957>
20958>class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
20959> def run (self):
20960> gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
20961>
20962>class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
20963> def run (self):
20964> gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
20965>
20966>MyThread1().start()
20967>MyThread2().start()
20968>end
20969(@value{GDBP}) Hello World
20970@end smallexample
20971@end defun
20972
20973@findex gdb.write
20974@defun write string @r{[}stream{]}
20975Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
20976optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
20977stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
20978values are:
20979
20980@table @code
20981@findex STDOUT
20982@findex gdb.STDOUT
20983@item STDOUT
20984@value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
20985
20986@findex STDERR
20987@findex gdb.STDERR
20988@item STDERR
20989@value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
20990
20991@findex STDLOG
20992@findex gdb.STDLOG
20993@item STDLOG
20994@value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
20995@end table
20996
20997Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
20998call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
20999relevant stream.
21000@end defun
21001
21002@findex gdb.flush
21003@defun flush
21004Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
21005contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
21006contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
21007buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
21008default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
21009stream values are:
21010
21011@table @code
21012@findex STDOUT
21013@findex gdb.STDOUT
21014@item STDOUT
21015@value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
21016
21017@findex STDERR
21018@findex gdb.STDERR
21019@item STDERR
21020@value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
21021
21022@findex STDLOG
21023@findex gdb.STDLOG
21024@item STDLOG
21025@value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
21026
21027@end table
21028
21029Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
21030call this function for the relevant stream.
21031@end defun
21032
21033@findex gdb.target_charset
21034@defun target_charset
21035Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
21036Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
21037that @samp{auto} is never returned.
21038@end defun
21039
21040@findex gdb.target_wide_charset
21041@defun target_wide_charset
21042Return the name of the current target wide character set
21043(@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
21044@code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
21045never returned.
21046@end defun
21047
21048@findex gdb.solib_name
21049@defun solib_name address
21050Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
21051as a string, or @code{None}.
21052@end defun
21053
21054@findex gdb.decode_line
21055@defun decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
21056Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
21057current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
21058tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
21059holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
21060the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
21061either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
21062that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
21063objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
21064provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
21065@code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
21066@end defun
21067
21068@node Exception Handling
21069@subsubsection Exception Handling
21070@cindex python exceptions
21071@cindex exceptions, python
21072
21073When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
21074uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
21075@value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
21076@code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
21077terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
21078exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
21079backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
21080
21081@smallexample
21082(@value{GDBP}) python print foo
21083Traceback (most recent call last):
21084 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
21085NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
21086@end smallexample
21087
21088@value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
21089Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
21090Python exception depends on the error.
21091
21092@ftable @code
21093@item gdb.error
21094This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
21095It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
21096versions of @value{GDBN}.
21097
21098If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
21099specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
21100
21101@item gdb.MemoryError
21102This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
21103operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
21104
21105@item KeyboardInterrupt
21106User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
21107prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
21108@end ftable
21109
21110In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
21111message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
21112statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
21113traceback.
21114
21115@findex gdb.GdbError
21116When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
21117it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
21118traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
21119command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
21120to handle this case. Example:
21121
21122@smallexample
21123(gdb) python
21124>class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
21125> """Greet the whole world."""
21126> def __init__ (self):
21127> super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
21128> def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
21129> argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
21130> if len (argv) != 0:
21131> raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
21132> print "Hello, World!"
21133>HelloWorld ()
21134>end
21135(gdb) hello-world 42
21136hello-world takes no arguments
21137@end smallexample
21138
21139@node Values From Inferior
21140@subsubsection Values From Inferior
21141@cindex values from inferior, with Python
21142@cindex python, working with values from inferior
21143
21144@cindex @code{gdb.Value}
21145@value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
21146an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
21147for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
21148fetching values when necessary.
21149
21150Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
21151Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
21152an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
21153
21154@smallexample
21155bar = some_val + 2
21156@end smallexample
21157
21158@noindent
21159As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
21160whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
21161
21162Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
21163be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
21164@code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
21165can access its @code{foo} element with:
21166
21167@smallexample
21168bar = some_val['foo']
21169@end smallexample
21170
21171Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
21172
21173A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
21174inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
21175the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
21176by that prototype.
21177
21178For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
21179representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
21180execute this function, call it like so:
21181
21182@smallexample
21183result = some_val (10,20)
21184@end smallexample
21185
21186Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
21187@code{gdb.Value}.
21188
21189The following attributes are provided:
21190
21191@table @code
21192@defivar Value address
21193If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
21194@code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
21195this attribute holds @code{None}.
21196@end defivar
21197
21198@cindex optimized out value in Python
21199@defivar Value is_optimized_out
21200This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
21201this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
21202@end defivar
21203
21204@defivar Value type
21205The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
21206@code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
21207@end defivar
21208
21209@defivar Value dynamic_type
21210The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
21211type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
21212value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
21213which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
21214reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
21215referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
21216respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
21217type.
21218
21219Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
21220that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
21221it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
21222(@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
21223@end defivar
21224@end table
21225
21226The following methods are provided:
21227
21228@table @code
21229@defmethod Value __init__ @var{val}
21230Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
21231this object initializer. Specifically:
21232
21233@table @asis
21234@item Python boolean
21235A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
21236language.
21237
21238@item Python integer
21239A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
21240current architecture.
21241
21242@item Python long
21243A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
21244current architecture.
21245
21246@item Python float
21247A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
21248current architecture.
21249
21250@item Python string
21251A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
21252target encoding.
21253
21254@item @code{gdb.Value}
21255If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
21256
21257@item @code{gdb.LazyString}
21258If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
21259Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
21260its result is used.
21261@end table
21262@end defmethod
21263
21264@defmethod Value cast type
21265Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
21266casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
21267be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
21268reason, this method throws an exception.
21269@end defmethod
21270
21271@defmethod Value dereference
21272For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
21273whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
21274@code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
21275
21276@smallexample
21277int *foo;
21278@end smallexample
21279
21280@noindent
21281then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
21282@code{foo} points to like this:
21283
21284@smallexample
21285bar = foo.dereference ()
21286@end smallexample
21287
21288The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
21289value pointed to by @code{foo}.
21290@end defmethod
21291
21292@defmethod Value dynamic_cast type
21293Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
21294operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21295@end defmethod
21296
21297@defmethod Value reinterpret_cast type
21298Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
21299operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21300@end defmethod
21301
21302@defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21303If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21304converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
21305throw an exception.
21306
21307Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
21308@code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
21309language.
21310
21311For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
21312array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
21313by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
21314argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
21315ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
21316
21317If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21318naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
21319@code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
21320the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
21321@code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
21322to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
21323@var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
21324(@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
21325will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
21326
21327The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
21328argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
21329
21330If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21331fetched and converted to the given length.
21332@end defmethod
21333
21334@defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21335If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21336converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
21337In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
21338
21339If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21340naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
21341@samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
21342@var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
21343recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
21344
21345When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
21346used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
21347@var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
21348@value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
21349the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
21350please see @ref{Character Sets}.
21351
21352If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21353fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
21354the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
21355and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
21356@end defmethod
21357@end table
21358
21359@node Types In Python
21360@subsubsection Types In Python
21361@cindex types in Python
21362@cindex Python, working with types
21363
21364@tindex gdb.Type
21365@value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
21366@code{gdb.Type}.
21367
21368The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21369module:
21370
21371@findex gdb.lookup_type
21372@defun lookup_type name [block]
21373This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
21374type to look up. It must be a string.
21375
21376If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21377Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21378
21379Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
21380If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
21381@end defun
21382
21383An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
21384
21385@table @code
21386@defivar Type code
21387The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
21388@code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
21389@end defivar
21390
21391@defivar Type sizeof
21392The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
21393target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
21394unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
21395@end defivar
21396
21397@defivar Type tag
21398The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
21399@code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
21400languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
21401@code{None} is returned.
21402@end defivar
21403@end table
21404
21405The following methods are provided:
21406
21407@table @code
21408@defmethod Type fields
21409For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
21410types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
21411have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
21412field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
21413represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
21414into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
21415
21416Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
21417@table @code
21418@item bitpos
21419This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
21420C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
21421position of the field.
21422
21423@item name
21424The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
21425
21426@item artificial
21427This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
21428it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
21429always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
21430
21431@item is_base_class
21432This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
21433structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
21434if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
21435@code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
21436
21437@item bitsize
21438If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
21439non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
21440this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
21441
21442@item type
21443The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
21444but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
21445@end table
21446@end defmethod
21447
21448@defmethod Type array @var{n1} @r{[}@var{n2}@r{]}
21449Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
21450type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
21451the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
21452given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
21453second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
21454must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
21455@end defmethod
21456
21457@defmethod Type const
21458Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21459@code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
21460@end defmethod
21461
21462@defmethod Type volatile
21463Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21464@code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
21465@end defmethod
21466
21467@defmethod Type unqualified
21468Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
21469variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
21470@code{volatile}.
21471@end defmethod
21472
21473@defmethod Type range
21474Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
21475low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
21476the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
21477@code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
21478@end defmethod
21479
21480@defmethod Type reference
21481Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
21482type.
21483@end defmethod
21484
21485@defmethod Type pointer
21486Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
21487type.
21488@end defmethod
21489
21490@defmethod Type strip_typedefs
21491Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
21492after removing all layers of typedefs.
21493@end defmethod
21494
21495@defmethod Type target
21496Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
21497of this type.
21498
21499For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
21500object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
21501the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
21502the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
21503the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
21504target type is the aliased type.
21505
21506If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
21507exception.
21508@end defmethod
21509
21510@defmethod Type template_argument n [block]
21511If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
21512return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
21513@var{n}th template argument.
21514
21515If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
21516exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
21517
21518If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21519Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21520@end defmethod
21521@end table
21522
21523
21524Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
21525into. The available type categories are represented by constants
21526defined in the @code{gdb} module:
21527
21528@table @code
21529@findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
21530@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
21531@item TYPE_CODE_PTR
21532The type is a pointer.
21533
21534@findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21535@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21536@item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21537The type is an array.
21538
21539@findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21540@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21541@item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21542The type is a structure.
21543
21544@findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
21545@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
21546@item TYPE_CODE_UNION
21547The type is a union.
21548
21549@findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21550@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21551@item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21552The type is an enum.
21553
21554@findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21555@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21556@item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21557A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
21558
21559@findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21560@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21561@item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21562The type is a function.
21563
21564@findex TYPE_CODE_INT
21565@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
21566@item TYPE_CODE_INT
21567The type is an integer type.
21568
21569@findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
21570@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
21571@item TYPE_CODE_FLT
21572A floating point type.
21573
21574@findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
21575@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
21576@item TYPE_CODE_VOID
21577The special type @code{void}.
21578
21579@findex TYPE_CODE_SET
21580@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
21581@item TYPE_CODE_SET
21582A Pascal set type.
21583
21584@findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21585@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21586@item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21587A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
21588
21589@findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
21590@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
21591@item TYPE_CODE_STRING
21592A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
21593language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
21594
21595@findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21596@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21597@item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21598A string of bits.
21599
21600@findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21601@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21602@item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21603An unknown or erroneous type.
21604
21605@findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21606@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21607@item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21608A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
21609
21610@findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21611@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21612@item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21613A pointer-to-member-function.
21614
21615@findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21616@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21617@item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21618A pointer-to-member.
21619
21620@findex TYPE_CODE_REF
21621@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
21622@item TYPE_CODE_REF
21623A reference type.
21624
21625@findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21626@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21627@item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21628A character type.
21629
21630@findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21631@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21632@item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21633A boolean type.
21634
21635@findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21636@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21637@item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21638A complex float type.
21639
21640@findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21641@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21642@item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21643A typedef to some other type.
21644
21645@findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21646@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21647@item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21648A C@t{++} namespace.
21649
21650@findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21651@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21652@item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21653A decimal floating point type.
21654
21655@findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21656@findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21657@item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21658A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
21659convenience functions.
21660@end table
21661
21662Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
21663Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
21664
21665@node Pretty Printing API
21666@subsubsection Pretty Printing API
21667
21668An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
21669
21670A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
21671specific interface, defined here.
21672
21673@defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
21674@value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
21675children of the pretty-printer's value.
21676
21677This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
21678protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
21679two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
21680second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
21681object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
21682
21683This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
21684as though the value has no children.
21685@end defop
21686
21687@defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
21688The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
21689formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
21690consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
21691printed.
21692
21693This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
21694string.
21695
21696Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
21697
21698@table @samp
21699@item array
21700Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
21701uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
21702@code{set print array}.
21703
21704@item map
21705Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
21706children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
21707values.
21708
21709@item string
21710Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
21711printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
21712kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
21713string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
21714adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
21715@code{set print elements}, and the like.
21716@end table
21717@end defop
21718
21719@defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
21720@value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
21721representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
21722
21723When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
21724then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
21725@code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
21726the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
21727depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
21728print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
21729the result of @code{children}.
21730
21731If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
21732
21733Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
21734then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
21735another pretty-printer.
21736
21737If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
21738@code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
21739the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
21740pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
21741strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
21742
21743Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
21744are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
21745
21746If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
21747@end defop
21748
21749@value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
21750default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
21751
21752@findex gdb.default_visualizer
21753@defun default_visualizer value
21754This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
21755pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
21756printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
21757@end defun
21758
21759@node Selecting Pretty-Printers
21760@subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
21761
21762The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
21763functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
21764as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
21765printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
21766Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
21767Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
21768attribute.
21769
21770Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
21771argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
21772interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
21773cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
21774@code{None}.
21775
21776@value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
21777@code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
21778each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
21779until it receives a pretty-printer object.
21780If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
21781searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
21782calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
21783After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
21784@code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
21785object is returned.
21786
21787The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
21788given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
21789and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
21790object is returned.
21791
21792For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
21793For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
21794the pretty-printer is out of date.
21795
21796The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
21797@value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
21798printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
21799a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
21800with a broken printer.
21801
21802Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
21803attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
21804is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
21805the printer is enabled.
21806
21807@node Writing a Pretty-Printer
21808@subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
21809@cindex writing a pretty-printer
21810
21811A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
21812if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
21813
21814Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
21815written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
21816must provide.
21817
21818@smallexample
21819class StdStringPrinter(object):
21820 "Print a std::string"
21821
21822 def __init__(self, val):
21823 self.val = val
21824
21825 def to_string(self):
21826 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
21827
21828 def display_hint(self):
21829 return 'string'
21830@end smallexample
21831
21832And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
21833example above might be written.
21834
21835@smallexample
21836def str_lookup_function(val):
21837 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
21838 if lookup_tag == None:
21839 return None
21840 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
21841 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
21842 return StdStringPrinter(val)
21843 return None
21844@end smallexample
21845
21846The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
21847match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
21848printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
21849returns @code{None}.
21850
21851We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
21852package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
21853further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
21854This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
21855your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
21856different names.
21857
21858You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
21859can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
21860ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
21861printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
21862the current objfile.
21863
21864Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
21865inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
21866Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
21867@value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
21868Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
21869because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
21870printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
21871printers for the specific version of the library used by each
21872inferior.
21873
21874To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
21875this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
21876
21877@smallexample
21878def register_printers(objfile):
21879 objfile.pretty_printers.add(str_lookup_function)
21880@end smallexample
21881
21882@noindent
21883And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
21884
21885@smallexample
21886import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
21887gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
21888@end smallexample
21889
21890The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
21891There are a few things that can be improved on.
21892The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
21893list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
21894lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
21895
21896Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
21897several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
21898in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
21899several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
21900If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
21901@dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
21902
21903The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
21904problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
21905Here is another example that handles multiple types.
21906
21907These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
21908
21909@smallexample
21910struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
21911struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
21912@end smallexample
21913
21914Here are the printers:
21915
21916@smallexample
21917class fooPrinter:
21918 """Print a foo object."""
21919
21920 def __init__(self, val):
21921 self.val = val
21922
21923 def to_string(self):
21924 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
21925 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
21926
21927class barPrinter:
21928 """Print a bar object."""
21929
21930 def __init__(self, val):
21931 self.val = val
21932
21933 def to_string(self):
21934 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
21935 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
21936@end smallexample
21937
21938This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
21939@code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
21940the object that handles the lookup.
21941
21942@smallexample
21943import gdb.printing
21944
21945def build_pretty_printer():
21946 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
21947 "my_library")
21948 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
21949 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
21950 return pp
21951@end smallexample
21952
21953And here is the autoload support:
21954
21955@smallexample
21956import gdb.printing
21957import my_library
21958gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
21959 gdb.current_objfile(),
21960 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
21961@end smallexample
21962
21963Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
21964corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
21965
21966@smallexample
21967(gdb) info pretty-printer
21968my_library.so:
21969 my_library
21970 foo
21971 bar
21972@end smallexample
21973
21974@node Inferiors In Python
21975@subsubsection Inferiors In Python
21976@cindex inferiors in Python
21977
21978@findex gdb.Inferior
21979Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
21980(@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
21981information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
21982via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
21983
21984The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21985module:
21986
21987@defun inferiors
21988Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
21989@end defun
21990
21991A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
21992
21993@table @code
21994@defivar Inferior num
21995ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
21996@end defivar
21997
21998@defivar Inferior pid
21999Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
22000system.
22001@end defivar
22002
22003@defivar Inferior was_attached
22004Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
22005started by @value{GDBN} itself.
22006@end defivar
22007@end table
22008
22009A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
22010
22011@table @code
22012@defmethod Inferior is_valid
22013Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
22014@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
22015if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
22016@code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
22017at the time the method is called.
22018@end defmethod
22019
22020@defmethod Inferior threads
22021This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
22022when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
22023return an empty tuple.
22024@end defmethod
22025
22026@findex gdb.read_memory
22027@defmethod Inferior read_memory address length
22028Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
22029@var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
22030or a string. It can be modified and given to the @code{gdb.write_memory}
22031function.
22032@end defmethod
22033
22034@findex gdb.write_memory
22035@defmethod Inferior write_memory address buffer @r{[}length@r{]}
22036Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
22037@var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
22038which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
22039object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
22040determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
22041@end defmethod
22042
22043@findex gdb.search_memory
22044@defmethod Inferior search_memory address length pattern
22045Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
22046the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
22047@var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
22048which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
22049object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
22050containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
22051the pattern could not be found.
22052@end defmethod
22053@end table
22054
22055@node Events In Python
22056@subsubsection Events In Python
22057@cindex inferior events in Python
22058
22059@value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
22060notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
22061the inferior.
22062
22063An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
22064type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
22065of the change. All the existing events are described below.
22066
22067In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
22068with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
22069@code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
22070provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
22071
22072@table @code
22073@defmethod EventRegistry connect object
22074Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
22075called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
22076@end defmethod
22077
22078@defmethod EventRegistry disconnect object
22079Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
22080will no longer receive notifications of events.
22081@end defmethod
22082@end table
22083
22084Here is an example:
22085
22086@smallexample
22087def exit_handler (event):
22088 print "event type: exit"
22089 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
22090
22091gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
22092@end smallexample
22093
22094In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
22095registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
22096called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
22097of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
22098@code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
22099the inferior.
22100
22101The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
22102details of the events they emit:
22103
22104@table @code
22105
22106@item events.cont
22107Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22108
22109Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
22110mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
22111@code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
22112events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
22113Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
22114@code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
22115
22116@table @code
22117@defivar ThreadEvent inferior_thread
22118In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
22119involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
22120@end defivar
22121@end table
22122
22123Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22124
22125This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
22126inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
22127
22128@item events.exited
22129Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
22130@code{events.ExitedEvent} has one optional attribute. This attribute
22131will exist only in the case that the inferior exited with some
22132status.
22133@table @code
22134@defivar ExitedEvent exit_code
22135An integer representing the exit code which the inferior has returned.
22136@end defivar
22137@end table
22138
22139@item events.stop
22140Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22141
22142Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
22143extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
22144will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
22145mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
22146
22147Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
22148
22149This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
22150signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
22151
22152@table @code
22153@defivar SignalEvent stop_signal
22154A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
22155signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
22156the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
22157@end defivar
22158@end table
22159
22160Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
22161
22162@code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that a breakpoint has been hit, and
22163has the following attributes:
22164
22165@table @code
22166@defivar BreakpointEvent breakpoint
22167A reference to the breakpoint that was hit of type @code{gdb.Breakpoint}.
22168@xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
22169@end defivar
22170@end table
22171
22172@end table
22173
22174@node Threads In Python
22175@subsubsection Threads In Python
22176@cindex threads in python
22177
22178@findex gdb.InferiorThread
22179Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
22180controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
22181
22182The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22183module:
22184
22185@findex gdb.selected_thread
22186@defun selected_thread
22187This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
22188is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
22189@end defun
22190
22191A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
22192
22193@table @code
22194@defivar InferiorThread name
22195The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
22196@code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
22197OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
22198returns @code{None}.
22199
22200This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
22201object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
22202user-specified thread name.
22203@end defivar
22204
22205@defivar InferiorThread num
22206ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
22207@end defivar
22208
22209@defivar InferiorThread ptid
22210ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
22211tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
22212is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
22213Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
22214does not use that identifier.
22215@end defivar
22216@end table
22217
22218A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
22219
22220@table @code
22221@defmethod InferiorThread is_valid
22222Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
22223@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
22224invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
22225is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
22226exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22227@end defmethod
22228
22229@defmethod InferiorThread switch
22230This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
22231by this object.
22232@end defmethod
22233
22234@defmethod InferiorThread is_stopped
22235Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
22236@end defmethod
22237
22238@defmethod InferiorThread is_running
22239Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
22240@end defmethod
22241
22242@defmethod InferiorThread is_exited
22243Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
22244@end defmethod
22245@end table
22246
22247@node Commands In Python
22248@subsubsection Commands In Python
22249
22250@cindex commands in python
22251@cindex python commands
22252You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
22253command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
22254class, most commonly using a subclass.
22255
22256@defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
22257The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
22258with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
22259subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22260
22261@var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
22262multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22263commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
22264an exception is raised.
22265
22266There is no support for multi-line commands.
22267
22268@var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22269defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
22270new command in the help system.
22271
22272@var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
22273one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
22274tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
22275given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
22276@code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
22277error will occur when completion is attempted.
22278
22279@var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
22280command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
22281registered.
22282
22283The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
22284documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
22285documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
22286not documented.'' is used.
22287@end defmethod
22288
22289@cindex don't repeat Python command
22290@defmethod Command dont_repeat
22291By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
22292blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
22293behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
22294to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
22295@end defmethod
22296
22297@defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
22298This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
22299
22300@var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
22301leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
22302
22303@var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
22304command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
22305that the command came from elsewhere.
22306
22307If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
22308@code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
22309
22310@findex gdb.string_to_argv
22311To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
22312@code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
22313@value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
22314It is recommended to use this for consistency.
22315Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
22316Example:
22317
22318@smallexample
22319print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
22320['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
22321@end smallexample
22322
22323@end defmethod
22324
22325@cindex completion of Python commands
22326@defmethod Command complete text word
22327This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
22328completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
22329this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
22330(@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
22331complete}).
22332
22333The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
22334holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
22335@var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
22336using a word-breaking heuristic.
22337
22338The @code{complete} method can return several values:
22339@itemize @bullet
22340@item
22341If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
22342used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
22343contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
22344allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
22345string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
22346sequence are ignored.
22347
22348@item
22349If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
22350below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
22351function is invoked, and its result is used.
22352
22353@item
22354All other results are treated as though there were no available
22355completions.
22356@end itemize
22357@end defmethod
22358
22359When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
22360some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
22361commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
22362listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
22363command. The available classifications are represented by constants
22364defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22365
22366@table @code
22367@findex COMMAND_NONE
22368@findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
22369@item COMMAND_NONE
22370The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
22371this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
22372
22373@findex COMMAND_RUNNING
22374@findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
22375@item COMMAND_RUNNING
22376The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
22377@code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
22378Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22379commands in this category.
22380
22381@findex COMMAND_DATA
22382@findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
22383@item COMMAND_DATA
22384The command is related to data or variables. For example,
22385@code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
22386@kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
22387in this category.
22388
22389@findex COMMAND_STACK
22390@findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
22391@item COMMAND_STACK
22392The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
22393@code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
22394category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
22395list of commands in this category.
22396
22397@findex COMMAND_FILES
22398@findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
22399@item COMMAND_FILES
22400This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
22401@code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
22402Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22403commands in this category.
22404
22405@findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
22406@findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
22407@item COMMAND_SUPPORT
22408This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
22409things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
22410but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
22411@code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
22412@kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22413commands in this category.
22414
22415@findex COMMAND_STATUS
22416@findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
22417@item COMMAND_STATUS
22418The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
22419state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
22420and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
22421@value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
22422
22423@findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22424@findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22425@item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22426The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
22427@code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22428breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
22429this category.
22430
22431@findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22432@findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22433@item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22434The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
22435@code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
22436@kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22437commands in this category.
22438
22439@findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
22440@findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
22441@item COMMAND_OBSCURE
22442The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
22443general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
22444@code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22445obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
22446category.
22447
22448@findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22449@findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22450@item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22451The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
22452@code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
22453Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22454commands in this category.
22455@end table
22456
22457A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
22458specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
22459from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
22460constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22461
22462@table @code
22463@findex COMPLETE_NONE
22464@findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
22465@item COMPLETE_NONE
22466This constant means that no completion should be done.
22467
22468@findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
22469@findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
22470@item COMPLETE_FILENAME
22471This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
22472
22473@findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
22474@findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
22475@item COMPLETE_LOCATION
22476This constant means that location completion should be done.
22477@xref{Specify Location}.
22478
22479@findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
22480@findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
22481@item COMPLETE_COMMAND
22482This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
22483command names.
22484
22485@findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22486@findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22487@item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22488This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
22489as the source.
22490@end table
22491
22492The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
22493implemented in Python:
22494
22495@smallexample
22496class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22497 """Greet the whole world."""
22498
22499 def __init__ (self):
22500 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
22501
22502 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
22503 print "Hello, World!"
22504
22505HelloWorld ()
22506@end smallexample
22507
22508The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22509registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22510Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22511@code{gdb} module explicitly.
22512
22513@node Parameters In Python
22514@subsubsection Parameters In Python
22515
22516@cindex parameters in python
22517@cindex python parameters
22518@tindex gdb.Parameter
22519@tindex Parameter
22520You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
22521parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
22522class.
22523
22524Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
22525@code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
22526
22527There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
22528@value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
22529@code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
22530behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
22531can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
22532
22533@defmethod Parameter __init__ name @var{command-class} @var{parameter-class} @r{[}@var{enum-sequence}@r{]}
22534The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
22535parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
22536from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22537
22538@var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
22539of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22540parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
22541@code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
22542@code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
22543parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
22544@value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
22545
22546If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
22547can be found, an exception is raised.
22548
22549@var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22550(@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
22551categorize the new parameter in the help system.
22552
22553@var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
22554defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
22555parameter; this information is used for input validation and
22556completion.
22557
22558If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
22559@var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
22560represent the possible values for the parameter.
22561
22562If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
22563of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
22564
22565The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
22566documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
22567there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
22568@end defmethod
22569
22570@defivar Parameter set_doc
22571If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22572the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
22573examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22574have no effect.
22575@end defivar
22576
22577@defivar Parameter show_doc
22578If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22579the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
22580examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22581have no effect.
22582@end defivar
22583
22584@defivar Parameter value
22585The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
22586parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
22587attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
22588@end defivar
22589
22590There are two methods that should be implemented in any
22591@code{Parameter} class. These are:
22592
22593@defop Operation {parameter} get_set_string self
22594@value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
22595been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
22596The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
22597value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
22598@end defop
22599
22600@defop Operation {parameter} get_show_string self svalue
22601@value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
22602@code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
22603argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
22604current value. This method must return a string.
22605@end defop
22606
22607When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
22608available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
22609module:
22610
22611@table @code
22612@findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
22613@findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
22614@item PARAM_BOOLEAN
22615The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
22616and @code{False} are the only valid values.
22617
22618@findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22619@findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22620@item PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22621The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
22622Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
22623@samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
22624
22625@findex PARAM_UINTEGER
22626@findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
22627@item PARAM_UINTEGER
22628The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
22629interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
22630
22631@findex PARAM_INTEGER
22632@findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
22633@item PARAM_INTEGER
22634The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
22635to mean ``unlimited''.
22636
22637@findex PARAM_STRING
22638@findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
22639@item PARAM_STRING
22640The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
22641sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
22642translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
22643host charset.
22644
22645@findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22646@findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22647@item PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22648The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
22649passed through untranslated.
22650
22651@findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22652@findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22653@item PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22654The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
22655
22656@findex PARAM_FILENAME
22657@findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
22658@item PARAM_FILENAME
22659The value is a filename. This is just like
22660@code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
22661
22662@findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
22663@findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
22664@item PARAM_ZINTEGER
22665The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
22666is interpreted as itself.
22667
22668@findex PARAM_ENUM
22669@findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
22670@item PARAM_ENUM
22671The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
22672constants provided when the parameter is created.
22673@end table
22674
22675@node Functions In Python
22676@subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
22677
22678@cindex writing convenience functions
22679@cindex convenience functions in python
22680@cindex python convenience functions
22681@tindex gdb.Function
22682@tindex Function
22683You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
22684in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
22685class @code{gdb.Function}.
22686
22687@defmethod Function __init__ name
22688The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
22689@value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
22690a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
22691variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
22692the given @var{name}.
22693
22694The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
22695string for the new class.
22696@end defmethod
22697
22698@defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
22699When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
22700to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
22701@code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
22702predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
22703available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
22704standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
22705function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
22706
22707The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
22708expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
22709to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
22710@end defmethod
22711
22712The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
22713be implemented in Python:
22714
22715@smallexample
22716class Greet (gdb.Function):
22717 """Return string to greet someone.
22718Takes a name as argument."""
22719
22720 def __init__ (self):
22721 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
22722
22723 def invoke (self, name):
22724 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
22725
22726Greet ()
22727@end smallexample
22728
22729The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22730registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22731Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22732@code{gdb} module explicitly.
22733
22734@node Progspaces In Python
22735@subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
22736
22737@cindex progspaces in python
22738@tindex gdb.Progspace
22739@tindex Progspace
22740A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
22741of an address space.
22742It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
22743@xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22744@xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
22745about program spaces.
22746
22747The following progspace-related functions are available in the
22748@code{gdb} module:
22749
22750@findex gdb.current_progspace
22751@defun current_progspace
22752This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
22753@xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
22754@end defun
22755
22756@findex gdb.progspaces
22757@defun progspaces
22758Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
22759@end defun
22760
22761Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
22762class.
22763
22764@defivar Progspace filename
22765The file name of the progspace as a string.
22766@end defivar
22767
22768@defivar Progspace pretty_printers
22769The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22770used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22771function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22772search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22773which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22774information.
22775@end defivar
22776
22777@node Objfiles In Python
22778@subsubsection Objfiles In Python
22779
22780@cindex objfiles in python
22781@tindex gdb.Objfile
22782@tindex Objfile
22783@value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
22784symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
22785executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
22786separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
22787@value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
22788
22789The following objfile-related functions are available in the
22790@code{gdb} module:
22791
22792@findex gdb.current_objfile
22793@defun current_objfile
22794When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
22795sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
22796function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
22797this function returns @code{None}.
22798@end defun
22799
22800@findex gdb.objfiles
22801@defun objfiles
22802Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
22803@xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22804@end defun
22805
22806Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
22807class.
22808
22809@defivar Objfile filename
22810The file name of the objfile as a string.
22811@end defivar
22812
22813@defivar Objfile pretty_printers
22814The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22815used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22816function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22817search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22818which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22819information.
22820@end defivar
22821
22822A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
22823
22824@defmethod Objfile is_valid
22825Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
22826@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
22827if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
22828longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
22829if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22830@end defmethod
22831
22832@node Frames In Python
22833@subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22834
22835@cindex frames in python
22836When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
22837stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
22838represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
22839while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
22840to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
22841exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
22842
22843Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
22844operator, like:
22845
22846@smallexample
22847(@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
22848True
22849@end smallexample
22850
22851The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
22852
22853@findex gdb.selected_frame
22854@defun selected_frame
22855Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
22856@end defun
22857
22858@findex gdb.newest_frame
22859@defun newest_frame
22860Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
22861@end defun
22862
22863@defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
22864Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
22865frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
22866@code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
22867@end defun
22868
22869A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
22870
22871@table @code
22872@defmethod Frame is_valid
22873Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
22874A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
22875exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
22876an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22877@end defmethod
22878
22879@defmethod Frame name
22880Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
22881obtained.
22882@end defmethod
22883
22884@defmethod Frame type
22885Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
22886@table @code
22887@item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
22888An ordinary stack frame.
22889
22890@item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
22891A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
22892inferior function call.
22893
22894@item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
22895A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
22896into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
22897
22898@item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
22899A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
22900it calls into a signal handler.
22901
22902@item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
22903A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
22904
22905@item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
22906This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
22907newest frame.
22908@end table
22909@end defmethod
22910
22911@defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
22912Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
22913more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
22914@code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
22915function to a string.
22916@end defmethod
22917
22918@defmethod Frame pc
22919Returns the frame's resume address.
22920@end defmethod
22921
22922@defmethod Frame block
22923Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
22924@end defmethod
22925
22926@defmethod Frame function
22927Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
22928@xref{Symbols In Python}.
22929@end defmethod
22930
22931@defmethod Frame older
22932Return the frame that called this frame.
22933@end defmethod
22934
22935@defmethod Frame newer
22936Return the frame called by this frame.
22937@end defmethod
22938
22939@defmethod Frame find_sal
22940Return the frame's symtab and line object.
22941@xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
22942@end defmethod
22943
22944@defmethod Frame read_var variable @r{[}block@r{]}
22945Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
22946argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
22947block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
22948determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
22949must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
22950@code{gdb.Block} object.
22951@end defmethod
22952
22953@defmethod Frame select
22954Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
22955Stack}.
22956@end defmethod
22957@end table
22958
22959@node Blocks In Python
22960@subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22961
22962@cindex blocks in python
22963@tindex gdb.Block
22964
22965Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
22966stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
22967are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
22968Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
22969frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
22970detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
22971stack.
22972
22973The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22974module:
22975
22976@findex gdb.block_for_pc
22977@defun block_for_pc pc
22978Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
22979block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
22980will return @code{None}.
22981@end defun
22982
22983A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
22984
22985@table @code
22986@defmethod Block is_valid
22987Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
22988@code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
22989refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
22990@code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
22991the time the method is called. This method is also made available to
22992the Python iterator object that @code{gdb.Block} provides in an iteration
22993context and via the Python @code{iter} built-in function.
22994@end defmethod
22995@end table
22996
22997A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
22998
22999@table @code
23000@defivar Block start
23001The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
23002@end defivar
23003
23004@defivar Block end
23005The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
23006@end defivar
23007
23008@defivar Block function
23009The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
23010block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
23011attribute is not writable.
23012@end defivar
23013
23014@defivar Block superblock
23015The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
23016this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23017@end defivar
23018@end table
23019
23020@node Symbols In Python
23021@subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
23022
23023@cindex symbols in python
23024@tindex gdb.Symbol
23025
23026@value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
23027entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
23028Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
23029@code{gdb.Symbol} object.
23030
23031The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23032module:
23033
23034@findex gdb.lookup_symbol
23035@defun lookup_symbol name @r{[}block@r{]} @r{[}domain@r{]}
23036This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
23037restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
23038arguments.
23039
23040@var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
23041optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
23042in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
23043@code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
23044is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
23045the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
23046domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
23047in this chapter.
23048
23049The result is a tuple of two elements.
23050The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
23051is not found.
23052If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
23053is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
23054otherwise it is @code{False}.
23055If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
23056@end defun
23057
23058@findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
23059@defun lookup_global_symbol name @r{[}domain@r{]}
23060This function searches for a global symbol by name.
23061The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
23062
23063@var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
23064The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
23065The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
23066module and described later in this chapter.
23067
23068The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
23069is not found.
23070@end defun
23071
23072A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
23073
23074@table @code
23075@defivar Symbol symtab
23076The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
23077represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
23078Python}. This attribute is not writable.
23079@end defivar
23080
23081@defivar Symbol name
23082The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
23083@end defivar
23084
23085@defivar Symbol linkage_name
23086The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
23087This attribute is not writable.
23088@end defivar
23089
23090@defivar Symbol print_name
23091The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
23092@code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
23093asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
23094@end defivar
23095
23096@defivar Symbol addr_class
23097The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
23098of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
23099@code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
23100@end defivar
23101
23102@defivar Symbol is_argument
23103@code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
23104@end defivar
23105
23106@defivar Symbol is_constant
23107@code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
23108@end defivar
23109
23110@defivar Symbol is_function
23111@code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
23112@end defivar
23113
23114@defivar Symbol is_variable
23115@code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
23116@end defivar
23117@end table
23118
23119A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
23120
23121@table @code
23122@defmethod Symbol is_valid
23123Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
23124@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
23125the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
23126All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
23127invalid at the time the method is called.
23128@end defmethod
23129@end table
23130
23131The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
23132as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
23133
23134@table @code
23135@findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23136@findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23137@item SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23138This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
23139following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
23140in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
23141@findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23142@findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23143@item SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23144This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
23145type values.
23146@findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23147@findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23148@item SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23149This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
23150@findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23151@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23152@item SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23153This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
23154@findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23155@findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23156@item SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23157This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
23158contains everything minus functions and types.
23159@findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
23160@findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
23161@item SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
23162This domain contains all functions.
23163@findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23164@findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23165@item SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23166This domain contains all types.
23167@end table
23168
23169The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
23170as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
23171
23172@table @code
23173@findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23174@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23175@item SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23176If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
23177the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
23178@findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23179@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23180@item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23181Value is constant int.
23182@findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23183@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23184@item SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23185Value is at a fixed address.
23186@findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23187@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23188@item SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23189Value is in a register.
23190@findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23191@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23192@item SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23193Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
23194symbol inside the frame's argument list.
23195@findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23196@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23197@item SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23198Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
23199@code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
23200offset, not the value itself.
23201@findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23202@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23203@item SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23204Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
23205the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
23206itself.
23207@findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23208@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23209@item SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23210Value is a local variable.
23211@findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23212@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23213@item SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23214Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
23215have this class.
23216@findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23217@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23218@item SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23219Value is a block.
23220@findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23221@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23222@item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23223Value is a byte-sequence.
23224@findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23225@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23226@item SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23227Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
23228determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
23229referenced.
23230@findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23231@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23232@item SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23233The value does not actually exist in the program.
23234@findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23235@findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23236@item SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23237The value's address is a computed location.
23238@end table
23239
23240@node Symbol Tables In Python
23241@subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
23242
23243@cindex symbol tables in python
23244@tindex gdb.Symtab
23245@tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
23246
23247Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
23248is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
23249@code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
23250from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
23251@xref{Frames In Python}.
23252
23253For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
23254@ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
23255
23256A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
23257
23258@table @code
23259@defivar Symtab_and_line symtab
23260The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
23261This attribute is not writable.
23262@end defivar
23263
23264@defivar Symtab_and_line pc
23265Indicates the current program counter address. This attribute is not
23266writable.
23267@end defivar
23268
23269@defivar Symtab_and_line line
23270Indicates the current line number for this object. This
23271attribute is not writable.
23272@end defivar
23273@end table
23274
23275A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
23276
23277@table @code
23278@defmethod Symtab_and_line is_valid
23279Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
23280@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
23281invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
23282exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
23283@code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
23284invalid at the time the method is called.
23285@end defmethod
23286@end table
23287
23288A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
23289
23290@table @code
23291@defivar Symtab filename
23292The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
23293@end defivar
23294
23295@defivar Symtab objfile
23296The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
23297This attribute is not writable.
23298@end defivar
23299@end table
23300
23301A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
23302
23303@table @code
23304@defmethod Symtab is_valid
23305Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
23306@code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
23307the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
23308longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
23309if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
23310@end defmethod
23311
23312@defmethod Symtab fullname
23313Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
23314@end defmethod
23315@end table
23316
23317@node Breakpoints In Python
23318@subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
23319
23320@cindex breakpoints in python
23321@tindex gdb.Breakpoint
23322
23323Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
23324class.
23325
23326@defmethod Breakpoint __init__ spec @r{[}type@r{]} @r{[}wp_class@r{]} @r{[}internal@r{]}
23327Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
23328location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
23329watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
23330@code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
23331command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
23332from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
23333either: @code{BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
23334defaults to @code{BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
23335allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
23336will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
23337output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
23338@code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
23339argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
23340@code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
23341assumed to be a @var{WP_WRITE} class.
23342@end defmethod
23343
23344@defop Operation {gdb.Breakpoint} stop (self)
23345The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
23346particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
23347If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
23348it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
23349breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
23350@code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
23351breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
23352
23353If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
23354@code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
23355return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
23356methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
23357if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
23358@code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
23359
23360Example @code{stop} implementation:
23361
23362@smallexample
23363class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
23364 def stop (self):
23365 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
23366 if inf_val == 3:
23367 return True
23368 return False
23369@end smallexample
23370@end defop
23371
23372The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
23373@code{gdb} module:
23374
23375@table @code
23376@findex WP_READ
23377@findex gdb.WP_READ
23378@item WP_READ
23379Read only watchpoint.
23380
23381@findex WP_WRITE
23382@findex gdb.WP_WRITE
23383@item WP_WRITE
23384Write only watchpoint.
23385
23386@findex WP_ACCESS
23387@findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
23388@item WP_ACCESS
23389Read/Write watchpoint.
23390@end table
23391
23392@defmethod Breakpoint is_valid
23393Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
23394@code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
23395if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
23396exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
23397watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
23398inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
23399@end defmethod
23400
23401@defmethod Breakpoint delete
23402Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
23403invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
23404to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
23405@end defmethod
23406
23407@defivar Breakpoint enabled
23408This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
23409@code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23410@end defivar
23411
23412@defivar Breakpoint silent
23413This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
23414@code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23415
23416Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
23417first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
23418@code{silent} attribute.
23419@end defivar
23420
23421@defivar Breakpoint thread
23422If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
23423id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
23424@code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23425@end defivar
23426
23427@defivar Breakpoint task
23428If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
23429id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
23430language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
23431is writable.
23432@end defivar
23433
23434@defivar Breakpoint ignore_count
23435This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23436This attribute is writable.
23437@end defivar
23438
23439@defivar Breakpoint number
23440This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
23441the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
23442@end defivar
23443
23444@defivar Breakpoint type
23445This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
23446determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
23447writable.
23448@end defivar
23449
23450@defivar Breakpoint visible
23451This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
23452when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
23453attribute is not writable.
23454@end defivar
23455
23456The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
23457module:
23458
23459@table @code
23460@findex BP_BREAKPOINT
23461@findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
23462@item BP_BREAKPOINT
23463Normal code breakpoint.
23464
23465@findex BP_WATCHPOINT
23466@findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
23467@item BP_WATCHPOINT
23468Watchpoint breakpoint.
23469
23470@findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23471@findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23472@item BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23473Hardware assisted watchpoint.
23474
23475@findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23476@findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23477@item BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23478Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
23479
23480@findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23481@findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23482@item BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23483Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
23484@end table
23485
23486@defivar Breakpoint hit_count
23487This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23488This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
23489@end defivar
23490
23491@defivar Breakpoint location
23492This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
23493the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
23494(that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
23495attribute is not writable.
23496@end defivar
23497
23498@defivar Breakpoint expression
23499This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
23500the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
23501expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
23502is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23503@end defivar
23504
23505@defivar Breakpoint condition
23506This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
23507the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
23508value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23509@end defivar
23510
23511@defivar Breakpoint commands
23512This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
23513there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
23514commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
23515attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23516@end defivar
23517
23518@node Lazy Strings In Python
23519@subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
23520
23521@cindex lazy strings in python
23522@tindex gdb.LazyString
23523
23524A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
23525encoded until it is needed.
23526
23527A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
23528@code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
23529that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
23530to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
23531difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
23532a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
23533differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
23534retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
23535wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
23536
23537A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
23538
23539@defmethod LazyString value
23540Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
23541will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
23542retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
23543@code{gdb.LazyString}.
23544@end defmethod
23545
23546@defivar LazyString address
23547This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
23548writable.
23549@end defivar
23550
23551@defivar LazyString length
23552This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
23553length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
23554first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
23555@end defivar
23556
23557@defivar LazyString encoding
23558This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
23559when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
23560set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
23561most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
23562is not writable.
23563@end defivar
23564
23565@defivar LazyString type
23566This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
23567type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
23568resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
23569@code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
23570writable.
23571@end defivar
23572
23573@node Auto-loading
23574@subsection Auto-loading
23575@cindex auto-loading, Python
23576
23577When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
23578command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
23579@value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
23580@file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
23581
23582@menu
23583* objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23584* .debug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23585* Which flavor to choose?::
23586@end menu
23587
23588The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
23589debugging commands and scripts.
23590
23591Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
23592and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
23593
23594@table @code
23595@kindex set auto-load-scripts
23596@item set auto-load-scripts [yes|no]
23597Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
23598
23599@kindex show auto-load-scripts
23600@item show auto-load-scripts
23601Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
23602
23603@kindex info auto-load-scripts
23604@cindex print list of auto-loaded scripts
23605@item info auto-load-scripts [@var{regexp}]
23606Print the list of all scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
23607
23608Also printed is the list of scripts that were mentioned in
23609the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
23610(@pxref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}).
23611This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
23612tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
23613an error message for each one is problematic.
23614
23615If @var{regexp} is supplied only scripts with matching names are printed.
23616
23617Example:
23618
23619@smallexample
23620(gdb) info auto-load-scripts
23621Loaded Script
23622Yes py-section-script.py
23623 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
23624Missing my-foo-pretty-printers.py
23625@end smallexample
23626@end table
23627
23628When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
23629@dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
23630function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
23631registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
23632
23633@node objfile-gdb.py file
23634@subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23635@cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
23636
23637When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
23638a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
23639where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
23640that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
23641@code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
23642readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
23643
23644If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
23645@code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
23646then @value{GDBN} will look for @var{real-name} in all of the
23647directories mentioned in the value of @code{debug-file-directory}.
23648
23649Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
23650a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
23651@var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
23652@code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
23653is the object file's real name, as described above.
23654
23655@value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
23656@value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
23657@var{objfile} is opened.
23658So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
23659is evaluated more than once.
23660
23661@node .debug_gdb_scripts section
23662@subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23663@cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23664
23665For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
23666when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
23667it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
23668If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
23669
23670@value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
23671current directory and then along the source search path
23672(@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
23673except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
23674directory is not relevant to scripts.
23675
23676Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
23677for example, this GCC macro:
23678
23679@example
23680/* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
23681#define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
23682 asm("\
23683.pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
23684.byte 1\n\
23685.asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
23686.popsection \n\
23687");
23688@end example
23689
23690@noindent
23691Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
23692
23693@example
23694DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
23695@end example
23696
23697The script name may include directories if desired.
23698
23699If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
23700using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
23701
23702@node Which flavor to choose?
23703@subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
23704
23705Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
23706be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
23707
23708Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
23709
23710@itemize @bullet
23711@item
23712Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
23713
23714@item
23715Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
23716
23717Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
23718in the source search path.
23719For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
23720isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
23721
23722@item
23723Doesn't require source code additions.
23724@end itemize
23725
23726Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
23727
23728@itemize @bullet
23729@item
23730Works with static linking.
23731
23732Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
23733trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
23734objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
23735scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
23736
23737@item
23738Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
23739
23740Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
23741shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
23742
23743@item
23744Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
23745
23746In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
23747libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
23748@file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
23749cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
23750@code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
23751top of the source tree to the source search path.
23752@end itemize
23753
23754@node Python modules
23755@subsection Python modules
23756@cindex python modules
23757
23758@value{GDBN} comes with a module to assist writing Python code.
23759
23760@menu
23761* gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
23762* gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
23763@end menu
23764
23765@node gdb.printing
23766@subsubsection gdb.printing
23767@cindex gdb.printing
23768
23769This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23770pretty-printers.
23771
23772@table @code
23773@item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
23774This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
23775@samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
23776Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
23777
23778@item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23779For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
23780corresponding API for the subprinters.
23781
23782@item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23783Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
23784regular expressions.
23785@xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
23786
23787@item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer})
23788Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
23789@end table
23790
23791@node gdb.types
23792@subsubsection gdb.types
23793@cindex gdb.types
23794
23795This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23796@code{gdb.Types} objects.
23797
23798@table @code
23799@item get_basic_type (@var{type})
23800Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
23801and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
23802
23803C@t{++} example:
23804
23805@smallexample
23806typedef const int const_int;
23807const_int foo (3);
23808const_int& foo_ref (foo);
23809int main () @{ return 0; @}
23810@end smallexample
23811
23812Then in gdb:
23813
23814@smallexample
23815(gdb) start
23816(gdb) python import gdb.types
23817(gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
23818(gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
23819int
23820@end smallexample
23821
23822@item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
23823Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
23824(e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
23825
23826@item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
23827Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
23828@end table
23829
23830@node Interpreters
23831@chapter Command Interpreters
23832@cindex command interpreters
23833
23834@value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
23835infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
23836between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
23837
23838@value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
23839interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
23840and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
23841describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
23842
23843By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
23844However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
23845interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
23846startup options. Defined interpreters include:
23847
23848@table @code
23849@item console
23850@cindex console interpreter
23851The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
23852used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
23853@value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
23854
23855@item mi
23856@cindex mi interpreter
23857The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
23858by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
23859or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
23860Interface}.
23861
23862@item mi2
23863@cindex mi2 interpreter
23864The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
23865
23866@item mi1
23867@cindex mi1 interpreter
23868The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
23869
23870@end table
23871
23872@cindex invoke another interpreter
23873The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
23874switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
23875precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
23876enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
23877@value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
23878the IDE inoperable!
23879
23880@kindex interpreter-exec
23881Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
23882commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
23883command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
23884@code{interpreter-exec} command:
23885
23886@smallexample
23887interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
23888@end smallexample
23889
23890@sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
23891@value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
23892
23893@node TUI
23894@chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
23895@cindex TUI
23896@cindex Text User Interface
23897
23898@menu
23899* TUI Overview:: TUI overview
23900* TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
23901* TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
23902* TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
23903* TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
23904@end menu
23905
23906The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
23907interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
23908file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
23909commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
23910on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
23911is available.
23912
23913@pindex @value{GDBTUI}
23914The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
23915either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
23916You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
23917using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
23918@xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
23919
23920@node TUI Overview
23921@section TUI Overview
23922
23923In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
23924
23925@table @emph
23926@item command
23927This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
23928prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
23929managed using readline.
23930
23931@item source
23932The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
23933line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
23934
23935@item assembly
23936The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
23937
23938@item register
23939This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
23940when their values change.
23941@end table
23942
23943The source and assembly windows show the current program position
23944by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
23945Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
23946indicates the breakpoint type:
23947
23948@table @code
23949@item B
23950Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23951
23952@item b
23953Breakpoint which was never hit.
23954
23955@item H
23956Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23957
23958@item h
23959Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
23960@end table
23961
23962The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
23963
23964@table @code
23965@item +
23966Breakpoint is enabled.
23967
23968@item -
23969Breakpoint is disabled.
23970@end table
23971
23972The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
23973thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
23974changes.
23975
23976These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
23977window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
23978layouts:
23979
23980@itemize @bullet
23981@item
23982source only,
23983
23984@item
23985assembly only,
23986
23987@item
23988source and assembly,
23989
23990@item
23991source and registers, or
23992
23993@item
23994assembly and registers.
23995@end itemize
23996
23997A status line above the command window shows the following information:
23998
23999@table @emph
24000@item target
24001Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
24002(@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
24003
24004@item process
24005Gives the current process or thread number.
24006When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
24007
24008@item function
24009Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
24010The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
24011When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
24012the string @code{??} is displayed.
24013
24014@item line
24015Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
24016When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
24017
24018@item pc
24019Indicates the current program counter address.
24020@end table
24021
24022@node TUI Keys
24023@section TUI Key Bindings
24024@cindex TUI key bindings
24025
24026The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
24027@ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24028(@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
24029@end ifset
24030@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24031(@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
24032@end ifclear
24033The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
24034@value{GDBN} standard mode.
24035
24036@table @kbd
24037@kindex C-x C-a
24038@item C-x C-a
24039@kindex C-x a
24040@itemx C-x a
24041@kindex C-x A
24042@itemx C-x A
24043Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
24044the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
24045its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
24046the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
24047The screen is then refreshed.
24048
24049@kindex C-x 1
24050@item C-x 1
24051Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
24052either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
24053is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
24054
24055Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
24056
24057@kindex C-x 2
24058@item C-x 2
24059Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
24060layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
24061When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
24062previous layout and the new one.
24063
24064Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
24065
24066@kindex C-x o
24067@item C-x o
24068Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
24069(like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
24070gives the focus to the next TUI window.
24071
24072Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
24073
24074@kindex C-x s
24075@item C-x s
24076Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
24077keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
24078@end table
24079
24080The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
24081
24082@table @asis
24083@kindex PgUp
24084@item @key{PgUp}
24085Scroll the active window one page up.
24086
24087@kindex PgDn
24088@item @key{PgDn}
24089Scroll the active window one page down.
24090
24091@kindex Up
24092@item @key{Up}
24093Scroll the active window one line up.
24094
24095@kindex Down
24096@item @key{Down}
24097Scroll the active window one line down.
24098
24099@kindex Left
24100@item @key{Left}
24101Scroll the active window one column left.
24102
24103@kindex Right
24104@item @key{Right}
24105Scroll the active window one column right.
24106
24107@kindex C-L
24108@item @kbd{C-L}
24109Refresh the screen.
24110@end table
24111
24112Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
24113are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
24114window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
24115other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
24116and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
24117
24118@node TUI Single Key Mode
24119@section TUI Single Key Mode
24120@cindex TUI single key mode
24121
24122The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
24123frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
24124switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
24125
24126@table @kbd
24127@kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24128@item c
24129continue
24130
24131@kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24132@item d
24133down
24134
24135@kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24136@item f
24137finish
24138
24139@kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24140@item n
24141next
24142
24143@kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24144@item q
24145exit the SingleKey mode.
24146
24147@kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24148@item r
24149run
24150
24151@kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24152@item s
24153step
24154
24155@kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24156@item u
24157up
24158
24159@kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24160@item v
24161info locals
24162
24163@kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24164@item w
24165where
24166@end table
24167
24168Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24169The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
24170it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
24171with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
24172SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
24173this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
24174
24175
24176@node TUI Commands
24177@section TUI-specific Commands
24178@cindex TUI commands
24179
24180The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
24181These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
24182the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
24183of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
24184
24185Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
24186terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
24187interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
24188these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
24189possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
24190
24191@table @code
24192@item info win
24193@kindex info win
24194List and give the size of all displayed windows.
24195
24196@item layout next
24197@kindex layout
24198Display the next layout.
24199
24200@item layout prev
24201Display the previous layout.
24202
24203@item layout src
24204Display the source window only.
24205
24206@item layout asm
24207Display the assembly window only.
24208
24209@item layout split
24210Display the source and assembly window.
24211
24212@item layout regs
24213Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
24214
24215@item focus next
24216@kindex focus
24217Make the next window active for scrolling.
24218
24219@item focus prev
24220Make the previous window active for scrolling.
24221
24222@item focus src
24223Make the source window active for scrolling.
24224
24225@item focus asm
24226Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
24227
24228@item focus regs
24229Make the register window active for scrolling.
24230
24231@item focus cmd
24232Make the command window active for scrolling.
24233
24234@item refresh
24235@kindex refresh
24236Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
24237
24238@item tui reg float
24239@kindex tui reg
24240Show the floating point registers in the register window.
24241
24242@item tui reg general
24243Show the general registers in the register window.
24244
24245@item tui reg next
24246Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
24247their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
24248following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
24249@code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
24250
24251@item tui reg system
24252Show the system registers in the register window.
24253
24254@item update
24255@kindex update
24256Update the source window and the current execution point.
24257
24258@item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
24259@itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
24260@kindex winheight
24261Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
24262lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
24263decrease it.
24264
24265@item tabset @var{nchars}
24266@kindex tabset
24267Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
24268@end table
24269
24270@node TUI Configuration
24271@section TUI Configuration Variables
24272@cindex TUI configuration variables
24273
24274Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
24275
24276@table @code
24277@item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
24278@kindex set tui border-kind
24279Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
24280The possible values are the following:
24281@table @code
24282@item space
24283Use a space character to draw the border.
24284
24285@item ascii
24286Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
24287
24288@item acs
24289Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
24290drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
24291@end table
24292
24293@item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
24294@kindex set tui border-mode
24295@itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
24296@kindex set tui active-border-mode
24297Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
24298or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
24299@table @code
24300@item normal
24301Use normal attributes to display the border.
24302
24303@item standout
24304Use standout mode.
24305
24306@item reverse
24307Use reverse video mode.
24308
24309@item half
24310Use half bright mode.
24311
24312@item half-standout
24313Use half bright and standout mode.
24314
24315@item bold
24316Use extra bright or bold mode.
24317
24318@item bold-standout
24319Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
24320@end table
24321@end table
24322
24323@node Emacs
24324@chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
24325
24326@cindex Emacs
24327@cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
24328A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
24329edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
24330@value{GDBN}.
24331
24332To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
24333executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
24334@value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
24335created Emacs buffer.
24336@c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
24337
24338Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
24339things:
24340
24341@itemize @bullet
24342@item
24343All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
24344the GUD buffer.
24345
24346This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
24347and output done by the program you are debugging.
24348
24349This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
24350commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
24351in this way.
24352
24353All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
24354with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
24355way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
24356stop.
24357
24358@item
24359@value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
24360
24361Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
24362source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
24363left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
24364source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
24365and the source.
24366
24367Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
24368usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
24369@end itemize
24370
24371We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
24372a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
24373that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
24374@xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
24375
24376If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
24377gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
24378your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
24379sets your current working directory to the directory associated
24380with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
24381program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
24382some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
24383@value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
24384buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
24385
24386The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
24387line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
24388that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
24389,Commands to Specify Files}.
24390
24391By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
24392need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
24393keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
24394customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
24395one you want.
24396
24397In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
24398addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
24399
24400@table @kbd
24401@item C-h m
24402Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
24403
24404@item C-c C-s
24405Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
24406update the display window to show the current file and location.
24407
24408@item C-c C-n
24409Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
24410calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
24411to show the current file and location.
24412
24413@item C-c C-i
24414Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
24415display window accordingly.
24416
24417@item C-c C-f
24418Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
24419@code{finish} command.
24420
24421@item C-c C-r
24422Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
24423command.
24424
24425@item C-c <
24426Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
24427(@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
24428like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
24429
24430@item C-c >
24431Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
24432@value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
24433@end table
24434
24435In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
24436tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
24437
24438In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
24439separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
24440Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
24441become the current frame and display the associated source in the
24442source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
24443selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
24444speedbar displays watch expressions.
24445
24446If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
24447it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
24448request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
24449the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
24450frame.
24451
24452The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
24453which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
24454the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
24455communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
24456delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
24457to correspond properly with the code.
24458
24459A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
24460given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
24461Emacs Manual}).
24462
24463@c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
24464@c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
24465@ignore
24466@kindex Emacs Epoch environment
24467@kindex Epoch
24468@kindex inspect
24469
24470Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
24471called the @code{epoch}
24472environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
24473@code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
24474each value is printed in its own window.
24475@end ignore
24476
24477
24478@node GDB/MI
24479@chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
24480
24481@unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
24482
24483@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
24484@sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
24485@value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
24486@option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
24487is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
24488use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
24489
24490This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
24491in the form of a reference manual.
24492
24493Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
24494features described below are incomplete and subject to change
24495(@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
24496
24497@unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
24498
24499@cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
24500This chapter uses the following notation:
24501
24502@itemize @bullet
24503@item
24504@code{|} separates two alternatives.
24505
24506@item
24507@code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
24508it may or may not be given.
24509
24510@item
24511@code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24512may repeat zero or more times.
24513
24514@item
24515@code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24516may repeat one or more times.
24517
24518@item
24519@code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
24520@end itemize
24521
24522@ignore
24523@heading Dependencies
24524@end ignore
24525
24526@menu
24527* GDB/MI General Design::
24528* GDB/MI Command Syntax::
24529* GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
24530* GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
24531* GDB/MI Output Records::
24532* GDB/MI Simple Examples::
24533* GDB/MI Command Description Format::
24534* GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
24535* GDB/MI Program Context::
24536* GDB/MI Thread Commands::
24537* GDB/MI Program Execution::
24538* GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
24539* GDB/MI Variable Objects::
24540* GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
24541* GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
24542* GDB/MI Symbol Query::
24543* GDB/MI File Commands::
24544@ignore
24545* GDB/MI Kod Commands::
24546* GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
24547* GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
24548@end ignore
24549* GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
24550* GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
24551* GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
24552@end menu
24553
24554@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24555@node GDB/MI General Design
24556@section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
24557@cindex GDB/MI General Design
24558
24559Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
24560parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
24561and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
24562indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
24563For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
24564requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
24565response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
24566Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
24567target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
24568a command and reported as part of that command response.
24569
24570The important examples of notifications are:
24571@itemize @bullet
24572
24573@item
24574Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
24575target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
24576be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
24577commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
24578different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
24579happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
24580command itself was successfully executed.
24581
24582@item
24583Console output, and status notifications. Console output
24584notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
24585diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
24586report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
24587this information in command response would mean no output is produced
24588until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
24589
24590@item
24591General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
24592the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
24593a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
24594be included in command response, using notification allows for more
24595orthogonal frontend design.
24596
24597@end itemize
24598
24599There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
24600@value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
24601the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
24602processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
24603we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
24604the user interface.
24605
24606
24607@menu
24608* Context management::
24609* Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
24610* Thread groups::
24611@end menu
24612
24613@node Context management
24614@subsection Context management
24615
24616In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
24617done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
24618Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
24619be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
24620and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
24621because a command line user would not want to specify that information
24622explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
24623@value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
24624to what thread and frame are the current ones.
24625
24626In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
24627useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
24628itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
24629each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
24630want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
24631increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
24632frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
24633should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
24634make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
24635@samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
24636for thread and frame to operate on.
24637
24638Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
24639a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
24640operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
24641current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
24642it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
24643another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
24644the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
24645one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
24646change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
24647No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
24648
24649Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
24650frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
24651right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
24652simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
24653before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
24654to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
24655if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
24656thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
24657optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
24658sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
24659selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
24660change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
24661problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
24662all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
24663right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
24664@samp{--frame} options.
24665
24666@node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
24667@subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
24668
24669On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
24670even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
24671command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
24672specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
24673@code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
24674either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
24675frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
24676find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
24677@code{-list-target-features} command.
24678
24679Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
24680many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
24681running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
24682when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
24683it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
24684are running.
24685
24686When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
24687target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
24688some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
24689stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
24690modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
24691that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
24692@code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
24693context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
24694stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
24695@samp{--thread} option).
24696
24697Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
24698highly target dependent. However, the two commands
24699@code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
24700to find the state of a thread, will always work.
24701
24702@node Thread groups
24703@subsection Thread groups
24704@value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
24705On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
24706hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
24707processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
24708mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
24709
24710The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
24711target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
24712accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
24713thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
24714neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
24715current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
24716that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
24717into processes.
24718
24719To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
24720hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
24721@dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
24722thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
24723and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
24724command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
24725thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
24726debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
24727to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
24728the members of specific thread group.
24729
24730To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
24731wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
24732introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
24733@value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
24734@code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
24735groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
24736In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
24737after attaching to that thread group.
24738
24739Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
24740Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
24741type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
24742such thread groups.
24743
24744@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24745@node GDB/MI Command Syntax
24746@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
24747
24748@menu
24749* GDB/MI Input Syntax::
24750* GDB/MI Output Syntax::
24751@end menu
24752
24753@node GDB/MI Input Syntax
24754@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
24755
24756@cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
24757@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
24758@table @code
24759@item @var{command} @expansion{}
24760@code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
24761
24762@item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
24763@code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
24764@var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
24765
24766@item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
24767@code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
24768@code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
24769
24770@item @var{token} @expansion{}
24771"any sequence of digits"
24772
24773@item @var{option} @expansion{}
24774@code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
24775
24776@item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
24777@code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
24778
24779@item @var{operation} @expansion{}
24780@emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
24781
24782@item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
24783@emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
24784"-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
24785
24786@item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
24787@code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
24788
24789@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24790@code{CR | CR-LF}
24791@end table
24792
24793@noindent
24794Notes:
24795
24796@itemize @bullet
24797@item
24798The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
24799output is described below.
24800
24801@item
24802The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
24803finishes.
24804
24805@item
24806Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
24807list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
24808followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
24809parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
24810@samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
24811@end itemize
24812
24813Pragmatics:
24814
24815@itemize @bullet
24816@item
24817We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
24818
24819@item
24820We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
24821@end itemize
24822
24823@node GDB/MI Output Syntax
24824@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
24825
24826@cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
24827@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
24828The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
24829followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
24830is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
24831terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
24832
24833If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
24834corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
24835@var{token}.
24836
24837@table @code
24838@item @var{output} @expansion{}
24839@code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
24840
24841@item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
24842@code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24843
24844@item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
24845@code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
24846
24847@item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
24848@code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
24849
24850@item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
24851@code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
24852
24853@item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
24854@code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
24855
24856@item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
24857@code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
24858
24859@item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
24860@code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24861
24862@item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
24863@code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
24864
24865@item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
24866@code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
24867depending on the needs---this is still in development).
24868
24869@item @var{result} @expansion{}
24870@code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
24871
24872@item @var{variable} @expansion{}
24873@code{ @var{string} }
24874
24875@item @var{value} @expansion{}
24876@code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
24877
24878@item @var{const} @expansion{}
24879@code{@var{c-string}}
24880
24881@item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
24882@code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
24883
24884@item @var{list} @expansion{}
24885@code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
24886@var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
24887
24888@item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
24889@code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
24890
24891@item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
24892@code{"~" @var{c-string}}
24893
24894@item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
24895@code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
24896
24897@item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
24898@code{"&" @var{c-string}}
24899
24900@item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24901@code{CR | CR-LF}
24902
24903@item @var{token} @expansion{}
24904@emph{any sequence of digits}.
24905@end table
24906
24907@noindent
24908Notes:
24909
24910@itemize @bullet
24911@item
24912All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
24913
24914@item
24915The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
24916for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
24917may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
24918output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
24919all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
24920target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
24921prior command.
24922
24923@item
24924@cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24925@var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
24926progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
24927prefixed by @samp{+}.
24928
24929@item
24930@cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24931@var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
24932(stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
24933@samp{*}.
24934
24935@item
24936@cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24937@var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
24938client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
24939output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
24940
24941@item
24942@cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24943@var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
24944console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
24945output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
24946
24947@item
24948@cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24949@var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
24950All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
24951
24952@item
24953@cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24954@var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
24955instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
24956the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
24957
24958@item
24959@cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24960New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
24961@var{values}.
24962
24963
24964@end itemize
24965
24966@xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
24967details about the various output records.
24968
24969@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24970@node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
24971@section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
24972
24973@cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
24974@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
24975
24976For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
24977but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
24978that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
24979command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
24980@code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
24981@samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
24982
24983This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
24984recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
24985(@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
24986
24987@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24988@node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
24989@section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
24990@cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
24991
24992The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
24993program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
24994
24995Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
24996by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
24997to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
24998section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
24999might change.
25000
25001Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
25002for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
25003list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
25004parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
25005
25006@itemize @bullet
25007@item
25008New MI commands may be added.
25009
25010@item
25011New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
25012
25013@item
25014The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
25015@code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
25016
25017@c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
25018@c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
25019
25020@c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
25021@c resolve inconsistencies.
25022@end itemize
25023
25024If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
25025will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
25026output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
25027@value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
25028responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
25029
25030@c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
25031@c version?
25032
25033The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
25034end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
25035follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
25036@email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
25037@cindex mailing lists
25038
25039@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25040@node GDB/MI Output Records
25041@section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
25042
25043@menu
25044* GDB/MI Result Records::
25045* GDB/MI Stream Records::
25046* GDB/MI Async Records::
25047* GDB/MI Frame Information::
25048* GDB/MI Thread Information::
25049* GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
25050@end menu
25051
25052@node GDB/MI Result Records
25053@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
25054
25055@cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25056@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
25057In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
25058@sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
25059
25060@table @code
25061@findex ^done
25062@item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
25063The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
25064values.
25065
25066@item "^running"
25067@findex ^running
25068This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
25069was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
25070target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
25071all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
25072identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
25073which threads are resumed.
25074
25075@item "^connected"
25076@findex ^connected
25077@value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
25078
25079@item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
25080@findex ^error
25081The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
25082error message.
25083
25084@item "^exit"
25085@findex ^exit
25086@value{GDBN} has terminated.
25087
25088@end table
25089
25090@node GDB/MI Stream Records
25091@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
25092
25093@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
25094@cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25095@value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
25096target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
25097funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
25098
25099Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
25100identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
25101Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
25102@code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
25103line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
25104
25105@table @code
25106@item "~" @var{string-output}
25107The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
25108CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
25109
25110@item "@@" @var{string-output}
25111The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
25112target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
25113asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
25114
25115@item "&" @var{string-output}
25116The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
25117internals.
25118@end table
25119
25120@node GDB/MI Async Records
25121@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
25122
25123@cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25124@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
25125@dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
25126additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
25127consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
25128target activity (e.g., target stopped).
25129
25130The following is the list of possible async records:
25131
25132@table @code
25133
25134@item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
25135The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
25136specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
25137are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
25138running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
25139The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
25140only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
25141several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
25142all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
25143be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
25144
25145@item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
25146The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
25147following values:
25148
25149@table @code
25150@item breakpoint-hit
25151A breakpoint was reached.
25152@item watchpoint-trigger
25153A watchpoint was triggered.
25154@item read-watchpoint-trigger
25155A read watchpoint was triggered.
25156@item access-watchpoint-trigger
25157An access watchpoint was triggered.
25158@item function-finished
25159An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
25160@item location-reached
25161An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
25162@item watchpoint-scope
25163A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
25164@item end-stepping-range
25165An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
25166similar CLI command was accomplished.
25167@item exited-signalled
25168The inferior exited because of a signal.
25169@item exited
25170The inferior exited.
25171@item exited-normally
25172The inferior exited normally.
25173@item signal-received
25174A signal was received by the inferior.
25175@end table
25176
25177The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
25178-- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
25179mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
25180stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
25181If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
25182value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
25183field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
25184always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
25185several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
25186processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
25187if such information is not available.
25188
25189@item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
25190@itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
25191A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
25192contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
25193group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
25194process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
25195cannot be used in any way.
25196
25197@item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
25198A thread group became associated with a running program,
25199either because the program was just started or the thread group
25200was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
25201@value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
25202contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
25203
25204@item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
25205A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
25206either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
25207from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
25208thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
25209only when the inferior exited with some code.
25210
25211@item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
25212@itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
25213A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
25214contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
25215field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
25216
25217@item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
25218Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
25219command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
25220command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
25221to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
25222invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
25223@code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
25224
25225We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
25226highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
25227that thread.
25228
25229@item =library-loaded,...
25230Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
25231notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
25232@var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
25233opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
25234@var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
25235library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
25236debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
25237@var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
25238and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
25239@var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
25240group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
25241absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
25242thread groups.
25243
25244@item =library-unloaded,...
25245Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
25246has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
25247the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
25248The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
25249thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
25250absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
25251thread groups.
25252
25253@item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
25254@itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
25255@itemx =breakpoint-deleted,bkpt=@{...@}
25256Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
25257respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
25258user.
25259
25260The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
25261breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}.
25262
25263Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
25264command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
25265
25266@end table
25267
25268@node GDB/MI Frame Information
25269@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
25270
25271Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
25272frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
25273fields:
25274
25275@table @code
25276@item level
25277The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
25278zero. This field is always present.
25279
25280@item func
25281The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
25282be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
25283
25284@item addr
25285The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
25286
25287@item file
25288The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
25289address. This field may be absent.
25290
25291@item line
25292The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
25293may be absent.
25294
25295@item from
25296The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
25297corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
25298
25299@end table
25300
25301@node GDB/MI Thread Information
25302@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
25303
25304Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
25305uses a tuple with the following fields:
25306
25307@table @code
25308@item id
25309The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
25310always present.
25311
25312@item target-id
25313Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
25314
25315@item details
25316Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
25317It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
25318frontend. This field is optional.
25319
25320@item state
25321Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
25322thread is presently running. This field is always present.
25323
25324@item core
25325The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
25326thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
25327@end table
25328
25329@node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
25330@subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
25331
25332Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
25333stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
25334@value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
25335the @code{exception-name} field.
25336
25337@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25338@node GDB/MI Simple Examples
25339@section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
25340@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
25341
25342This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
25343the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
25344following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
25345the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
25346
25347Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
25348readability, they don't appear in the real output.
25349
25350@subheading Setting a Breakpoint
25351
25352Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
25353information of the breakpoint.
25354
25355@smallexample
25356-> -break-insert main
25357<- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25358 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
25359 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
25360<- (gdb)
25361@end smallexample
25362
25363@subheading Program Execution
25364
25365Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
25366reason that execution stopped.
25367
25368@smallexample
25369-> -exec-run
25370<- ^running
25371<- (gdb)
25372<- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
25373 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
25374 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
25375 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
25376<- (gdb)
25377-> -exec-continue
25378<- ^running
25379<- (gdb)
25380<- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
25381<- (gdb)
25382@end smallexample
25383
25384@subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
25385
25386Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
25387
25388@smallexample
25389-> (gdb)
25390<- -gdb-exit
25391<- ^exit
25392@end smallexample
25393
25394Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
25395take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
25396performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
25397or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
25398@value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
25399fails to exit in reasonable time.
25400
25401@subheading A Bad Command
25402
25403Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
25404
25405@smallexample
25406-> -rubbish
25407<- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
25408<- (gdb)
25409@end smallexample
25410
25411
25412@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25413@node GDB/MI Command Description Format
25414@section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
25415
25416The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
25417commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
25418
25419@subheading Motivation
25420
25421The motivation for this collection of commands.
25422
25423@subheading Introduction
25424
25425A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
25426
25427@subheading Commands
25428
25429For each command in the block, the following is described:
25430
25431@subsubheading Synopsis
25432
25433@smallexample
25434 -command @var{args}@dots{}
25435@end smallexample
25436
25437@subsubheading Result
25438
25439@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25440
25441The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
25442
25443@subsubheading Example
25444
25445Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
25446not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
25447
25448
25449@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25450@node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
25451@section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
25452
25453@cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
25454@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
25455This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
25456breakpoints.
25457
25458@subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
25459@findex -break-after
25460
25461@subsubheading Synopsis
25462
25463@smallexample
25464 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
25465@end smallexample
25466
25467The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
25468hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
25469the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
25470@samp{-break-list} command below.
25471
25472@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25473
25474The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
25475
25476@subsubheading Example
25477
25478@smallexample
25479(gdb)
25480-break-insert main
25481^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25482enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25483fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25484(gdb)
25485-break-after 1 3
25486~
25487^done
25488(gdb)
25489-break-list
25490^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25491hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25492@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25493@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25494@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25495@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25496@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25497body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25498addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25499line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25500(gdb)
25501@end smallexample
25502
25503@ignore
25504@subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
25505@findex -break-catch
25506@end ignore
25507
25508@subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
25509@findex -break-commands
25510
25511@subsubheading Synopsis
25512
25513@smallexample
25514 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
25515@end smallexample
25516
25517Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
25518@var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
25519are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
25520commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
25521functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
25522some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
25523
25524@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25525
25526The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
25527
25528@subsubheading Example
25529
25530@smallexample
25531(gdb)
25532-break-insert main
25533^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25534enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25535fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25536(gdb)
25537-break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
25538^done
25539(gdb)
25540@end smallexample
25541
25542@subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
25543@findex -break-condition
25544
25545@subsubheading Synopsis
25546
25547@smallexample
25548 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
25549@end smallexample
25550
25551Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
25552@var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
25553@samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
25554command below).
25555
25556@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25557
25558The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
25559
25560@subsubheading Example
25561
25562@smallexample
25563(gdb)
25564-break-condition 1 1
25565^done
25566(gdb)
25567-break-list
25568^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25569hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25570@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25571@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25572@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25573@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25574@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25575body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25576addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25577line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25578(gdb)
25579@end smallexample
25580
25581@subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
25582@findex -break-delete
25583
25584@subsubheading Synopsis
25585
25586@smallexample
25587 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25588@end smallexample
25589
25590Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
25591list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
25592
25593@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25594
25595The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
25596
25597@subsubheading Example
25598
25599@smallexample
25600(gdb)
25601-break-delete 1
25602^done
25603(gdb)
25604-break-list
25605^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25606hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25607@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25608@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25609@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25610@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25611@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25612body=[]@}
25613(gdb)
25614@end smallexample
25615
25616@subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
25617@findex -break-disable
25618
25619@subsubheading Synopsis
25620
25621@smallexample
25622 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25623@end smallexample
25624
25625Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
25626break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
25627
25628@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25629
25630The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
25631
25632@subsubheading Example
25633
25634@smallexample
25635(gdb)
25636-break-disable 2
25637^done
25638(gdb)
25639-break-list
25640^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25641hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25642@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25643@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25644@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25645@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25646@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25647body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
25648addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25649line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25650(gdb)
25651@end smallexample
25652
25653@subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
25654@findex -break-enable
25655
25656@subsubheading Synopsis
25657
25658@smallexample
25659 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25660@end smallexample
25661
25662Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
25663
25664@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25665
25666The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
25667
25668@subsubheading Example
25669
25670@smallexample
25671(gdb)
25672-break-enable 2
25673^done
25674(gdb)
25675-break-list
25676^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25677hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25678@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25679@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25680@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25681@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25682@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25683body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25684addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25685line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25686(gdb)
25687@end smallexample
25688
25689@subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
25690@findex -break-info
25691
25692@subsubheading Synopsis
25693
25694@smallexample
25695 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
25696@end smallexample
25697
25698@c REDUNDANT???
25699Get information about a single breakpoint.
25700
25701@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25702
25703The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
25704
25705@subsubheading Example
25706N.A.
25707
25708@subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
25709@findex -break-insert
25710
25711@subsubheading Synopsis
25712
25713@smallexample
25714 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
25715 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
25716 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
25717@end smallexample
25718
25719@noindent
25720If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
25721
25722@itemize @bullet
25723@item function
25724@c @item +offset
25725@c @item -offset
25726@c @item linenum
25727@item filename:linenum
25728@item filename:function
25729@item *address
25730@end itemize
25731
25732The possible optional parameters of this command are:
25733
25734@table @samp
25735@item -t
25736Insert a temporary breakpoint.
25737@item -h
25738Insert a hardware breakpoint.
25739@item -c @var{condition}
25740Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
25741@item -i @var{ignore-count}
25742Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
25743@item -f
25744If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
25745refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
25746breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
25747an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
25748cannot be parsed.
25749@item -d
25750Create a disabled breakpoint.
25751@item -a
25752Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
25753is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
25754@end table
25755
25756@subsubheading Result
25757
25758The result is in the form:
25759
25760@smallexample
25761^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
25762enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
25763fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
25764times="@var{times}"@}
25765@end smallexample
25766
25767@noindent
25768where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
25769@var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
25770inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
25771this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
25772and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
25773(always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
25774which use the same output).
25775
25776Note: this format is open to change.
25777@c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
25778
25779@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25780
25781The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
25782@samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
25783
25784@subsubheading Example
25785
25786@smallexample
25787(gdb)
25788-break-insert main
25789^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
25790fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
25791(gdb)
25792-break-insert -t foo
25793^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
25794fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
25795(gdb)
25796-break-list
25797^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25798hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25799@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25800@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25801@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25802@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25803@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25804body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25805addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
25806fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
25807bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
25808addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
25809fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
25810(gdb)
25811-break-insert -r foo.*
25812~int foo(int, int);
25813^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
25814"fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
25815(gdb)
25816@end smallexample
25817
25818@subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
25819@findex -break-list
25820
25821@subsubheading Synopsis
25822
25823@smallexample
25824 -break-list
25825@end smallexample
25826
25827Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
25828
25829@table @samp
25830@item Number
25831number of the breakpoint
25832@item Type
25833type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
25834@item Disposition
25835should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
25836or @samp{nokeep}
25837@item Enabled
25838is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
25839@item Address
25840memory location at which the breakpoint is set
25841@item What
25842logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
25843name, line number
25844@item Times
25845number of times the breakpoint has been hit
25846@end table
25847
25848If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
25849@code{body} field is an empty list.
25850
25851@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25852
25853The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
25854
25855@subsubheading Example
25856
25857@smallexample
25858(gdb)
25859-break-list
25860^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25861hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25862@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25863@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25864@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25865@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25866@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25867body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25868addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
25869bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25870addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25871line="13",times="0"@}]@}
25872(gdb)
25873@end smallexample
25874
25875Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
25876
25877@smallexample
25878(gdb)
25879-break-list
25880^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25881hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25882@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25883@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25884@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25885@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25886@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25887body=[]@}
25888(gdb)
25889@end smallexample
25890
25891@subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
25892@findex -break-passcount
25893
25894@subsubheading Synopsis
25895
25896@smallexample
25897 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
25898@end smallexample
25899
25900Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
25901@var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
25902is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
25903command @samp{passcount}.
25904
25905@subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
25906@findex -break-watch
25907
25908@subsubheading Synopsis
25909
25910@smallexample
25911 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
25912@end smallexample
25913
25914Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
25915@dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
25916read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
25917option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
25918trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
25919either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
25920i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
25921@xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
25922
25923Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
25924breakpoints inserted.
25925
25926@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25927
25928The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
25929@samp{rwatch}.
25930
25931@subsubheading Example
25932
25933Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
25934
25935@smallexample
25936(gdb)
25937-break-watch x
25938^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
25939(gdb)
25940-exec-continue
25941^running
25942(gdb)
25943*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
25944value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
25945frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
25946fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
25947(gdb)
25948@end smallexample
25949
25950Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
25951the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
25952for the watchpoint going out of scope.
25953
25954@smallexample
25955(gdb)
25956-break-watch C
25957^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
25958(gdb)
25959-exec-continue
25960^running
25961(gdb)
25962*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
25963wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25964frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25965file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25966fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25967(gdb)
25968-exec-continue
25969^running
25970(gdb)
25971*stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
25972frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25973value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25974file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25975fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25976(gdb)
25977@end smallexample
25978
25979Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
25980execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
25981deleted.
25982
25983@smallexample
25984(gdb)
25985-break-watch C
25986^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
25987(gdb)
25988-break-list
25989^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25990hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25991@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25992@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25993@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25994@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25995@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25996body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25997addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25998file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25999fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
26000bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
26001enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
26002(gdb)
26003-exec-continue
26004^running
26005(gdb)
26006*stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
26007value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
26008frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26009file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26010fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
26011(gdb)
26012-break-list
26013^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
26014hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26015@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26016@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26017@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26018@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26019@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26020body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26021addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26022file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26023fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
26024bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
26025enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
26026(gdb)
26027-exec-continue
26028^running
26029^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
26030frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
26031value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26032file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26033fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26034(gdb)
26035-break-list
26036^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26037hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26038@{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26039@{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26040@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26041@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26042@{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26043body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26044addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26045file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26046fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
26047times="1"@}]@}
26048(gdb)
26049@end smallexample
26050
26051@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26052@node GDB/MI Program Context
26053@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
26054
26055@subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
26056@findex -exec-arguments
26057
26058
26059@subsubheading Synopsis
26060
26061@smallexample
26062 -exec-arguments @var{args}
26063@end smallexample
26064
26065Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
26066@samp{-exec-run}.
26067
26068@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26069
26070The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
26071
26072@subsubheading Example
26073
26074@smallexample
26075(gdb)
26076-exec-arguments -v word
26077^done
26078(gdb)
26079@end smallexample
26080
26081
26082@ignore
26083@subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
26084@findex -exec-show-arguments
26085
26086@subsubheading Synopsis
26087
26088@smallexample
26089 -exec-show-arguments
26090@end smallexample
26091
26092Print the arguments of the program.
26093
26094@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26095
26096The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
26097
26098@subsubheading Example
26099N.A.
26100@end ignore
26101
26102
26103@subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
26104@findex -environment-cd
26105
26106@subsubheading Synopsis
26107
26108@smallexample
26109 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
26110@end smallexample
26111
26112Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
26113
26114@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26115
26116The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
26117
26118@subsubheading Example
26119
26120@smallexample
26121(gdb)
26122-environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
26123^done
26124(gdb)
26125@end smallexample
26126
26127
26128@subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
26129@findex -environment-directory
26130
26131@subsubheading Synopsis
26132
26133@smallexample
26134 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
26135@end smallexample
26136
26137Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
26138If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
26139search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
26140@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
26141occurs as normal.
26142Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
26143multiple directories in a single command
26144results in the directories added to the beginning of the
26145search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
26146If blanks are needed as
26147part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
26148the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
26149by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
26150character must not be used
26151in any directory name.
26152If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
26153
26154@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26155
26156The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
26157
26158@subsubheading Example
26159
26160@smallexample
26161(gdb)
26162-environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
26163^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
26164(gdb)
26165-environment-directory ""
26166^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
26167(gdb)
26168-environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
26169^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
26170(gdb)
26171-environment-directory -r
26172^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
26173(gdb)
26174@end smallexample
26175
26176
26177@subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
26178@findex -environment-path
26179
26180@subsubheading Synopsis
26181
26182@smallexample
26183 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
26184@end smallexample
26185
26186Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
26187If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
26188search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
26189supplied in addition to the
26190@samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
26191occurs as normal.
26192Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
26193multiple directories in a single command
26194results in the directories added to the beginning of the
26195search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
26196If blanks are needed as
26197part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
26198the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
26199by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
26200character must not be used
26201in any directory name.
26202If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
26203
26204
26205@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26206
26207The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
26208
26209@subsubheading Example
26210
26211@smallexample
26212(gdb)
26213-environment-path
26214^done,path="/usr/bin"
26215(gdb)
26216-environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
26217^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
26218(gdb)
26219-environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
26220^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
26221(gdb)
26222@end smallexample
26223
26224
26225@subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
26226@findex -environment-pwd
26227
26228@subsubheading Synopsis
26229
26230@smallexample
26231 -environment-pwd
26232@end smallexample
26233
26234Show the current working directory.
26235
26236@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26237
26238The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
26239
26240@subsubheading Example
26241
26242@smallexample
26243(gdb)
26244-environment-pwd
26245^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
26246(gdb)
26247@end smallexample
26248
26249@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26250@node GDB/MI Thread Commands
26251@section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
26252
26253
26254@subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
26255@findex -thread-info
26256
26257@subsubheading Synopsis
26258
26259@smallexample
26260 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
26261@end smallexample
26262
26263Reports information about either a specific thread, if
26264the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
26265threads. When printing information about all threads,
26266also reports the current thread.
26267
26268@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26269
26270The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
26271about all threads.
26272
26273@subsubheading Result
26274
26275The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
26276defined for a given thread:
26277
26278@table @samp
26279@item current
26280This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
26281
26282@item id
26283The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
26284
26285@item target-id
26286The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
26287
26288@item details
26289Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
26290field is optional.
26291
26292@item name
26293The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
26294@code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
26295@value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
26296name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
26297field is omitted.
26298
26299@item frame
26300The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
26301
26302@item state
26303The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
26304values:
26305
26306@table @code
26307@item stopped
26308The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
26309threads.
26310
26311@item running
26312The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
26313threads.
26314
26315@end table
26316
26317@item core
26318If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
26319then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
26320
26321@end table
26322
26323@subsubheading Example
26324
26325@smallexample
26326-thread-info
26327^done,threads=[
26328@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
26329 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
26330 args=[]@},state="running"@},
26331@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
26332 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
26333 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
26334 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
26335 state="running"@}],
26336current-thread-id="1"
26337(gdb)
26338@end smallexample
26339
26340@subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
26341@findex -thread-list-ids
26342
26343@subsubheading Synopsis
26344
26345@smallexample
26346 -thread-list-ids
26347@end smallexample
26348
26349Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
26350end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
26351
26352This command is retained for historical reasons, the
26353@code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
26354
26355@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26356
26357Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
26358
26359@subsubheading Example
26360
26361@smallexample
26362(gdb)
26363-thread-list-ids
26364^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26365current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
26366(gdb)
26367@end smallexample
26368
26369
26370@subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
26371@findex -thread-select
26372
26373@subsubheading Synopsis
26374
26375@smallexample
26376 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
26377@end smallexample
26378
26379Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
26380current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
26381
26382This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
26383@samp{--thread} option to each command.
26384
26385@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26386
26387The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
26388
26389@subsubheading Example
26390
26391@smallexample
26392(gdb)
26393-exec-next
26394^running
26395(gdb)
26396*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
26397file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
26398(gdb)
26399-thread-list-ids
26400^done,
26401thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26402number-of-threads="3"
26403(gdb)
26404-thread-select 3
26405^done,new-thread-id="3",
26406frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
26407args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
26408@{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
26409(gdb)
26410@end smallexample
26411
26412@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26413@node GDB/MI Program Execution
26414@section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
26415
26416These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
26417record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
26418asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
26419other cases.
26420
26421@subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
26422@findex -exec-continue
26423
26424@subsubheading Synopsis
26425
26426@smallexample
26427 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
26428@end smallexample
26429
26430Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
26431to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
26432@samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
26433it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
26434@itemize @bullet
26435@item
26436breakpoints or watchpoints
26437@item
26438signals or exceptions
26439@item
26440the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
26441@item
26442the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
26443@end itemize
26444In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
26445Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
26446value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
26447specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
26448ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
26449specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
26450
26451@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26452
26453The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
26454
26455@subsubheading Example
26456
26457@smallexample
26458-exec-continue
26459^running
26460(gdb)
26461@@Hello world
26462*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
26463func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
26464line="13"@}
26465(gdb)
26466@end smallexample
26467
26468
26469@subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
26470@findex -exec-finish
26471
26472@subsubheading Synopsis
26473
26474@smallexample
26475 -exec-finish [--reverse]
26476@end smallexample
26477
26478Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
26479function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
26480If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
26481execution of the inferior program until the point where current
26482function was called.
26483
26484@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26485
26486The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
26487
26488@subsubheading Example
26489
26490Function returning @code{void}.
26491
26492@smallexample
26493-exec-finish
26494^running
26495(gdb)
26496@@hello from foo
26497*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26498file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
26499(gdb)
26500@end smallexample
26501
26502Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
26503@value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
26504value itself.
26505
26506@smallexample
26507-exec-finish
26508^running
26509(gdb)
26510*stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
26511args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
26512file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26513gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
26514(gdb)
26515@end smallexample
26516
26517
26518@subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
26519@findex -exec-interrupt
26520
26521@subsubheading Synopsis
26522
26523@smallexample
26524 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
26525@end smallexample
26526
26527Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
26528associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
26529that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
26530appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
26531interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
26532
26533Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
26534asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
26535@samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
26536reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
26537
26538In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
26539All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
26540@samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
26541option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
26542
26543@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26544
26545The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
26546
26547@subsubheading Example
26548
26549@smallexample
26550(gdb)
26551111-exec-continue
26552111^running
26553
26554(gdb)
26555222-exec-interrupt
26556222^done
26557(gdb)
26558111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
26559frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26560fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
26561(gdb)
26562
26563(gdb)
26564-exec-interrupt
26565^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
26566(gdb)
26567@end smallexample
26568
26569@subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
26570@findex -exec-jump
26571
26572@subsubheading Synopsis
26573
26574@smallexample
26575 -exec-jump @var{location}
26576@end smallexample
26577
26578Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
26579parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
26580different forms of @var{location}.
26581
26582@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26583
26584The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
26585
26586@subsubheading Example
26587
26588@smallexample
26589-exec-jump foo.c:10
26590*running,thread-id="all"
26591^running
26592@end smallexample
26593
26594
26595@subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
26596@findex -exec-next
26597
26598@subsubheading Synopsis
26599
26600@smallexample
26601 -exec-next [--reverse]
26602@end smallexample
26603
26604Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26605of the next source line is reached.
26606
26607If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26608of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
26609source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
26610function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
26611source line where the function was called.
26612
26613
26614@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26615
26616The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
26617
26618@subsubheading Example
26619
26620@smallexample
26621-exec-next
26622^running
26623(gdb)
26624*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
26625(gdb)
26626@end smallexample
26627
26628
26629@subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
26630@findex -exec-next-instruction
26631
26632@subsubheading Synopsis
26633
26634@smallexample
26635 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
26636@end smallexample
26637
26638Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
26639call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
26640instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
26641printed as well.
26642
26643If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26644of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
26645previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
26646it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
26647(from the current stack frame) is reached.
26648
26649@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26650
26651The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
26652
26653@subsubheading Example
26654
26655@smallexample
26656(gdb)
26657-exec-next-instruction
26658^running
26659
26660(gdb)
26661*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26662addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
26663(gdb)
26664@end smallexample
26665
26666
26667@subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
26668@findex -exec-return
26669
26670@subsubheading Synopsis
26671
26672@smallexample
26673 -exec-return
26674@end smallexample
26675
26676Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
26677Displays the new current frame.
26678
26679@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26680
26681The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
26682
26683@subsubheading Example
26684
26685@smallexample
26686(gdb)
26687200-break-insert callee4
26688200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
26689file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26690(gdb)
26691000-exec-run
26692000^running
26693(gdb)
26694000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26695frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26696file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26697fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26698(gdb)
26699205-break-delete
26700205^done
26701(gdb)
26702111-exec-return
26703111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
26704args=[@{name="strarg",
26705value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26706file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26707fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26708(gdb)
26709@end smallexample
26710
26711
26712@subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
26713@findex -exec-run
26714
26715@subsubheading Synopsis
26716
26717@smallexample
26718 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
26719@end smallexample
26720
26721Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
26722executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
26723exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
26724the program has exited exceptionally.
26725
26726When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
26727@samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
26728group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
26729If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
26730
26731@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26732
26733The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
26734
26735@subsubheading Examples
26736
26737@smallexample
26738(gdb)
26739-break-insert main
26740^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26741(gdb)
26742-exec-run
26743^running
26744(gdb)
26745*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26746frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
26747fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26748(gdb)
26749@end smallexample
26750
26751@noindent
26752Program exited normally:
26753
26754@smallexample
26755(gdb)
26756-exec-run
26757^running
26758(gdb)
26759x = 55
26760*stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26761(gdb)
26762@end smallexample
26763
26764@noindent
26765Program exited exceptionally:
26766
26767@smallexample
26768(gdb)
26769-exec-run
26770^running
26771(gdb)
26772x = 55
26773*stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
26774(gdb)
26775@end smallexample
26776
26777Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
26778@code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
26779
26780@smallexample
26781(gdb)
26782*stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
26783signal-meaning="Interrupt"
26784@end smallexample
26785
26786
26787@c @subheading -exec-signal
26788
26789
26790@subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
26791@findex -exec-step
26792
26793@subsubheading Synopsis
26794
26795@smallexample
26796 -exec-step [--reverse]
26797@end smallexample
26798
26799Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26800of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
26801function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
26802function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
26803execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
26804previously executed source line.
26805
26806@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26807
26808The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
26809
26810@subsubheading Example
26811
26812Stepping into a function:
26813
26814@smallexample
26815-exec-step
26816^running
26817(gdb)
26818*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26819frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
26820@{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
26821fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
26822(gdb)
26823@end smallexample
26824
26825Regular stepping:
26826
26827@smallexample
26828-exec-step
26829^running
26830(gdb)
26831*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
26832(gdb)
26833@end smallexample
26834
26835
26836@subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
26837@findex -exec-step-instruction
26838
26839@subsubheading Synopsis
26840
26841@smallexample
26842 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
26843@end smallexample
26844
26845Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
26846@samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
26847inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
26848The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
26849whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
26850former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
26851as well.
26852
26853@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26854
26855The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
26856
26857@subsubheading Example
26858
26859@smallexample
26860(gdb)
26861-exec-step-instruction
26862^running
26863
26864(gdb)
26865*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26866frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26867fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26868(gdb)
26869-exec-step-instruction
26870^running
26871
26872(gdb)
26873*stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26874frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26875fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26876(gdb)
26877@end smallexample
26878
26879
26880@subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
26881@findex -exec-until
26882
26883@subsubheading Synopsis
26884
26885@smallexample
26886 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
26887@end smallexample
26888
26889Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
26890argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
26891until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
26892reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
26893
26894@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26895
26896The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
26897
26898@subsubheading Example
26899
26900@smallexample
26901(gdb)
26902-exec-until recursive2.c:6
26903^running
26904(gdb)
26905x = 55
26906*stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26907file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
26908(gdb)
26909@end smallexample
26910
26911@ignore
26912@subheading -file-clear
26913Is this going away????
26914@end ignore
26915
26916@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26917@node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
26918@section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
26919
26920
26921@subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
26922@findex -stack-info-frame
26923
26924@subsubheading Synopsis
26925
26926@smallexample
26927 -stack-info-frame
26928@end smallexample
26929
26930Get info on the selected frame.
26931
26932@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26933
26934The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
26935(without arguments).
26936
26937@subsubheading Example
26938
26939@smallexample
26940(gdb)
26941-stack-info-frame
26942^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26943file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26944fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
26945(gdb)
26946@end smallexample
26947
26948@subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
26949@findex -stack-info-depth
26950
26951@subsubheading Synopsis
26952
26953@smallexample
26954 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
26955@end smallexample
26956
26957Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
26958is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
26959
26960@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26961
26962There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
26963
26964@subsubheading Example
26965
26966For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
26967
26968@smallexample
26969(gdb)
26970-stack-info-depth
26971^done,depth="12"
26972(gdb)
26973-stack-info-depth 4
26974^done,depth="4"
26975(gdb)
26976-stack-info-depth 12
26977^done,depth="12"
26978(gdb)
26979-stack-info-depth 11
26980^done,depth="11"
26981(gdb)
26982-stack-info-depth 13
26983^done,depth="12"
26984(gdb)
26985@end smallexample
26986
26987@subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
26988@findex -stack-list-arguments
26989
26990@subsubheading Synopsis
26991
26992@smallexample
26993 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
26994 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
26995@end smallexample
26996
26997Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
26998and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
26999@var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
27000call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
27001at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
27002larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
27003@var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
27004which case only existing frames will be returned.
27005
27006If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27007the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27008values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27009type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27010structures and unions.
27011
27012Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
27013deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
27014
27015@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27016
27017@value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
27018@samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
27019functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
27020
27021@subsubheading Example
27022
27023@smallexample
27024(gdb)
27025-stack-list-frames
27026^done,
27027stack=[
27028frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27029file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27030fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
27031frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
27032file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27033fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
27034frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
27035file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27036fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
27037frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
27038file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27039fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
27040frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
27041file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27042fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
27043(gdb)
27044-stack-list-arguments 0
27045^done,
27046stack-args=[
27047frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
27048frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
27049frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
27050frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
27051frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
27052(gdb)
27053-stack-list-arguments 1
27054^done,
27055stack-args=[
27056frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
27057frame=@{level="1",
27058 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
27059frame=@{level="2",args=[
27060@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27061@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
27062@{frame=@{level="3",args=[
27063@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27064@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
27065@{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
27066frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
27067(gdb)
27068-stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
27069^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
27070(gdb)
27071-stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
27072^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
27073args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27074@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
27075(gdb)
27076@end smallexample
27077
27078@c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
27079
27080
27081@subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
27082@findex -stack-list-frames
27083
27084@subsubheading Synopsis
27085
27086@smallexample
27087 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
27088@end smallexample
27089
27090List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
27091following info:
27092
27093@table @samp
27094@item @var{level}
27095The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
27096@item @var{addr}
27097The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
27098@item @var{func}
27099Function name.
27100@item @var{file}
27101File name of the source file where the function lives.
27102@item @var{fullname}
27103The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
27104@item @var{line}
27105Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
27106@item @var{from}
27107The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
27108if the frame's function is not known.
27109@end table
27110
27111If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
27112whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
27113levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
27114are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
27115an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
27116frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
27117actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
27118
27119@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27120
27121The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
27122
27123@subsubheading Example
27124
27125Full stack backtrace:
27126
27127@smallexample
27128(gdb)
27129-stack-list-frames
27130^done,stack=
27131[frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
27132 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
27133frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27134 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27135frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27136 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27137frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27138 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27139frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27140 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27141frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27142 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27143frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27144 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27145frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27146 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27147frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27148 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27149frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27150 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27151frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27152 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27153frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
27154 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
27155(gdb)
27156@end smallexample
27157
27158Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
27159
27160@smallexample
27161(gdb)
27162-stack-list-frames 3 5
27163^done,stack=
27164[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27165 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27166frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27167 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27168frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27169 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
27170(gdb)
27171@end smallexample
27172
27173Show a single frame:
27174
27175@smallexample
27176(gdb)
27177-stack-list-frames 3 3
27178^done,stack=
27179[frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27180 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
27181(gdb)
27182@end smallexample
27183
27184
27185@subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
27186@findex -stack-list-locals
27187
27188@subsubheading Synopsis
27189
27190@smallexample
27191 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
27192@end smallexample
27193
27194Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
27195@var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27196the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27197values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27198type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27199structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
27200display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
27201other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
27202more detail.
27203
27204This command is deprecated in favor of the
27205@samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
27206
27207@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27208
27209@samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
27210
27211@subsubheading Example
27212
27213@smallexample
27214(gdb)
27215-stack-list-locals 0
27216^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
27217(gdb)
27218-stack-list-locals --all-values
27219^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
27220 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
27221-stack-list-locals --simple-values
27222^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
27223 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
27224(gdb)
27225@end smallexample
27226
27227@subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
27228@findex -stack-list-variables
27229
27230@subsubheading Synopsis
27231
27232@smallexample
27233 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
27234@end smallexample
27235
27236Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
27237@var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27238the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27239values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27240type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27241structures and unions.
27242
27243@subsubheading Example
27244
27245@smallexample
27246(gdb)
27247-stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
27248^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
27249(gdb)
27250@end smallexample
27251
27252
27253@subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
27254@findex -stack-select-frame
27255
27256@subsubheading Synopsis
27257
27258@smallexample
27259 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
27260@end smallexample
27261
27262Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
27263the stack.
27264
27265This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
27266option to every command.
27267
27268@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27269
27270The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
27271@samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
27272
27273@subsubheading Example
27274
27275@smallexample
27276(gdb)
27277-stack-select-frame 2
27278^done
27279(gdb)
27280@end smallexample
27281
27282@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27283@node GDB/MI Variable Objects
27284@section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
27285
27286@ignore
27287
27288@subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
27289
27290For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
27291expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
27292used by @code{Insight}.
27293
27294The two main reasons for that are:
27295
27296@enumerate 1
27297@item
27298It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
27299
27300@item
27301It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
27302now).
27303@end enumerate
27304
27305The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
27306slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
27307describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
27308hints about their use.
27309
27310@emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
27311expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
27312least, the following operations:
27313
27314@itemize @bullet
27315@item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
27316@item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
27317@item @code{-stack-list-locals}
27318@item @code{-stack-select-frame}
27319@end itemize
27320
27321@end ignore
27322
27323@subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
27324
27325@cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
27326
27327Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
27328changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
27329work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
27330simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
27331is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
27332frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
27333expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
27334expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
27335variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
27336operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
27337object, or to change display format.
27338
27339Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
27340that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
27341a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
27342element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
27343children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
27344leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
27345objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
27346is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
27347child will be created.
27348
27349For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
27350string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
27351obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
27352that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
27353contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
27354
27355A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
27356the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
27357variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
27358operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
27359be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
27360objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
27361real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
27362variables that frontend has created.
27363
27364The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
27365might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
27366and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
27367relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
27368to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
27369visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
27370called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
27371implicitly updated.
27372
27373Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
27374fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
27375object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
27376variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
27377variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
27378expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
27379frame. Consider this example:
27380
27381@smallexample
27382void do_work(...)
27383@{
27384 struct work_state state;
27385
27386 if (...)
27387 do_work(...);
27388@}
27389@end smallexample
27390
27391If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
27392this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
27393object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
27394@code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
27395object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
27396
27397If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
27398refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
27399thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
27400variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
27401thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
27402and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
27403
27404The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
27405access this functionality:
27406
27407@multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
27408@item @strong{Operation}
27409@tab @strong{Description}
27410
27411@item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
27412@tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
27413@item @code{-var-create}
27414@tab create a variable object
27415@item @code{-var-delete}
27416@tab delete the variable object and/or its children
27417@item @code{-var-set-format}
27418@tab set the display format of this variable
27419@item @code{-var-show-format}
27420@tab show the display format of this variable
27421@item @code{-var-info-num-children}
27422@tab tells how many children this object has
27423@item @code{-var-list-children}
27424@tab return a list of the object's children
27425@item @code{-var-info-type}
27426@tab show the type of this variable object
27427@item @code{-var-info-expression}
27428@tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
27429@item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
27430@tab print full expression that this variable object represents
27431@item @code{-var-show-attributes}
27432@tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
27433@item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
27434@tab get the value of this variable
27435@item @code{-var-assign}
27436@tab set the value of this variable
27437@item @code{-var-update}
27438@tab update the variable and its children
27439@item @code{-var-set-frozen}
27440@tab set frozeness attribute
27441@item @code{-var-set-update-range}
27442@tab set range of children to display on update
27443@end multitable
27444
27445In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
27446how it can be used.
27447
27448@subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
27449
27450@subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
27451@findex -enable-pretty-printing
27452
27453@smallexample
27454-enable-pretty-printing
27455@end smallexample
27456
27457@value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
27458MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
27459implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
27460request that this functionality be enabled.
27461
27462Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
27463
27464Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
27465this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
27466
27467This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
27468may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
27469
27470@subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
27471@findex -var-create
27472
27473@subsubheading Synopsis
27474
27475@smallexample
27476 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
27477 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
27478@end smallexample
27479
27480This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
27481a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
27482register.
27483
27484The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
27485referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
27486system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
27487unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
27488The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
27489
27490The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
27491specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
27492frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
27493object must be created.
27494
27495@var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
27496begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
27497
27498@itemize @bullet
27499@item
27500@samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
27501
27502@item
27503@samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
27504
27505@item
27506@samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
27507@end itemize
27508
27509@cindex dynamic varobj
27510A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
27511case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
27512have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
27513@code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
27514will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
27515compatibility for existing clients.
27516
27517@subsubheading Result
27518
27519This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
27520are:
27521
27522@table @samp
27523@item name
27524The name of the varobj.
27525
27526@item numchild
27527The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
27528reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
27529@samp{has_more} attribute.
27530
27531@item value
27532The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
27533aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
27534will not be interesting.
27535
27536@item type
27537The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
27538would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
27539
27540@item thread-id
27541If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
27542thread's identifier.
27543
27544@item has_more
27545For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
27546children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
27547
27548@item dynamic
27549This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27550varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27551then this attribute will not be present.
27552
27553@item displayhint
27554A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27555value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27556@code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27557@end table
27558
27559Typical output will look like this:
27560
27561@smallexample
27562 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
27563 has_more="@var{has_more}"
27564@end smallexample
27565
27566
27567@subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
27568@findex -var-delete
27569
27570@subsubheading Synopsis
27571
27572@smallexample
27573 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
27574@end smallexample
27575
27576Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
27577With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
27578
27579Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
27580
27581
27582@subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
27583@findex -var-set-format
27584
27585@subsubheading Synopsis
27586
27587@smallexample
27588 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
27589@end smallexample
27590
27591Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
27592@var{format-spec}.
27593
27594@anchor{-var-set-format}
27595The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
27596
27597@smallexample
27598 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
27599 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
27600@end smallexample
27601
27602The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
27603based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
27604for pointers, etc.).
27605
27606For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
27607variable itself, and the children are not affected.
27608
27609@subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
27610@findex -var-show-format
27611
27612@subsubheading Synopsis
27613
27614@smallexample
27615 -var-show-format @var{name}
27616@end smallexample
27617
27618Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
27619
27620@smallexample
27621 @var{format} @expansion{}
27622 @var{format-spec}
27623@end smallexample
27624
27625
27626@subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
27627@findex -var-info-num-children
27628
27629@subsubheading Synopsis
27630
27631@smallexample
27632 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
27633@end smallexample
27634
27635Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
27636
27637@smallexample
27638 numchild=@var{n}
27639@end smallexample
27640
27641Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
27642It will return the current number of children, but more children may
27643be available.
27644
27645
27646@subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
27647@findex -var-list-children
27648
27649@subsubheading Synopsis
27650
27651@smallexample
27652 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
27653@end smallexample
27654@anchor{-var-list-children}
27655
27656Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
27657create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
27658a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
27659@code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
27660@var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
27661values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
27662value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
27663and unions.
27664
27665@var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
27666to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
27667reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
27668at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
27669reported.
27670
27671If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
27672@code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
27673For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
27674intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
27675update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
27676front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
27677then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
27678different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
27679the visible items.
27680
27681For each child the following results are returned:
27682
27683@table @var
27684
27685@item name
27686Name of the variable object created for this child.
27687
27688@item exp
27689The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
27690For example this may be the name of a structure member.
27691
27692For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
27693expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
27694
27695For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
27696designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
27697@samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
27698type and value are not present.
27699
27700A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
27701pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
27702available at all with a dynamic varobj.
27703
27704@item numchild
27705Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
277060.
27707
27708@item type
27709The type of the child.
27710
27711@item value
27712If values were requested, this is the value.
27713
27714@item thread-id
27715If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
27716Otherwise this result is not present.
27717
27718@item frozen
27719If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
27720@end table
27721
27722The result may have its own attributes:
27723
27724@table @samp
27725@item displayhint
27726A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27727value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27728@code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27729
27730@item has_more
27731This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
27732remaining after the end of the selected range.
27733@end table
27734
27735@subsubheading Example
27736
27737@smallexample
27738(gdb)
27739 -var-list-children n
27740 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27741 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27742(gdb)
27743 -var-list-children --all-values n
27744 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27745 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27746@end smallexample
27747
27748
27749@subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
27750@findex -var-info-type
27751
27752@subsubheading Synopsis
27753
27754@smallexample
27755 -var-info-type @var{name}
27756@end smallexample
27757
27758Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
27759returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
27760@value{GDBN} CLI:
27761
27762@smallexample
27763 type=@var{typename}
27764@end smallexample
27765
27766
27767@subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
27768@findex -var-info-expression
27769
27770@subsubheading Synopsis
27771
27772@smallexample
27773 -var-info-expression @var{name}
27774@end smallexample
27775
27776Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
27777variable object in user interface. The string is generally
27778not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
27779
27780For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
27781@code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
27782
27783@smallexample
27784(gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
27785^done,lang="C",exp="1"
27786@end smallexample
27787
27788@noindent
27789Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
27790
27791Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
27792includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
27793is of limited use.
27794
27795@subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
27796@findex -var-info-path-expression
27797
27798@subsubheading Synopsis
27799
27800@smallexample
27801 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
27802@end smallexample
27803
27804Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
27805context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
27806Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
27807result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
27808the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
27809watchpoint from a variable object.
27810
27811This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
27812and will give an error when invoked on one.
27813
27814For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
27815@code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
27816@code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
27817@code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
27818@code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
27819@smallexample
27820(gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
27821^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
27822@end smallexample
27823
27824@subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
27825@findex -var-show-attributes
27826
27827@subsubheading Synopsis
27828
27829@smallexample
27830 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
27831@end smallexample
27832
27833List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
27834
27835@smallexample
27836 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
27837@end smallexample
27838
27839@noindent
27840where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
27841
27842@subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
27843@findex -var-evaluate-expression
27844
27845@subsubheading Synopsis
27846
27847@smallexample
27848 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
27849@end smallexample
27850
27851Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
27852object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
27853can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
27854this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
27855(@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
27856the current display format will be used. The current display format
27857can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
27858
27859@smallexample
27860 value=@var{value}
27861@end smallexample
27862
27863Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
27864before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
27865
27866@subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
27867@findex -var-assign
27868
27869@subsubheading Synopsis
27870
27871@smallexample
27872 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
27873@end smallexample
27874
27875Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
27876by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
27877value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
27878subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
27879
27880@subsubheading Example
27881
27882@smallexample
27883(gdb)
27884-var-assign var1 3
27885^done,value="3"
27886(gdb)
27887-var-update *
27888^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
27889(gdb)
27890@end smallexample
27891
27892@subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
27893@findex -var-update
27894
27895@subsubheading Synopsis
27896
27897@smallexample
27898 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
27899@end smallexample
27900
27901Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
27902@var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
27903list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
27904be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
27905@code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
27906@code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
27907object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
27908for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
27909@var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
27910names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
27911as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
27912recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
27913number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
27914
27915With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
27916currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
27917diagnostic.
27918
27919If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
27920only the selected range of children will be reported.
27921
27922@code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
27923@samp{changelist}.
27924
27925Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
27926
27927@table @samp
27928@item name
27929The name of the varobj.
27930
27931@item value
27932If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
27933present and will hold the value of the varobj.
27934
27935@item in_scope
27936@anchor{-var-update}
27937This field is a string which may take one of three values:
27938
27939@table @code
27940@item "true"
27941The variable object's current value is valid.
27942
27943@item "false"
27944The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
27945hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
27946scope.
27947
27948@item "invalid"
27949The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
27950This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
27951either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
27952command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
27953objects.
27954@end table
27955
27956In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
27957be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
27958
27959@item type_changed
27960This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
27961changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
27962be @samp{false}.
27963
27964@item new_type
27965If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
27966hold the new type.
27967
27968@item new_num_children
27969For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
27970type changed, this will be the new number of children.
27971
27972The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
27973valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
27974@value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
27975instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
27976children which may be available.
27977
27978The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
27979number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
27980detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
27981only happen at the end of the update range).
27982
27983@item displayhint
27984The display hint, if any.
27985
27986@item has_more
27987This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
27988available outside the varobj's update range.
27989
27990@item dynamic
27991This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27992varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27993then this attribute will not be present.
27994
27995@item new_children
27996If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
27997update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
27998be listed in this attribute.
27999@end table
28000
28001@subsubheading Example
28002
28003@smallexample
28004(gdb)
28005-var-assign var1 3
28006^done,value="3"
28007(gdb)
28008-var-update --all-values var1
28009^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
28010type_changed="false"@}]
28011(gdb)
28012@end smallexample
28013
28014@subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
28015@findex -var-set-frozen
28016@anchor{-var-set-frozen}
28017
28018@subsubheading Synopsis
28019
28020@smallexample
28021 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
28022@end smallexample
28023
28024Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
28025@var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
28026frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
28027frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
28028implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
28029a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
28030@code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
28031values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
28032implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
28033Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
28034@code{-var-update} does.
28035
28036@subsubheading Example
28037
28038@smallexample
28039(gdb)
28040-var-set-frozen V 1
28041^done
28042(gdb)
28043@end smallexample
28044
28045@subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
28046@findex -var-set-update-range
28047@anchor{-var-set-update-range}
28048
28049@subsubheading Synopsis
28050
28051@smallexample
28052 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
28053@end smallexample
28054
28055Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
28056@code{-var-update}.
28057
28058@var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
28059@var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
28060children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
28061(zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
28062
28063@subsubheading Example
28064
28065@smallexample
28066(gdb)
28067-var-set-update-range V 1 2
28068^done
28069@end smallexample
28070
28071@subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
28072@findex -var-set-visualizer
28073@anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
28074
28075@subsubheading Synopsis
28076
28077@smallexample
28078 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
28079@end smallexample
28080
28081Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
28082
28083@var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
28084@samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
28085
28086If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
28087This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
28088single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
28089the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
28090Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
28091When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
28092pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
28093
28094The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
28095select a visualizer by following the built-in process
28096(@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
28097a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
28098
28099This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
28100command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
28101can be used to check this.
28102
28103@subsubheading Example
28104
28105Resetting the visualizer:
28106
28107@smallexample
28108(gdb)
28109-var-set-visualizer V None
28110^done
28111@end smallexample
28112
28113Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
28114
28115@smallexample
28116(gdb)
28117-var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
28118^done
28119@end smallexample
28120
28121Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
28122can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
28123
28124@smallexample
28125(gdb)
28126-var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
28127^done
28128@end smallexample
28129
28130@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28131@node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
28132@section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
28133
28134@cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
28135@cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
28136This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
28137examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
28138
28139@c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
28140@c @subheading -data-assign
28141@c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
28142@c @subsubheading GDB Command
28143@c set variable
28144@c @subsubheading Example
28145@c N.A.
28146
28147@subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
28148@findex -data-disassemble
28149
28150@subsubheading Synopsis
28151
28152@smallexample
28153 -data-disassemble
28154 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
28155 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
28156 -- @var{mode}
28157@end smallexample
28158
28159@noindent
28160Where:
28161
28162@table @samp
28163@item @var{start-addr}
28164is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
28165@item @var{end-addr}
28166is the end address
28167@item @var{filename}
28168is the name of the file to disassemble
28169@item @var{linenum}
28170is the line number to disassemble around
28171@item @var{lines}
28172is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
28173the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
28174specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
28175@var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
28176@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
28177displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
28178@var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
28179are displayed.
28180@item @var{mode}
28181is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
28182disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
28183mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
28184@end table
28185
28186@subsubheading Result
28187
28188The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
28189
28190@itemize @bullet
28191@item Address
28192@item Func-name
28193@item Offset
28194@item Instruction
28195@end itemize
28196
28197Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
28198directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
28199
28200@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28201
28202There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
28203
28204@subsubheading Example
28205
28206Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
28207
28208@smallexample
28209(gdb)
28210-data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
28211^done,
28212asm_insns=[
28213@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28214inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28215@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28216inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28217@{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
28218inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
28219@{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
28220inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28221@{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
28222inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
28223(gdb)
28224@end smallexample
28225
28226Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
28227@code{main}.
28228
28229@smallexample
28230-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
28231^done,asm_insns=[
28232@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28233inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
28234@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28235inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28236@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28237inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28238[@dots{}]
28239@{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
28240@{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
28241(gdb)
28242@end smallexample
28243
28244Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
28245
28246@smallexample
28247(gdb)
28248-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
28249^done,asm_insns=[
28250@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28251inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
28252@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28253inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28254@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28255inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
28256(gdb)
28257@end smallexample
28258
28259Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
28260
28261@smallexample
28262(gdb)
28263-data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
28264^done,asm_insns=[
28265src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
28266file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
28267 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
28268@{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28269inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
28270src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
28271file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
28272 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
28273@{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28274inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28275@{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28276inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
28277(gdb)
28278@end smallexample
28279
28280
28281@subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
28282@findex -data-evaluate-expression
28283
28284@subsubheading Synopsis
28285
28286@smallexample
28287 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
28288@end smallexample
28289
28290Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
28291inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
28292If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
28293
28294@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28295
28296The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
28297@samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
28298@samp{gdb_eval} command.
28299
28300@subsubheading Example
28301
28302In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
28303@dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
28304Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
28305output.
28306
28307@smallexample
28308211-data-evaluate-expression A
28309211^done,value="1"
28310(gdb)
28311311-data-evaluate-expression &A
28312311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
28313(gdb)
28314411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
28315411^done,value="4"
28316(gdb)
28317511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
28318511^done,value="4"
28319(gdb)
28320@end smallexample
28321
28322
28323@subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
28324@findex -data-list-changed-registers
28325
28326@subsubheading Synopsis
28327
28328@smallexample
28329 -data-list-changed-registers
28330@end smallexample
28331
28332Display a list of the registers that have changed.
28333
28334@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28335
28336@value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
28337has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
28338
28339@subsubheading Example
28340
28341On a PPC MBX board:
28342
28343@smallexample
28344(gdb)
28345-exec-continue
28346^running
28347
28348(gdb)
28349*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
28350func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
28351line="5"@}
28352(gdb)
28353-data-list-changed-registers
28354^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
28355"10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
28356"24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
28357(gdb)
28358@end smallexample
28359
28360
28361@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
28362@findex -data-list-register-names
28363
28364@subsubheading Synopsis
28365
28366@smallexample
28367 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
28368@end smallexample
28369
28370Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
28371are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
28372integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
28373names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
28374consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
28375include empty register names.
28376
28377@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28378
28379@value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
28380@samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
28381corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
28382
28383@subsubheading Example
28384
28385For the PPC MBX board:
28386@smallexample
28387(gdb)
28388-data-list-register-names
28389^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
28390"r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
28391"r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
28392"r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
28393"f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
28394"f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
28395"", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
28396(gdb)
28397-data-list-register-names 1 2 3
28398^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
28399(gdb)
28400@end smallexample
28401
28402@subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
28403@findex -data-list-register-values
28404
28405@subsubheading Synopsis
28406
28407@smallexample
28408 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
28409@end smallexample
28410
28411Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
28412which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
28413list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
28414numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
28415
28416Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
28417
28418@table @code
28419@item x
28420Hexadecimal
28421@item o
28422Octal
28423@item t
28424Binary
28425@item d
28426Decimal
28427@item r
28428Raw
28429@item N
28430Natural
28431@end table
28432
28433@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28434
28435The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
28436all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
28437
28438@subsubheading Example
28439
28440For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
28441don't appear in the actual output):
28442
28443@smallexample
28444(gdb)
28445-data-list-register-values r 64 65
28446^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28447@{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
28448(gdb)
28449-data-list-register-values x
28450^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
28451@{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28452@{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
28453@{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
28454@{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
28455@{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
28456@{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
28457@{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
28458@{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
28459@{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28460@{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
28461@{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
28462@{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
28463@{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
28464@{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
28465@{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
28466@{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
28467@{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
28468@{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
28469@{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
28470@{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
28471@{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
28472@{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
28473@{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
28474@{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
28475@{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
28476@{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
28477@{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
28478@{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
28479@{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
28480@{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
28481@{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
28482@{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28483@{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
28484@{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
28485@{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
28486(gdb)
28487@end smallexample
28488
28489
28490@subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
28491@findex -data-read-memory
28492
28493This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
28494
28495@subsubheading Synopsis
28496
28497@smallexample
28498 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28499 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
28500 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
28501@end smallexample
28502
28503@noindent
28504where:
28505
28506@table @samp
28507@item @var{address}
28508An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28509read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28510quoted using the C convention.
28511
28512@item @var{word-format}
28513The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
28514same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
28515,Output Formats}).
28516
28517@item @var{word-size}
28518The size of each memory word in bytes.
28519
28520@item @var{nr-rows}
28521The number of rows in the output table.
28522
28523@item @var{nr-cols}
28524The number of columns in the output table.
28525
28526@item @var{aschar}
28527If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
28528value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
28529member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
28530characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
28531
28532@item @var{byte-offset}
28533An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
28534@end table
28535
28536This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
28537@var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
28538@code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
28539(returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
28540of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
28541using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
28542in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
28543@samp{addr}.
28544
28545The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
28546@samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
28547@samp{prev-page}.
28548
28549@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28550
28551The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
28552@samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
28553
28554@subsubheading Example
28555
28556Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
28557@code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
28558word. Display each word in hex.
28559
28560@smallexample
28561(gdb)
285629-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
285639^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
28564next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
28565prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
28566@{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
28567@{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
28568@{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
28569(gdb)
28570@end smallexample
28571
28572Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
28573display as a single word formatted in decimal.
28574
28575@smallexample
28576(gdb)
285775-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
285785^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
28579next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
28580next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
28581@{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
28582(gdb)
28583@end smallexample
28584
28585Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
28586as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
28587used as the non-printable character.
28588
28589@smallexample
28590(gdb)
285914-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
285924^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
28593next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
28594next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
28595@{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28596@{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28597@{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28598@{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28599@{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
28600@{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
28601@{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
28602@{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
28603(gdb)
28604@end smallexample
28605
28606@subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
28607@findex -data-read-memory-bytes
28608
28609@subsubheading Synopsis
28610
28611@smallexample
28612 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28613 @var{address} @var{count}
28614@end smallexample
28615
28616@noindent
28617where:
28618
28619@table @samp
28620@item @var{address}
28621An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28622read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28623quoted using the C convention.
28624
28625@item @var{count}
28626The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
28627
28628@item @var{byte-offset}
28629The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
28630reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
28631so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
28632perform address arithmetics itself.
28633
28634@end table
28635
28636This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
28637specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
28638map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
28639Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
28640regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
28641@value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
28642
28643In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
28644and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
28645every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
28646attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
28647of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
28648well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
28649has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
28650@value{GDBN} will not read it.
28651
28652The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
28653the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
28654list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
28655and has the following fields:
28656
28657@table @code
28658@item begin
28659The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28660
28661@item end
28662The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28663
28664@item offset
28665The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
28666the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
28667
28668@item contents
28669The contents of the memory block, in hex.
28670
28671@end table
28672
28673
28674
28675@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28676
28677The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
28678
28679@subsubheading Example
28680
28681@smallexample
28682(gdb)
28683-data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
28684^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
28685 end="0xbffff15e",
28686 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
28687(gdb)
28688@end smallexample
28689
28690
28691@subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
28692@findex -data-write-memory-bytes
28693
28694@subsubheading Synopsis
28695
28696@smallexample
28697 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
28698@end smallexample
28699
28700@noindent
28701where:
28702
28703@table @samp
28704@item @var{address}
28705An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28706read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28707quoted using the C convention.
28708
28709@item @var{contents}
28710The hex-encoded bytes to write.
28711
28712@end table
28713
28714@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28715
28716There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28717
28718@subsubheading Example
28719
28720@smallexample
28721(gdb)
28722-data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
28723^done
28724(gdb)
28725@end smallexample
28726
28727
28728@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28729@node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
28730@section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
28731
28732The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
28733tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
28734
28735@subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
28736@findex -trace-find
28737
28738@subsubheading Synopsis
28739
28740@smallexample
28741 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
28742@end smallexample
28743
28744Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
28745@var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
28746modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
28747
28748@table @samp
28749
28750@item none
28751No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
28752
28753@item frame-number
28754An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
28755that index.
28756
28757@item tracepoint-number
28758An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
28759trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
28760
28761@item pc
28762An address is required as parameter. Finds
28763next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
28764address.
28765
28766@item pc-inside-range
28767Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
28768frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
28769specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28770
28771@item pc-outside-range
28772Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
28773next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
28774the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28775
28776@item line
28777Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
28778Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
28779the specified location.
28780
28781@end table
28782
28783If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
28784have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
28785
28786@table @samp
28787@item found
28788This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
28789on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
28790
28791@item traceframe
28792The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
28793the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28794
28795@item tracepoint
28796The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
28797the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28798
28799@item frame
28800The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
28801frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
28802@xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
28803
28804@end table
28805
28806@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28807
28808The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
28809
28810@subheading -trace-define-variable
28811@findex -trace-define-variable
28812
28813@subsubheading Synopsis
28814
28815@smallexample
28816 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
28817@end smallexample
28818
28819Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
28820@var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
28821trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
28822with the @samp{$} character.
28823
28824@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28825
28826The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
28827
28828@subheading -trace-list-variables
28829@findex -trace-list-variables
28830
28831@subsubheading Synopsis
28832
28833@smallexample
28834 -trace-list-variables
28835@end smallexample
28836
28837Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
28838table has the following fields:
28839
28840@table @samp
28841@item name
28842The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
28843
28844@item initial
28845The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
28846field is always present.
28847
28848@item current
28849The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
28850signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
28851not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
28852presently running.
28853
28854@end table
28855
28856@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28857
28858The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
28859
28860@subsubheading Example
28861
28862@smallexample
28863(gdb)
28864-trace-list-variables
28865^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
28866hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
28867 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
28868 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
28869body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
28870 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
28871(gdb)
28872@end smallexample
28873
28874@subheading -trace-save
28875@findex -trace-save
28876
28877@subsubheading Synopsis
28878
28879@smallexample
28880 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
28881@end smallexample
28882
28883Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
28884@samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
28885in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
28886to perform the save.
28887
28888@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28889
28890The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
28891
28892
28893@subheading -trace-start
28894@findex -trace-start
28895
28896@subsubheading Synopsis
28897
28898@smallexample
28899 -trace-start
28900@end smallexample
28901
28902Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
28903have any fields.
28904
28905@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28906
28907The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
28908
28909@subheading -trace-status
28910@findex -trace-status
28911
28912@subsubheading Synopsis
28913
28914@smallexample
28915 -trace-status
28916@end smallexample
28917
28918Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
28919the following fields:
28920
28921@table @samp
28922
28923@item supported
28924May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
28925supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
28926@samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
28927of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
28928started. This field is always present.
28929
28930@item running
28931May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
28932tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
28933if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28934
28935@item stop-reason
28936Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
28937may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
28938value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
28939the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
28940the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
28941tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
28942The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
28943tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
28944This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28945
28946@item stopping-tracepoint
28947The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
28948present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
28949@samp{passcount}.
28950
28951@item frames
28952@itemx frames-created
28953The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
28954in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
28955during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
28956circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
28957
28958@item buffer-size
28959@itemx buffer-free
28960These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
28961remaining space. These fields are optional.
28962
28963@item circular
28964The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
28965trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
28966necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
28967and may fill up.
28968
28969@item disconnected
28970The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
28971tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
28972that the trace run will stop.
28973
28974@end table
28975
28976@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28977
28978The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
28979
28980@subheading -trace-stop
28981@findex -trace-stop
28982
28983@subsubheading Synopsis
28984
28985@smallexample
28986 -trace-stop
28987@end smallexample
28988
28989Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
28990fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
28991@samp{running} fields are not output.
28992
28993@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28994
28995The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
28996
28997
28998@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28999@node GDB/MI Symbol Query
29000@section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
29001
29002
29003@ignore
29004@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
29005@findex -symbol-info-address
29006
29007@subsubheading Synopsis
29008
29009@smallexample
29010 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
29011@end smallexample
29012
29013Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
29014
29015@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29016
29017The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
29018
29019@subsubheading Example
29020N.A.
29021
29022
29023@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
29024@findex -symbol-info-file
29025
29026@subsubheading Synopsis
29027
29028@smallexample
29029 -symbol-info-file
29030@end smallexample
29031
29032Show the file for the symbol.
29033
29034@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29035
29036There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
29037@samp{gdb_find_file}.
29038
29039@subsubheading Example
29040N.A.
29041
29042
29043@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
29044@findex -symbol-info-function
29045
29046@subsubheading Synopsis
29047
29048@smallexample
29049 -symbol-info-function
29050@end smallexample
29051
29052Show which function the symbol lives in.
29053
29054@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29055
29056@samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
29057
29058@subsubheading Example
29059N.A.
29060
29061
29062@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
29063@findex -symbol-info-line
29064
29065@subsubheading Synopsis
29066
29067@smallexample
29068 -symbol-info-line
29069@end smallexample
29070
29071Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
29072
29073@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29074
29075The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
29076@code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
29077
29078@subsubheading Example
29079N.A.
29080
29081
29082@subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
29083@findex -symbol-info-symbol
29084
29085@subsubheading Synopsis
29086
29087@smallexample
29088 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
29089@end smallexample
29090
29091Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
29092
29093@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29094
29095The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
29096
29097@subsubheading Example
29098N.A.
29099
29100
29101@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
29102@findex -symbol-list-functions
29103
29104@subsubheading Synopsis
29105
29106@smallexample
29107 -symbol-list-functions
29108@end smallexample
29109
29110List the functions in the executable.
29111
29112@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29113
29114@samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
29115@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29116
29117@subsubheading Example
29118N.A.
29119@end ignore
29120
29121
29122@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
29123@findex -symbol-list-lines
29124
29125@subsubheading Synopsis
29126
29127@smallexample
29128 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
29129@end smallexample
29130
29131Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
29132addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
29133ascending PC order.
29134
29135@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29136
29137There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
29138
29139@subsubheading Example
29140@smallexample
29141(gdb)
29142-symbol-list-lines basics.c
29143^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
29144(gdb)
29145@end smallexample
29146
29147
29148@ignore
29149@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
29150@findex -symbol-list-types
29151
29152@subsubheading Synopsis
29153
29154@smallexample
29155 -symbol-list-types
29156@end smallexample
29157
29158List all the type names.
29159
29160@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29161
29162The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
29163@samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29164
29165@subsubheading Example
29166N.A.
29167
29168
29169@subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
29170@findex -symbol-list-variables
29171
29172@subsubheading Synopsis
29173
29174@smallexample
29175 -symbol-list-variables
29176@end smallexample
29177
29178List all the global and static variable names.
29179
29180@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29181
29182@samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29183
29184@subsubheading Example
29185N.A.
29186
29187
29188@subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
29189@findex -symbol-locate
29190
29191@subsubheading Synopsis
29192
29193@smallexample
29194 -symbol-locate
29195@end smallexample
29196
29197@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29198
29199@samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
29200
29201@subsubheading Example
29202N.A.
29203
29204
29205@subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
29206@findex -symbol-type
29207
29208@subsubheading Synopsis
29209
29210@smallexample
29211 -symbol-type @var{variable}
29212@end smallexample
29213
29214Show type of @var{variable}.
29215
29216@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29217
29218The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
29219@samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
29220
29221@subsubheading Example
29222N.A.
29223@end ignore
29224
29225
29226@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29227@node GDB/MI File Commands
29228@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
29229
29230This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
29231and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
29232
29233@subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
29234@findex -file-exec-and-symbols
29235
29236@subsubheading Synopsis
29237
29238@smallexample
29239 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
29240@end smallexample
29241
29242Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
29243which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
29244command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
29245are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
29246error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
29247notification.
29248
29249@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29250
29251The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
29252
29253@subsubheading Example
29254
29255@smallexample
29256(gdb)
29257-file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29258^done
29259(gdb)
29260@end smallexample
29261
29262
29263@subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
29264@findex -file-exec-file
29265
29266@subsubheading Synopsis
29267
29268@smallexample
29269 -file-exec-file @var{file}
29270@end smallexample
29271
29272Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
29273@samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
29274from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
29275about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
29276notification.
29277
29278@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29279
29280The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
29281
29282@subsubheading Example
29283
29284@smallexample
29285(gdb)
29286-file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29287^done
29288(gdb)
29289@end smallexample
29290
29291
29292@ignore
29293@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
29294@findex -file-list-exec-sections
29295
29296@subsubheading Synopsis
29297
29298@smallexample
29299 -file-list-exec-sections
29300@end smallexample
29301
29302List the sections of the current executable file.
29303
29304@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29305
29306The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
29307information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
29308@samp{gdb_load_info}.
29309
29310@subsubheading Example
29311N.A.
29312@end ignore
29313
29314
29315@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
29316@findex -file-list-exec-source-file
29317
29318@subsubheading Synopsis
29319
29320@smallexample
29321 -file-list-exec-source-file
29322@end smallexample
29323
29324List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
29325to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
29326information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
29327whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
29328
29329@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29330
29331The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
29332
29333@subsubheading Example
29334
29335@smallexample
29336(gdb)
29337123-file-list-exec-source-file
29338123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
29339(gdb)
29340@end smallexample
29341
29342
29343@subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
29344@findex -file-list-exec-source-files
29345
29346@subsubheading Synopsis
29347
29348@smallexample
29349 -file-list-exec-source-files
29350@end smallexample
29351
29352List the source files for the current executable.
29353
29354It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
29355the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
29356
29357@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29358
29359The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
29360@code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
29361
29362@subsubheading Example
29363@smallexample
29364(gdb)
29365-file-list-exec-source-files
29366^done,files=[
29367@{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
29368@{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
29369@{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
29370(gdb)
29371@end smallexample
29372
29373@ignore
29374@subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
29375@findex -file-list-shared-libraries
29376
29377@subsubheading Synopsis
29378
29379@smallexample
29380 -file-list-shared-libraries
29381@end smallexample
29382
29383List the shared libraries in the program.
29384
29385@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29386
29387The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
29388
29389@subsubheading Example
29390N.A.
29391
29392
29393@subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
29394@findex -file-list-symbol-files
29395
29396@subsubheading Synopsis
29397
29398@smallexample
29399 -file-list-symbol-files
29400@end smallexample
29401
29402List symbol files.
29403
29404@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29405
29406The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
29407
29408@subsubheading Example
29409N.A.
29410@end ignore
29411
29412
29413@subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
29414@findex -file-symbol-file
29415
29416@subsubheading Synopsis
29417
29418@smallexample
29419 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
29420@end smallexample
29421
29422Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
29423used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
29424produced, except for a completion notification.
29425
29426@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29427
29428The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
29429
29430@subsubheading Example
29431
29432@smallexample
29433(gdb)
29434-file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29435^done
29436(gdb)
29437@end smallexample
29438
29439@ignore
29440@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29441@node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
29442@section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
29443
29444The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
29445
29446@c @subheading -overlay-auto
29447
29448@c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
29449
29450@c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
29451
29452@c @subheading -overlay-map
29453
29454@c @subheading -overlay-off
29455
29456@c @subheading -overlay-on
29457
29458@c @subheading -overlay-unmap
29459
29460@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29461@node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
29462@section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
29463
29464Signal handling commands are not implemented.
29465
29466@c @subheading -signal-handle
29467
29468@c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
29469
29470@c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
29471@end ignore
29472
29473
29474@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29475@node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
29476@section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
29477
29478
29479@subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
29480@findex -target-attach
29481
29482@subsubheading Synopsis
29483
29484@smallexample
29485 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
29486@end smallexample
29487
29488Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
29489@value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
29490group, the id previously returned by
29491@samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
29492
29493@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29494
29495The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
29496
29497@subsubheading Example
29498@smallexample
29499(gdb)
29500-target-attach 34
29501=thread-created,id="1"
29502*stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
29503^done
29504(gdb)
29505@end smallexample
29506
29507@ignore
29508@subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
29509@findex -target-compare-sections
29510
29511@subsubheading Synopsis
29512
29513@smallexample
29514 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
29515@end smallexample
29516
29517Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
29518Without the argument, all sections are compared.
29519
29520@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29521
29522The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
29523
29524@subsubheading Example
29525N.A.
29526@end ignore
29527
29528
29529@subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
29530@findex -target-detach
29531
29532@subsubheading Synopsis
29533
29534@smallexample
29535 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
29536@end smallexample
29537
29538Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
29539If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
29540the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
29541
29542@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29543
29544The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
29545
29546@subsubheading Example
29547
29548@smallexample
29549(gdb)
29550-target-detach
29551^done
29552(gdb)
29553@end smallexample
29554
29555
29556@subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
29557@findex -target-disconnect
29558
29559@subsubheading Synopsis
29560
29561@smallexample
29562 -target-disconnect
29563@end smallexample
29564
29565Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
29566generally not resumed.
29567
29568@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29569
29570The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
29571
29572@subsubheading Example
29573
29574@smallexample
29575(gdb)
29576-target-disconnect
29577^done
29578(gdb)
29579@end smallexample
29580
29581
29582@subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
29583@findex -target-download
29584
29585@subsubheading Synopsis
29586
29587@smallexample
29588 -target-download
29589@end smallexample
29590
29591Loads the executable onto the remote target.
29592It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
29593
29594@table @samp
29595@item section
29596The name of the section.
29597@item section-sent
29598The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
29599@item section-size
29600The size of the section.
29601@item total-sent
29602The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
29603@item total-size
29604The size of the overall executable to download.
29605@end table
29606
29607@noindent
29608Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
29609@sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
29610
29611In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
29612downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
29613
29614@table @samp
29615@item section
29616The name of the section.
29617@item section-size
29618The size of the section.
29619@item total-size
29620The size of the overall executable to download.
29621@end table
29622
29623@noindent
29624At the end, a summary is printed.
29625
29626@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29627
29628The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
29629
29630@subsubheading Example
29631
29632Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
29633have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
29634
29635@smallexample
29636(gdb)
29637-target-download
29638+download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
29639+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
29640total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
29641+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
29642total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
29643+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
29644total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
29645+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
29646total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
29647+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
29648total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
29649+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
29650total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
29651+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
29652total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
29653+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
29654total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
29655+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
29656total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
29657+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
29658total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
29659+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
29660total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
29661+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
29662total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
29663+download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
29664total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
29665+download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29666+download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29667+download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
29668+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
29669total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
29670+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
29671total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
29672+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
29673total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
29674+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
29675total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
29676+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
29677total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
29678+download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
29679total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
29680^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
29681write-rate="429"
29682(gdb)
29683@end smallexample
29684
29685
29686@ignore
29687@subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
29688@findex -target-exec-status
29689
29690@subsubheading Synopsis
29691
29692@smallexample
29693 -target-exec-status
29694@end smallexample
29695
29696Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
29697not, for instance).
29698
29699@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29700
29701There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29702
29703@subsubheading Example
29704N.A.
29705
29706
29707@subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
29708@findex -target-list-available-targets
29709
29710@subsubheading Synopsis
29711
29712@smallexample
29713 -target-list-available-targets
29714@end smallexample
29715
29716List the possible targets to connect to.
29717
29718@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29719
29720The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
29721
29722@subsubheading Example
29723N.A.
29724
29725
29726@subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
29727@findex -target-list-current-targets
29728
29729@subsubheading Synopsis
29730
29731@smallexample
29732 -target-list-current-targets
29733@end smallexample
29734
29735Describe the current target.
29736
29737@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29738
29739The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
29740other things).
29741
29742@subsubheading Example
29743N.A.
29744
29745
29746@subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
29747@findex -target-list-parameters
29748
29749@subsubheading Synopsis
29750
29751@smallexample
29752 -target-list-parameters
29753@end smallexample
29754
29755@c ????
29756@end ignore
29757
29758@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29759
29760No equivalent.
29761
29762@subsubheading Example
29763N.A.
29764
29765
29766@subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
29767@findex -target-select
29768
29769@subsubheading Synopsis
29770
29771@smallexample
29772 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
29773@end smallexample
29774
29775Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
29776
29777@table @samp
29778@item @var{type}
29779The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
29780@item @var{parameters}
29781Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
29782Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
29783@end table
29784
29785The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
29786which the target program is, in the following form:
29787
29788@smallexample
29789^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
29790 args=[@var{arg list}]
29791@end smallexample
29792
29793@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29794
29795The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
29796
29797@subsubheading Example
29798
29799@smallexample
29800(gdb)
29801-target-select remote /dev/ttya
29802^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
29803(gdb)
29804@end smallexample
29805
29806@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29807@node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
29808@section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
29809
29810
29811@subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
29812@findex -target-file-put
29813
29814@subsubheading Synopsis
29815
29816@smallexample
29817 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
29818@end smallexample
29819
29820Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
29821@value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
29822
29823@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29824
29825The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
29826
29827@subsubheading Example
29828
29829@smallexample
29830(gdb)
29831-target-file-put localfile remotefile
29832^done
29833(gdb)
29834@end smallexample
29835
29836
29837@subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
29838@findex -target-file-get
29839
29840@subsubheading Synopsis
29841
29842@smallexample
29843 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
29844@end smallexample
29845
29846Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
29847on the host system.
29848
29849@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29850
29851The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
29852
29853@subsubheading Example
29854
29855@smallexample
29856(gdb)
29857-target-file-get remotefile localfile
29858^done
29859(gdb)
29860@end smallexample
29861
29862
29863@subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
29864@findex -target-file-delete
29865
29866@subsubheading Synopsis
29867
29868@smallexample
29869 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
29870@end smallexample
29871
29872Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
29873
29874@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29875
29876The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
29877
29878@subsubheading Example
29879
29880@smallexample
29881(gdb)
29882-target-file-delete remotefile
29883^done
29884(gdb)
29885@end smallexample
29886
29887
29888@c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29889@node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
29890@section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
29891
29892@c @subheading -gdb-complete
29893
29894@subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
29895@findex -gdb-exit
29896
29897@subsubheading Synopsis
29898
29899@smallexample
29900 -gdb-exit
29901@end smallexample
29902
29903Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
29904
29905@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29906
29907Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
29908
29909@subsubheading Example
29910
29911@smallexample
29912(gdb)
29913-gdb-exit
29914^exit
29915@end smallexample
29916
29917
29918@ignore
29919@subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
29920@findex -exec-abort
29921
29922@subsubheading Synopsis
29923
29924@smallexample
29925 -exec-abort
29926@end smallexample
29927
29928Kill the inferior running program.
29929
29930@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29931
29932The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
29933
29934@subsubheading Example
29935N.A.
29936@end ignore
29937
29938
29939@subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
29940@findex -gdb-set
29941
29942@subsubheading Synopsis
29943
29944@smallexample
29945 -gdb-set
29946@end smallexample
29947
29948Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
29949@c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
29950
29951@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29952
29953The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
29954
29955@subsubheading Example
29956
29957@smallexample
29958(gdb)
29959-gdb-set $foo=3
29960^done
29961(gdb)
29962@end smallexample
29963
29964
29965@subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
29966@findex -gdb-show
29967
29968@subsubheading Synopsis
29969
29970@smallexample
29971 -gdb-show
29972@end smallexample
29973
29974Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
29975
29976@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29977
29978The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
29979
29980@subsubheading Example
29981
29982@smallexample
29983(gdb)
29984-gdb-show annotate
29985^done,value="0"
29986(gdb)
29987@end smallexample
29988
29989@c @subheading -gdb-source
29990
29991
29992@subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
29993@findex -gdb-version
29994
29995@subsubheading Synopsis
29996
29997@smallexample
29998 -gdb-version
29999@end smallexample
30000
30001Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
30002
30003@subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30004
30005The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
30006default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
30007
30008@subsubheading Example
30009
30010@c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
30011@c box in TeX.
30012@smallexample
30013(gdb)
30014-gdb-version
30015~GNU gdb 5.2.1
30016~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30017~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
30018~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
30019~ certain conditions.
30020~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
30021~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
30022~ details.
30023~This GDB was configured as
30024 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
30025^done
30026(gdb)
30027@end smallexample
30028
30029@subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
30030@findex -list-features
30031
30032Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
30033this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
30034or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
30035important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
30036of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
30037startup.
30038
30039The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
30040available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
30041have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
30042is given below.
30043
30044Example output:
30045
30046@smallexample
30047(gdb) -list-features
30048^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
30049@end smallexample
30050
30051The current list of features is:
30052
30053@table @samp
30054@item frozen-varobjs
30055Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
30056as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
30057of @code{-varobj-create}.
30058@item pending-breakpoints
30059Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
30060@item python
30061Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
30062pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
30063@samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
30064@item thread-info
30065Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
30066@item data-read-memory-bytes
30067Indicates presense of the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
30068@code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
30069
30070@end table
30071
30072@subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
30073@findex -list-target-features
30074
30075Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
30076target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
30077unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
30078features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
30079a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
30080@code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
30081may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
30082Example output:
30083
30084@smallexample
30085(gdb) -list-features
30086^done,result=["async"]
30087@end smallexample
30088
30089The current list of features is:
30090
30091@table @samp
30092@item async
30093Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
30094execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
30095while the target is running.
30096
30097@item reverse
30098Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
30099@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
30100
30101@end table
30102
30103@subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
30104@findex -list-thread-groups
30105
30106@subheading Synopsis
30107
30108@smallexample
30109-list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
30110@end smallexample
30111
30112Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
30113group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
30114When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
30115thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
30116top-level thread groups.
30117
30118Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
30119With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
30120available on the target.
30121
30122The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
30123a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
30124as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
30125Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
30126each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
30127requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
30128are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
30129of the @samp{group} result is described below.
30130
30131To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
30132together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
30133and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
30134permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
30135will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
30136@samp{threads} field.
30137
30138In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
30139the following caveats:
30140
30141@itemize @bullet
30142@item
30143When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
30144be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
30145anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
30146
30147@item
30148When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
30149be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
30150be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
30151not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
30152The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
30153is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
30154
30155@end itemize
30156
30157The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
30158have the following fields:
30159
30160@table @code
30161@item id
30162Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
30163The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
30164convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
30165
30166@item type
30167The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
30168valid type.
30169
30170@item pid
30171The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
30172for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
30173
30174@item num_children
30175The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
30176absent for an available thread group.
30177
30178@item threads
30179This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
30180thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
30181specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
30182
30183@item cores
30184This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
30185thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
30186such information is not available.
30187
30188@item executable
30189The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
30190The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
30191and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
30192
30193@end table
30194
30195@subheading Example
30196
30197@smallexample
30198@value{GDBP}
30199-list-thread-groups
30200^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
30201-list-thread-groups 17
30202^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
30203 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
30204@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
30205 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
30206 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
30207-list-thread-groups --available
30208^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
30209-list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
30210 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
30211 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
30212 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
30213-list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
30214^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
30215 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
30216 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
30217@end smallexample
30218
30219
30220@subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
30221@findex -add-inferior
30222
30223@subheading Synopsis
30224
30225@smallexample
30226-add-inferior
30227@end smallexample
30228
30229Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
30230inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
30231be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
30232(@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
30233field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
30234thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
30235
30236@subheading Example
30237
30238@smallexample
30239@value{GDBP}
30240-add-inferior
30241^done,thread-group="i3"
30242@end smallexample
30243
30244@subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
30245@findex -interpreter-exec
30246
30247@subheading Synopsis
30248
30249@smallexample
30250-interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
30251@end smallexample
30252@anchor{-interpreter-exec}
30253
30254Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
30255
30256@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30257
30258The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
30259
30260@subheading Example
30261
30262@smallexample
30263(gdb)
30264-interpreter-exec console "break main"
30265&"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
30266&"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
30267~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
30268^done
30269(gdb)
30270@end smallexample
30271
30272@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
30273@findex -inferior-tty-set
30274
30275@subheading Synopsis
30276
30277@smallexample
30278-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30279@end smallexample
30280
30281Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
30282
30283@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30284
30285The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
30286
30287@subheading Example
30288
30289@smallexample
30290(gdb)
30291-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30292^done
30293(gdb)
30294@end smallexample
30295
30296@subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
30297@findex -inferior-tty-show
30298
30299@subheading Synopsis
30300
30301@smallexample
30302-inferior-tty-show
30303@end smallexample
30304
30305Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
30306
30307@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30308
30309The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
30310
30311@subheading Example
30312
30313@smallexample
30314(gdb)
30315-inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30316^done
30317(gdb)
30318-inferior-tty-show
30319^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
30320(gdb)
30321@end smallexample
30322
30323@subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
30324@findex -enable-timings
30325
30326@subheading Synopsis
30327
30328@smallexample
30329-enable-timings [yes | no]
30330@end smallexample
30331
30332Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
30333command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
30334developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
30335equivalent to @samp{yes}.
30336
30337@subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30338
30339No equivalent.
30340
30341@subheading Example
30342
30343@smallexample
30344(gdb)
30345-enable-timings
30346^done
30347(gdb)
30348-break-insert main
30349^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30350addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
30351fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
30352time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
30353(gdb)
30354-enable-timings no
30355^done
30356(gdb)
30357-exec-run
30358^running
30359(gdb)
30360*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
30361frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
30362@{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
30363fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
30364(gdb)
30365@end smallexample
30366
30367@node Annotations
30368@chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
30369
30370This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
30371designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
30372similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
30373relatively high level.
30374
30375The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
30376(@pxref{GDB/MI}).
30377
30378@ignore
30379This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
30380@end ignore
30381
30382@menu
30383* Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
30384* Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
30385* Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
30386* Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
30387* Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
30388* Annotations for Running::
30389 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
30390* Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
30391@end menu
30392
30393@node Annotations Overview
30394@section What is an Annotation?
30395@cindex annotations
30396
30397Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
30398characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
30399information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
30400is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
30401information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
30402additional information, and a newline. The additional information
30403cannot contain newline characters.
30404
30405Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
30406characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
30407no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
30408@samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
30409annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
30410means those three characters as output.
30411
30412The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
30413@option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
30414how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
30415values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
30416is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
30417subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
30418for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
30419been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
30420Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
30421
30422@table @code
30423@kindex set annotate
30424@item set annotate @var{level}
30425The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
30426annotations to the specified @var{level}.
30427
30428@item show annotate
30429@kindex show annotate
30430Show the current annotation level.
30431@end table
30432
30433This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
30434
30435A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
30436
30437@smallexample
30438$ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
30439GNU gdb 6.0
30440Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30441GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
30442and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
30443under certain conditions.
30444Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
30445There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
30446for details.
30447This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
30448
30449^Z^Zpre-prompt
30450(@value{GDBP})
30451^Z^Zprompt
30452@kbd{quit}
30453
30454^Z^Zpost-prompt
30455$
30456@end smallexample
30457
30458Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
30459@value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
30460denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
30461output from @value{GDBN}.
30462
30463@node Server Prefix
30464@section The Server Prefix
30465@cindex server prefix
30466
30467If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
30468the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
30469command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
30470means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
30471a transparent manner.
30472
30473The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
30474the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
30475value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
30476@code{print} command.
30477
30478Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
30479(@pxref{confirmation requests}).
30480
30481@node Prompting
30482@section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
30483
30484@cindex annotations for prompts
30485When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
30486to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
30487over, etc.
30488
30489Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
30490input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
30491denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
30492annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
30493annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
30494associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
30495features the following annotations:
30496
30497@smallexample
30498^Z^Zpre-prompt
30499^Z^Zprompt
30500^Z^Zpost-prompt
30501@end smallexample
30502
30503The input types are
30504
30505@table @code
30506@findex pre-prompt annotation
30507@findex prompt annotation
30508@findex post-prompt annotation
30509@item prompt
30510When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
30511
30512@findex pre-commands annotation
30513@findex commands annotation
30514@findex post-commands annotation
30515@item commands
30516When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
30517command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
30518
30519@findex pre-overload-choice annotation
30520@findex overload-choice annotation
30521@findex post-overload-choice annotation
30522@item overload-choice
30523When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
30524
30525@findex pre-query annotation
30526@findex query annotation
30527@findex post-query annotation
30528@item query
30529When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
30530
30531@findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
30532@findex prompt-for-continue annotation
30533@findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
30534@item prompt-for-continue
30535When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
30536expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
30537prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
30538presence of annotations.
30539@end table
30540
30541@node Errors
30542@section Errors
30543@cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
30544
30545@findex quit annotation
30546@smallexample
30547^Z^Zquit
30548@end smallexample
30549
30550This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
30551
30552@findex error annotation
30553@smallexample
30554^Z^Zerror
30555@end smallexample
30556
30557This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
30558
30559Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
30560in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
30561@code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
30562cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
30563cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
30564does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
30565to the top level.
30566
30567@findex error-begin annotation
30568A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
30569
30570@smallexample
30571^Z^Zerror-begin
30572@end smallexample
30573
30574Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
30575message.
30576
30577Warning messages are not yet annotated.
30578@c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
30579@c range_error(), and possibly other places.
30580
30581@node Invalidation
30582@section Invalidation Notices
30583
30584@cindex annotations for invalidation messages
30585The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
30586changed.
30587
30588@table @code
30589@findex frames-invalid annotation
30590@item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
30591
30592The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
30593have changed.
30594
30595@findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
30596@item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
30597
30598The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
30599deleted a breakpoint.
30600@end table
30601
30602@node Annotations for Running
30603@section Running the Program
30604@cindex annotations for running programs
30605
30606@findex starting annotation
30607@findex stopping annotation
30608When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
30609@code{step} or @code{continue},
30610
30611@smallexample
30612^Z^Zstarting
30613@end smallexample
30614
30615is output. When the program stops,
30616
30617@smallexample
30618^Z^Zstopped
30619@end smallexample
30620
30621is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
30622annotations describe how the program stopped.
30623
30624@table @code
30625@findex exited annotation
30626@item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
30627The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
30628successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
30629
30630@findex signalled annotation
30631@findex signal-name annotation
30632@findex signal-name-end annotation
30633@findex signal-string annotation
30634@findex signal-string-end annotation
30635@item ^Z^Zsignalled
30636The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
30637annotation continues:
30638
30639@smallexample
30640@var{intro-text}
30641^Z^Zsignal-name
30642@var{name}
30643^Z^Zsignal-name-end
30644@var{middle-text}
30645^Z^Zsignal-string
30646@var{string}
30647^Z^Zsignal-string-end
30648@var{end-text}
30649@end smallexample
30650
30651@noindent
30652where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
30653@code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
30654as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
30655@var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
30656user's benefit and have no particular format.
30657
30658@findex signal annotation
30659@item ^Z^Zsignal
30660The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
30661just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
30662terminated with it.
30663
30664@findex breakpoint annotation
30665@item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
30666The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
30667
30668@findex watchpoint annotation
30669@item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
30670The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
30671@end table
30672
30673@node Source Annotations
30674@section Displaying Source
30675@cindex annotations for source display
30676
30677@findex source annotation
30678The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
30679
30680@smallexample
30681^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
30682@end smallexample
30683
30684where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
30685file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
30686first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
30687within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
30688debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
30689@var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
30690line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
30691@var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
30692source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
30693followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
30694depend on the language).
30695
30696@node JIT Interface
30697@chapter JIT Compilation Interface
30698@cindex just-in-time compilation
30699@cindex JIT compilation interface
30700
30701This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
30702interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
30703executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
30704performance while maintaining platform independence.
30705
30706Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
30707portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
30708object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
30709and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
30710@value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
30711symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
30712
30713If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
30714it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
30715you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
30716of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
30717LLVM JIT.
30718
30719Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
30720JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
30721variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
30722attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
30723find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
30724out about additional code.
30725
30726@menu
30727* Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
30728* Registering Code:: Steps to register code
30729* Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
30730@end menu
30731
30732@node Declarations
30733@section JIT Declarations
30734
30735These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
30736implement the interface:
30737
30738@smallexample
30739typedef enum
30740@{
30741 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
30742 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
30743 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
30744@} jit_actions_t;
30745
30746struct jit_code_entry
30747@{
30748 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
30749 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
30750 const char *symfile_addr;
30751 uint64_t symfile_size;
30752@};
30753
30754struct jit_descriptor
30755@{
30756 uint32_t version;
30757 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
30758 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
30759 uint32_t action_flag;
30760 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
30761 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
30762@};
30763
30764/* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
30765void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
30766
30767/* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
30768 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
30769struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
30770@end smallexample
30771
30772If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
30773modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
30774a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
30775
30776@node Registering Code
30777@section Registering Code
30778
30779To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
30780
30781@itemize @bullet
30782@item
30783Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
30784information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
30785
30786@item
30787Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
30788file.
30789
30790@item
30791Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
30792
30793@item
30794Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
30795
30796@item
30797Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
30798@code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30799@end itemize
30800
30801When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
30802@code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
30803new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
30804@value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
30805
30806@node Unregistering Code
30807@section Unregistering Code
30808
30809If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
30810
30811@itemize @bullet
30812@item
30813Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
30814
30815@item
30816Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
30817
30818@item
30819Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
30820@code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30821@end itemize
30822
30823If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
30824and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
30825
30826@node GDB Bugs
30827@chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
30828@cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
30829@cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
30830
30831Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
30832
30833Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
30834may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
30835the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
30836reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
30837
30838In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
30839information that enables us to fix the bug.
30840
30841@menu
30842* Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
30843* Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
30844@end menu
30845
30846@node Bug Criteria
30847@section Have You Found a Bug?
30848@cindex bug criteria
30849
30850If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
30851
30852@itemize @bullet
30853@cindex fatal signal
30854@cindex debugger crash
30855@cindex crash of debugger
30856@item
30857If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
30858@value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
30859
30860@cindex error on valid input
30861@item
30862If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
30863bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
30864somewhere in the connection to the target.)
30865
30866@cindex invalid input
30867@item
30868If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
30869that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
30870``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
30871for traditional practice''.
30872
30873@item
30874If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
30875for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
30876@end itemize
30877
30878@node Bug Reporting
30879@section How to Report Bugs
30880@cindex bug reports
30881@cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
30882
30883A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
30884If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
30885contact that organization first.
30886
30887You can find contact information for many support companies and
30888individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
30889distribution.
30890@c should add a web page ref...
30891
30892@ifset BUGURL
30893@ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
30894In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30895@value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
30896@uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
30897page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
30898be used.
30899
30900@strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
30901@samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
30902not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
30903@samp{bug-gdb}.
30904
30905The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
30906serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
30907the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
30908newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
30909problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
30910path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
30911we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
30912bug reports to the mailing list.
30913@end ifset
30914@ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
30915In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30916@value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
30917@end ifclear
30918@end ifset
30919
30920The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
30921@strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
30922fact or leave it out, state it!
30923
30924Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
30925problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
30926assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
30927Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
30928stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
30929name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
30930of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
30931the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
30932easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
30933
30934Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
30935bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
30936you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
30937self-contained.
30938
30939Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
30940bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
30941@emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
30942bugs properly.
30943
30944To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
30945
30946@itemize @bullet
30947@item
30948The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
30949with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
30950version}.
30951
30952Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
30953the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
30954
30955@item
30956The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
30957version number.
30958
30959@item
30960What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
30961``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
30962
30963@item
30964What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
30965debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
30966C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
30967to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
30968those compilers.
30969
30970@item
30971The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
30972observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
30973you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
30974Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
30975
30976If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
30977and then we might not encounter the bug.
30978
30979@item
30980A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
30981reproduce the bug.
30982
30983@item
30984A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
30985incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
30986
30987Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
30988will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
30989not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
30990a chance to make a mistake.
30991
30992Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
30993say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
30994copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
30995the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
30996crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
30997ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
30998us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
30999to draw any conclusion from our observations.
31000
31001@pindex script
31002@cindex recording a session script
31003To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
31004such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
31005Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
31006include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
31007
31008Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
31009inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
31010
31011@item
31012If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
31013diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
31014it by context, not by line number.
31015
31016The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
31017sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
31018
31019@end itemize
31020
31021Here are some things that are not necessary:
31022
31023@itemize @bullet
31024@item
31025A description of the envelope of the bug.
31026
31027Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
31028which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
31029changes will not affect it.
31030
31031This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
31032will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
31033with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
31034We recommend that you save your time for something else.
31035
31036Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
31037of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
31038output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
31039less time, and so on.
31040
31041However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
31042report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
31043
31044@item
31045A patch for the bug.
31046
31047A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
31048the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
31049a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
31050to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
31051
31052Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
31053construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
31054through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
31055to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
31056
31057And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
31058patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
31059help us to understand.
31060
31061@item
31062A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
31063
31064Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
31065things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
31066@end itemize
31067
31068@c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
31069@c and consists of the two following files:
31070@c rluser.texi
31071@c hsuser.texi
31072@c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
31073@c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
31074@ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
31075@include rluser.texi
31076@include hsuser.texi
31077@end ifclear
31078
31079@node In Memoriam
31080@appendix In Memoriam
31081
31082The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
31083contributors:
31084
31085@table @code
31086@item Fred Fish
31087Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
31088to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
31089the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
31090
31091@item Michael Snyder
31092Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
31093with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
31094to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
31095adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
31096@end table
31097
31098Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
31099enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
31100
31101@node Formatting Documentation
31102@appendix Formatting Documentation
31103
31104@cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
31105@cindex reference card
31106The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
31107for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
31108subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
31109@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
31110release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
31111you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
31112
31113The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
31114can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
31115
31116@smallexample
31117make refcard.dvi
31118@end smallexample
31119
31120The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
31121mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
31122that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
31123high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
31124your @sc{dvi} output program.
31125
31126@cindex documentation
31127
31128All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
31129distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
31130a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
31131on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
31132formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
31133and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
31134
31135@value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
31136version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
31137file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
31138subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
31139necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
31140but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
31141Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
31142@sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
31143
31144If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
31145Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
31146@code{makeinfo}.
31147
31148If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
31149@value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
31150version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
31151
31152@smallexample
31153cd gdb
31154make gdb.info
31155@end smallexample
31156
31157If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
31158a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
31159Texinfo definitions file.
31160
31161@TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
31162produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
31163document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
31164has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
31165command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
31166(for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
31167require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
31168
31169@TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
31170@file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
31171written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
31172typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
31173and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
31174directory.
31175
31176If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
31177typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
31178subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
31179@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
31180
31181@smallexample
31182make gdb.dvi
31183@end smallexample
31184
31185Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
31186
31187@node Installing GDB
31188@appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
31189@cindex installation
31190
31191@menu
31192* Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
31193* Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
31194* Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
31195* Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
31196* Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
31197* System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
31198@end menu
31199
31200@node Requirements
31201@section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
31202@cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
31203
31204Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
31205Other packages will be used only if they are found.
31206
31207@heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
31208@table @asis
31209@item ISO C90 compiler
31210@value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
31211working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
31212
31213@end table
31214
31215@heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
31216@table @asis
31217@item Expat
31218@anchor{Expat}
31219@value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
31220included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
31221can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
31222The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
31223standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
31224use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
31225
31226Expat is used for:
31227
31228@itemize @bullet
31229@item
31230Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
31231@item
31232Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
31233@item
31234Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
31235@item
31236MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
31237@item
31238Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
31239@end itemize
31240
31241@item zlib
31242@cindex compressed debug sections
31243@value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
31244compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
31245of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
31246is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
31247information in such binaries.
31248
31249The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
31250distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
31251@url{http://zlib.net}.
31252
31253@item iconv
31254@value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
31255Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
31256on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
31257other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
31258
31259If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
31260in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
31261This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
31262directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
31263
31264On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
31265have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
31266@option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
31267
31268@value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
31269arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
31270in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
31271if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
31272implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
31273by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
31274Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
31275Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
31276@end table
31277
31278@node Running Configure
31279@section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
31280@cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
31281@value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
31282of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
31283build the @code{gdb} program.
31284@iftex
31285@c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
31286@footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
31287look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
31288installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
31289@end iftex
31290
31291The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
31292@value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
31293appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
31294
31295For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
31296@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
31297
31298@table @code
31299@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
31300script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
31301
31302@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
31303the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
31304
31305@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
31306source for the Binary File Descriptor library
31307
31308@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
31309@sc{gnu} include files
31310
31311@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
31312source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
31313
31314@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
31315source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
31316
31317@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
31318source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
31319
31320@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
31321source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
31322
31323@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
31324source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
31325@end table
31326
31327The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
31328from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
31329this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
31330
31331First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
31332if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
31333identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
31334argument.
31335
31336For example:
31337
31338@smallexample
31339cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
31340./configure @var{host}
31341make
31342@end smallexample
31343
31344@noindent
31345where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
31346@samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
31347(You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
31348correct value by examining your system.)
31349
31350Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
31351@file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
31352libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
31353binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
31354
31355@need 750
31356@file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
31357system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
31358shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
31359
31360@smallexample
31361sh configure @var{host}
31362@end smallexample
31363
31364If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
31365directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
31366@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
31367@file{configure}
31368creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
31369you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
31370
31371You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
31372source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
31373@file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
31374that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
31375if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
31376of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
31377configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
31378directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
31379about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31380
31381You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
31382However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
31383the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
31384that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
31385let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
31386
31387@node Separate Objdir
31388@section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
31389
31390If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
31391you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
31392host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
31393allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
31394rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
31395handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
31396@code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
31397program specified there.
31398
31399To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
31400with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
31401(You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
31402itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
31403would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
31404the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
31405
31406For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
31407separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
31408
31409@smallexample
31410@group
31411cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
31412mkdir ../gdb-sun4
31413cd ../gdb-sun4
31414../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
31415make
31416@end group
31417@end smallexample
31418
31419When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
31420directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
31421(and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
31422the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
31423directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
31424@file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
31425
31426Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
31427instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
31428like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
31429one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
31430build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31431
31432One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
31433directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
31434@value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
31435programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
31436You specify a cross-debugging target by
31437giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
31438
31439When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
31440it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
31441called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
31442
31443The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
31444directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
31445directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
31446directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
31447will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
31448
31449When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
31450directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
31451if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
31452with each other.
31453
31454@node Config Names
31455@section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
31456
31457The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
31458script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
31459aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
31460of information in the following pattern:
31461
31462@smallexample
31463@var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
31464@end smallexample
31465
31466For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
31467or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
31468option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
31469
31470The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
31471any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
31472aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
31473@code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
31474script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
31475abbreviations---for example:
31476
31477@smallexample
31478% sh config.sub i386-linux
31479i386-pc-linux-gnu
31480% sh config.sub alpha-linux
31481alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
31482% sh config.sub hp9k700
31483hppa1.1-hp-hpux
31484% sh config.sub sun4
31485sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
31486% sh config.sub sun3
31487m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
31488% sh config.sub i986v
31489Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
31490@end smallexample
31491
31492@noindent
31493@code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
31494directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
31495
31496@node Configure Options
31497@section @file{configure} Options
31498
31499Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
31500are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
31501several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
31502Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
31503
31504@smallexample
31505configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
31506 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31507 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31508 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
31509 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
31510 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
31511 @var{host}
31512@end smallexample
31513
31514@noindent
31515You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
31516@samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
31517@samp{--}.
31518
31519@table @code
31520@item --help
31521Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
31522
31523@item --prefix=@var{dir}
31524Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
31525@file{@var{dir}}.
31526
31527@item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
31528Configure the source to install programs under directory
31529@file{@var{dir}}.
31530
31531@c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
31532@need 2000
31533@item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
31534@strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
31535@code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
31536Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
31537@value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
31538build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
31539directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
31540the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
31541directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
31542the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
31543@var{dirname}.
31544
31545@item --norecursion
31546Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
31547propagate configuration to subdirectories.
31548
31549@item --target=@var{target}
31550Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
31551@var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
31552programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
31553
31554There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
31555
31556@item @var{host} @dots{}
31557Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
31558
31559There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
31560@end table
31561
31562There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
31563needed for special purposes only.
31564
31565@node System-wide configuration
31566@section System-wide configuration and settings
31567@cindex system-wide init file
31568
31569@value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
31570this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
31571@value{GDBN} does during startup}).
31572
31573Here is the corresponding configure option:
31574
31575@table @code
31576@item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
31577Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
31578@var{file}.
31579@end table
31580
31581If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
31582it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
31583
31584@itemize @bullet
31585@item
31586If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
31587it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
31588are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
31589if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
31590init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
31591@file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
31592
31593@item
31594By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
31595it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
31596@option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31597then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31598wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
31599@end itemize
31600
31601@node Maintenance Commands
31602@appendix Maintenance Commands
31603@cindex maintenance commands
31604@cindex internal commands
31605
31606In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
31607includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
31608that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
31609provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
31610messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
31611
31612@table @code
31613@kindex maint agent
31614@kindex maint agent-eval
31615@item maint agent @var{expression}
31616@itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
31617Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
31618This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
31619(@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
31620expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
31621@samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
31622to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
31623globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
31624of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
31625the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
31626addition and return the sum.
31627
31628@kindex maint info breakpoints
31629@item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
31630Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
31631breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
31632internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
31633breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
31634is shown:
31635
31636@table @code
31637@item breakpoint
31638Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
31639
31640@item watchpoint
31641Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
31642
31643@item longjmp
31644Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
31645@code{longjmp} calls.
31646
31647@item longjmp resume
31648Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
31649
31650@item until
31651Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
31652
31653@item finish
31654Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
31655
31656@item shlib events
31657Shared library events.
31658
31659@end table
31660
31661@kindex set displaced-stepping
31662@kindex show displaced-stepping
31663@cindex displaced stepping support
31664@cindex out-of-line single-stepping
31665@item set displaced-stepping
31666@itemx show displaced-stepping
31667Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
31668if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
31669over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
31670an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
31671breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
31672
31673@table @code
31674@item set displaced-stepping on
31675If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
31676displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
31677
31678@item set displaced-stepping off
31679@value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
31680even if such is supported by the target architecture.
31681
31682@cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
31683@item set displaced-stepping auto
31684This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
31685only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
31686architecture supports displaced stepping.
31687@end table
31688
31689@kindex maint check-symtabs
31690@item maint check-symtabs
31691Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
31692
31693@kindex maint cplus first_component
31694@item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
31695Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
31696
31697@kindex maint cplus namespace
31698@item maint cplus namespace
31699Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
31700
31701@kindex maint demangle
31702@item maint demangle @var{name}
31703Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
31704
31705@kindex maint deprecate
31706@kindex maint undeprecate
31707@cindex deprecated commands
31708@item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
31709@itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
31710Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
31711cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
31712argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
31713favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
31714the replacement as part of the warning.
31715
31716@kindex maint dump-me
31717@item maint dump-me
31718@cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
31719Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
31720This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
31721with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
31722
31723@kindex maint internal-error
31724@kindex maint internal-warning
31725@item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31726@itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31727Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
31728or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
31729or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
31730internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
31731either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
31732@value{GDBN} session.
31733
31734These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
31735used as the text of the error or warning message.
31736
31737Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
31738
31739@smallexample
31740(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
31741@dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
31742A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
31743debugging may prove unreliable.
31744Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31745Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31746(@value{GDBP})
31747@end smallexample
31748
31749@cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
31750@cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
31751
31752@kindex maint set internal-error
31753@kindex maint show internal-error
31754@kindex maint set internal-warning
31755@kindex maint show internal-warning
31756@item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31757@itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
31758@itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31759@itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
31760When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
31761gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
31762core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
31763override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
31764described in the table below.
31765
31766@table @samp
31767@item quit
31768You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31769quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31770
31771@item corefile
31772You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31773create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31774@end table
31775
31776@kindex maint packet
31777@item maint packet @var{text}
31778If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
31779then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
31780displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
31781@samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
31782checksum.
31783
31784@kindex maint print architecture
31785@item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31786Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
31787@var{file} names the file where the output goes.
31788
31789@kindex maint print c-tdesc
31790@item maint print c-tdesc
31791Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
31792a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
31793when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
31794
31795@kindex maint print dummy-frames
31796@item maint print dummy-frames
31797Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
31798
31799@smallexample
31800(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
31801@dots{}
31802(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
31803Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
3180458 return (a + b);
31805The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
31806@dots{}
31807(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
318080x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
31809 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
31810 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
31811(@value{GDBP})
31812@end smallexample
31813
31814Takes an optional file parameter.
31815
31816@kindex maint print registers
31817@kindex maint print raw-registers
31818@kindex maint print cooked-registers
31819@kindex maint print register-groups
31820@kindex maint print remote-registers
31821@item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31822@itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31823@itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31824@itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31825@itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31826Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
31827
31828The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
31829the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
31830cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
31831including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
31832to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
31833groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
31834print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
31835and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
31836@value{GDBN} Internals}.
31837
31838These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
31839write the information.
31840
31841@kindex maint print reggroups
31842@item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31843Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
31844optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
31845information.
31846
31847The register groups info looks like this:
31848
31849@smallexample
31850(@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
31851 Group Type
31852 general user
31853 float user
31854 all user
31855 vector user
31856 system user
31857 save internal
31858 restore internal
31859@end smallexample
31860
31861@kindex flushregs
31862@item flushregs
31863This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
31864
31865@kindex maint print objfiles
31866@cindex info for known object files
31867@item maint print objfiles
31868Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
31869command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
31870and symtabs.
31871
31872@kindex maint print section-scripts
31873@cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
31874@item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
31875Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
31876If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
31877matching @var{regexp}.
31878For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
31879and the full path if known.
31880@xref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}.
31881
31882@kindex maint print statistics
31883@cindex bcache statistics
31884@item maint print statistics
31885This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
31886about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
31887statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
31888of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
31889defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
31890the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
31891used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
31892sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
31893average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
31894savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
31895lengths.
31896
31897@kindex maint print target-stack
31898@cindex target stack description
31899@item maint print target-stack
31900A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
31901kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
31902so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
31903In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
31904until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
31905address.
31906
31907This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
31908the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
31909
31910@kindex maint print type
31911@cindex type chain of a data type
31912@item maint print type @var{expr}
31913Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
31914can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
31915that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
31916a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
31917data structures, including its flags and contained types.
31918
31919@kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31920@kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31921@item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31922@item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31923Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
31924information.
31925
31926The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
31927describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
31928@code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
31929expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
31930too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
31931always see the disassembly form.
31932
31933Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
31934
31935@smallexample
31936(gdb) info addr argc
31937Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
31938 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
31939@end smallexample
31940
31941For more information on these expressions, see
31942@uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
31943
31944@kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31945@kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31946@item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31947@itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31948Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
31949
31950@cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
31951In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
31952produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
31953reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
31954This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
31955cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
31956compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
31957memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
31958slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
31959
31960@kindex maint set profile
31961@kindex maint show profile
31962@cindex profiling GDB
31963@item maint set profile
31964@itemx maint show profile
31965Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
31966
31967Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
31968command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
31969collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
31970exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
31971if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
31972(often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
31973data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
31974
31975Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
31976compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
31977
31978@kindex maint set show-debug-regs
31979@kindex maint show show-debug-regs
31980@cindex hardware debug registers
31981@item maint set show-debug-regs
31982@itemx maint show show-debug-regs
31983Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
31984registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
31985enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
31986removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
31987triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
31988
31989@kindex maint set show-all-tib
31990@kindex maint show show-all-tib
31991@item maint set show-all-tib
31992@itemx maint show show-all-tib
31993Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
31994at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
31995command.
31996
31997@kindex maint space
31998@cindex memory used by commands
31999@item maint space
32000Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
32001nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
32002took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
32003by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
32004switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
32005
32006@kindex maint time
32007@cindex time of command execution
32008@item maint time
32009Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
32010set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
32011took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
32012The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
32013there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
32014by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
32015it's not possibly currently
32016This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
32017@option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
32018
32019@kindex maint translate-address
32020@item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
32021Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
32022@var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
32023@value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
32024the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
32025the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
32026command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
32027
32028If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
32029is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
32030executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
32031
32032@end table
32033
32034The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
32035@value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
32036
32037@table @code
32038@item set watchdog @var{nsec}
32039@kindex set watchdog
32040@cindex watchdog timer
32041@cindex timeout for commands
32042Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
32043target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
32044reports and error and the command is aborted.
32045
32046@item show watchdog
32047Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
32048@end table
32049
32050@node Remote Protocol
32051@appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
32052
32053@menu
32054* Overview::
32055* Packets::
32056* Stop Reply Packets::
32057* General Query Packets::
32058* Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
32059* Tracepoint Packets::
32060* Host I/O Packets::
32061* Interrupts::
32062* Notification Packets::
32063* Remote Non-Stop::
32064* Packet Acknowledgment::
32065* Examples::
32066* File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
32067* Library List Format::
32068* Memory Map Format::
32069* Thread List Format::
32070* Traceframe Info Format::
32071@end menu
32072
32073@node Overview
32074@section Overview
32075
32076There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
32077protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
32078machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
32079recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
32080
32081In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
32082transmitted and received data, respectively.
32083
32084@cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
32085@cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
32086@cindex remote serial protocol
32087All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
32088and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
32089@var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
32090@samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
32091@samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
32092
32093@smallexample
32094@code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32095@end smallexample
32096@noindent
32097
32098@cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
32099@noindent
32100The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
32101characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
32102eight bit unsigned checksum).
32103
32104Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
32105specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
32106
32107@smallexample
32108@code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32109@end smallexample
32110
32111@cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
32112@noindent
32113That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
32114has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
32115since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
32116
32117When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
32118response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
32119the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
32120retransmission):
32121
32122@smallexample
32123-> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32124<- @code{+}
32125@end smallexample
32126@noindent
32127
32128The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
32129once a connection is established.
32130@xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
32131
32132The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
32133debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
32134the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
32135when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
32136threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
32137behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
32138execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
32139
32140@var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
32141exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
32142exceptions).
32143
32144@cindex remote protocol, field separator
32145Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
32146@samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
32147@sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
32148
32149Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
32150@samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
32151would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
32152
32153@cindex remote protocol, binary data
32154@anchor{Binary Data}
32155Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
32156digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
32157protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
32158Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
32159connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
32160binary data.
32161
32162The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
32163as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
32164character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
32165For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
32166bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
32167@code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
32168@samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
32169must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
32170is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
32171(described next).
32172
32173Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
32174Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
32175instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
32176repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
32177binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
32178@code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
32179produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
32180code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
32181encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
32182@samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
32183after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
321843}} more times.
32185
32186The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
32187greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
32188seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
32189five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
32190@samp{0*"00}.
32191
32192The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
32193error number. That number is not well defined.
32194
32195@cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
32196For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
32197(@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
32198protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
32199on that response.
32200
32201At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
32202commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
32203for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
32204can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
32205(step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
32206support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
32207
32208@node Packets
32209@section Packets
32210
32211The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
32212@var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
32213@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
32214I/O extension of the remote protocol.
32215
32216Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
32217syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
32218include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
32219part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
32220separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
32221@var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
32222bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
32223@var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
32224@samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
32225@var{baz}.
32226
32227@cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
32228@anchor{thread-id syntax}
32229Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
32230a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
32231interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
32232can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
32233pick any thread.
32234
32235In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
32236which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
32237process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
32238The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
32239format described above: a positive number with target-specific
32240interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
32241to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
32242indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
32243@samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
32244error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
32245@samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
32246for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
32247ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
32248
32249The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
32250@value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
32251feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
32252more information.
32253
32254Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
32255letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
32256
32257Here are the packet descriptions.
32258
32259@table @samp
32260
32261@item !
32262@cindex @samp{!} packet
32263@anchor{extended mode}
32264Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
32265persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
32266debugged.
32267
32268Reply:
32269@table @samp
32270@item OK
32271The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
32272@end table
32273
32274@item ?
32275@cindex @samp{?} packet
32276Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
32277step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
32278target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
32279
32280Reply:
32281@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32282
32283@item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
32284@cindex @samp{A} packet
32285Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
32286specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
32287@var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
32288
32289Reply:
32290@table @samp
32291@item OK
32292The arguments were set.
32293@item E @var{NN}
32294An error occurred.
32295@end table
32296
32297@item b @var{baud}
32298@cindex @samp{b} packet
32299(Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
32300Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
32301
32302JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
32303received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
32304problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
32305
32306Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
32307it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
32308some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
32309switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
32310of view, nothing actually happened.}
32311
32312@item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
32313@cindex @samp{B} packet
32314Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
32315breakpoint at @var{addr}.
32316
32317Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
32318(@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
32319
32320@cindex @samp{bc} packet
32321@anchor{bc}
32322@item bc
32323Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
32324@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32325
32326Reply:
32327@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32328
32329@cindex @samp{bs} packet
32330@anchor{bs}
32331@item bs
32332Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
32333@xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32334
32335Reply:
32336@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32337
32338@item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
32339@cindex @samp{c} packet
32340Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
32341resume at current address.
32342
32343This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32344packet}.
32345
32346Reply:
32347@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32348
32349@item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
32350@cindex @samp{C} packet
32351Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
32352@samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
32353
32354This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32355packet}.
32356
32357Reply:
32358@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32359
32360@item d
32361@cindex @samp{d} packet
32362Toggle debug flag.
32363
32364Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
32365(@pxref{General Query Packets}).
32366
32367@item D
32368@itemx D;@var{pid}
32369@cindex @samp{D} packet
32370The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
32371remote system. It is sent to the remote target
32372before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
32373
32374The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
32375protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
32376detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
32377big-endian hex string.
32378
32379Reply:
32380@table @samp
32381@item OK
32382for success
32383@item E @var{NN}
32384for an error
32385@end table
32386
32387@item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
32388@cindex @samp{F} packet
32389A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
32390This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
32391Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
32392
32393@item g
32394@anchor{read registers packet}
32395@cindex @samp{g} packet
32396Read general registers.
32397
32398Reply:
32399@table @samp
32400@item @var{XX@dots{}}
32401Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
32402with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
32403each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
32404determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
32405@code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
32406specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
32407
32408When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
32409Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
32410literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
32411that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
32412is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
324134 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
32414registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
32415have been collected, and both have zero value:
32416
32417@smallexample
32418-> @code{g}
32419<- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
32420@end smallexample
32421
32422@item E @var{NN}
32423for an error.
32424@end table
32425
32426@item G @var{XX@dots{}}
32427@cindex @samp{G} packet
32428Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
32429description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
32430
32431Reply:
32432@table @samp
32433@item OK
32434for success
32435@item E @var{NN}
32436for an error
32437@end table
32438
32439@item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
32440@cindex @samp{H} packet
32441Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
32442@samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
32443it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
32444is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
32445option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
32446@var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
32447@ref{thread-id syntax}.
32448
32449Reply:
32450@table @samp
32451@item OK
32452for success
32453@item E @var{NN}
32454for an error
32455@end table
32456
32457@c FIXME: JTC:
32458@c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
32459@c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
32460@c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
32461@c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
32462@c described. For example:
32463@c
32464@c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32465@c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
32466@c otherwise returns current registers.
32467@c
32468@c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32469@c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
32470@c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
32471
32472@item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
32473@anchor{cycle step packet}
32474@cindex @samp{i} packet
32475Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
32476present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
32477step starting at that address.
32478
32479@item I
32480@cindex @samp{I} packet
32481Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
32482step packet}.
32483
32484@item k
32485@cindex @samp{k} packet
32486Kill request.
32487
32488FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
32489thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
32490thread?)}.
32491
32492@item m @var{addr},@var{length}
32493@cindex @samp{m} packet
32494Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32495Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
32496
32497The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
32498data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
32499and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
32500use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
32501suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
32502@cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
32503@cindex size of remote memory accesses
32504@cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
32505
32506Reply:
32507@table @samp
32508@item @var{XX@dots{}}
32509Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
32510number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
32511server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
32512@item E @var{NN}
32513@var{NN} is errno
32514@end table
32515
32516@item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32517@cindex @samp{M} packet
32518Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32519@var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
32520hexadecimal number.
32521
32522Reply:
32523@table @samp
32524@item OK
32525for success
32526@item E @var{NN}
32527for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
32528written).
32529@end table
32530
32531@item p @var{n}
32532@cindex @samp{p} packet
32533Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
32534@xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
32535register value is encoded.
32536
32537Reply:
32538@table @samp
32539@item @var{XX@dots{}}
32540the register's value
32541@item E @var{NN}
32542for an error
32543@item
32544Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
32545@end table
32546
32547@item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
32548@anchor{write register packet}
32549@cindex @samp{P} packet
32550Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
32551number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
32552digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
32553
32554Reply:
32555@table @samp
32556@item OK
32557for success
32558@item E @var{NN}
32559for an error
32560@end table
32561
32562@item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32563@itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32564@cindex @samp{q} packet
32565@cindex @samp{Q} packet
32566General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
32567described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
32568
32569@item r
32570@cindex @samp{r} packet
32571Reset the entire system.
32572
32573Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
32574
32575@item R @var{XX}
32576@cindex @samp{R} packet
32577Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
32578This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32579
32580The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
32581
32582@item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
32583@cindex @samp{s} packet
32584Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
32585@var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
32586
32587This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32588packet}.
32589
32590Reply:
32591@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32592
32593@item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
32594@anchor{step with signal packet}
32595@cindex @samp{S} packet
32596Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
32597requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
32598
32599This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32600packet}.
32601
32602Reply:
32603@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32604
32605@item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
32606@cindex @samp{t} packet
32607Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
32608@var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
32609@var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
32610
32611@item T @var{thread-id}
32612@cindex @samp{T} packet
32613Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
32614
32615Reply:
32616@table @samp
32617@item OK
32618thread is still alive
32619@item E @var{NN}
32620thread is dead
32621@end table
32622
32623@item v
32624Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
32625up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
32626
32627@item vAttach;@var{pid}
32628@cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
32629Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
32630The process ID is a
32631hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
32632threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
32633attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
32634
32635@c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
32636@c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
32637@c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
32638@c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
32639@c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
32640@c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
32641@c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
32642@c stopping or restarting threads.
32643
32644This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32645
32646Reply:
32647@table @samp
32648@item E @var{nn}
32649for an error
32650@item @r{Any stop packet}
32651for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32652@item OK
32653for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
32654@end table
32655
32656@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
32657@cindex @samp{vCont} packet
32658@anchor{vCont packet}
32659Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
32660If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
32661threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
32662specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
32663in their current state in non-stop mode.
32664Specifying multiple
32665default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
32666Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32667
32668Currently supported actions are:
32669
32670@table @samp
32671@item c
32672Continue.
32673@item C @var{sig}
32674Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32675@item s
32676Step.
32677@item S @var{sig}
32678Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32679@item t
32680Stop.
32681@end table
32682
32683The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
32684@samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
32685not supported in @samp{vCont}.
32686
32687The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
32688(@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
32689A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
32690When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
32691the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
32692signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
32693as an implementation detail.
32694
32695Reply:
32696@xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32697
32698@item vCont?
32699@cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
32700Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
32701
32702Reply:
32703@table @samp
32704@item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
32705The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
32706command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
32707@item
32708The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
32709@end table
32710
32711@item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
32712@cindex @samp{vFile} packet
32713Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
32714see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
32715
32716@item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
32717@cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
32718Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
32719@var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
32720its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
32721flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
32722Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
32723together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
32724stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32725packet is received.
32726
32727The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
32728multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
32729this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
32730in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
32731@var{thread-id}.
32732
32733Reply:
32734@table @samp
32735@item OK
32736for success
32737@item E @var{NN}
32738for an error
32739@end table
32740
32741@item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32742@cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
32743Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
32744is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
32745packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
32746@samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
32747not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
32748(although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
32749have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
32750@samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
32751neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
32752target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
32753
32754
32755Reply:
32756@table @samp
32757@item OK
32758for success
32759@item E.memtype
32760for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
32761@item E @var{NN}
32762for an error
32763@end table
32764
32765@item vFlashDone
32766@cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
32767Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
32768The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
32769@samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
32770@samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
32771regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32772request is completed.
32773
32774@item vKill;@var{pid}
32775@cindex @samp{vKill} packet
32776Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
32777hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
32778preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
32779supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32780
32781Reply:
32782@table @samp
32783@item E @var{nn}
32784for an error
32785@item OK
32786for success
32787@end table
32788
32789@item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
32790@cindex @samp{vRun} packet
32791Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
32792command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
32793@var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
32794(e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
32795state.
32796
32797@c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
32798
32799This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32800
32801Reply:
32802@table @samp
32803@item E @var{nn}
32804for an error
32805@item @r{Any stop packet}
32806for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32807@end table
32808
32809@item vStopped
32810@anchor{vStopped packet}
32811@cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
32812
32813In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
32814reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
32815
32816Reply:
32817@table @samp
32818@item @r{Any stop packet}
32819if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32820@item OK
32821if there are no unreported stop events
32822@end table
32823
32824@item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32825@anchor{X packet}
32826@cindex @samp{X} packet
32827Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
32828@var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
32829@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
32830
32831Reply:
32832@table @samp
32833@item OK
32834for success
32835@item E @var{NN}
32836for an error
32837@end table
32838
32839@item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32840@itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32841@anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
32842@cindex @samp{z} packet
32843@cindex @samp{Z} packets
32844Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
32845watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
32846
32847Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
32848separately.
32849
32850@emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
32851for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
32852remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
32853@samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
32854avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
32855be implemented in an idempotent way.}
32856
32857@item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32858@itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32859@cindex @samp{z0} packet
32860@cindex @samp{Z0} packet
32861Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
32862@var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
32863
32864A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
32865@var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
32866@var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
32867the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
32868and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
32869architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
32870see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
32871
32872@emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
32873code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
32874overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
32875target, is not defined.}
32876
32877Reply:
32878@table @samp
32879@item OK
32880success
32881@item
32882not supported
32883@item E @var{NN}
32884for an error
32885@end table
32886
32887@item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32888@itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32889@cindex @samp{z1} packet
32890@cindex @samp{Z1} packet
32891Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
32892address @var{addr}.
32893
32894A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
32895dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
32896has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
32897
32898@emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
32899movement.}
32900
32901Reply:
32902@table @samp
32903@item OK
32904success
32905@item
32906not supported
32907@item E @var{NN}
32908for an error
32909@end table
32910
32911@item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32912@itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32913@cindex @samp{z2} packet
32914@cindex @samp{Z2} packet
32915Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32916@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32917
32918Reply:
32919@table @samp
32920@item OK
32921success
32922@item
32923not supported
32924@item E @var{NN}
32925for an error
32926@end table
32927
32928@item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32929@itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32930@cindex @samp{z3} packet
32931@cindex @samp{Z3} packet
32932Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32933@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32934
32935Reply:
32936@table @samp
32937@item OK
32938success
32939@item
32940not supported
32941@item E @var{NN}
32942for an error
32943@end table
32944
32945@item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32946@itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32947@cindex @samp{z4} packet
32948@cindex @samp{Z4} packet
32949Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32950@var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32951
32952Reply:
32953@table @samp
32954@item OK
32955success
32956@item
32957not supported
32958@item E @var{NN}
32959for an error
32960@end table
32961
32962@end table
32963
32964@node Stop Reply Packets
32965@section Stop Reply Packets
32966@cindex stop reply packets
32967
32968The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
32969@samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
32970receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
32971and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
32972when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
32973number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
32974@value{GDBN} source code.
32975
32976As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
32977reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
32978syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
32979components.
32980
32981@table @samp
32982
32983@item S @var{AA}
32984The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32985number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
32986@var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
32987
32988@item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
32989@cindex @samp{T} packet reply
32990The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32991number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
32992@samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
32993and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
32994round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
32995this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
32996
32997@itemize @bullet
32998@item
32999If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
33000corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
33001series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
33002two-digit hex number.
33003
33004@item
33005If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
33006the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
33007
33008@item
33009If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
33010the core on which the stop event was detected.
33011
33012@item
33013If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
33014specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
33015reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
33016signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
33017
33018@item
33019Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
33020and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
33021future.
33022@end itemize
33023
33024The currently defined stop reasons are:
33025
33026@table @samp
33027@item watch
33028@itemx rwatch
33029@itemx awatch
33030The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
33031hex.
33032
33033@cindex shared library events, remote reply
33034@item library
33035The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
33036@value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
33037list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
33038
33039@cindex replay log events, remote reply
33040@item replaylog
33041The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
33042logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
33043beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
33044will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
33045for more information.
33046@end table
33047
33048@item W @var{AA}
33049@itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
33050The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
33051applicable to certain targets.
33052
33053The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
33054process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
33055multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
33056The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
33057
33058@item X @var{AA}
33059@itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
33060The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
33061
33062The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
33063terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
33064support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
33065extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
33066
33067@item O @var{XX}@dots{}
33068@samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
33069written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
33070while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
33071for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
33072
33073@item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
33074@var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
33075be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
33076correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
33077@xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
33078system calls.
33079
33080@samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
33081this very system call.
33082
33083The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
33084call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
33085with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
33086reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
33087or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
33088Protocol Extension}, for more details.
33089
33090@end table
33091
33092@node General Query Packets
33093@section General Query Packets
33094@cindex remote query requests
33095
33096Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
33097packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
33098query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
33099sending information to and from the stub.
33100
33101The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
33102indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
33103@value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
33104definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
33105conventions:
33106
33107@itemize @bullet
33108@item
33109The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
33110@item
33111Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
33112letter.
33113@item
33114The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
33115lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
33116the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
33117foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
33118@end itemize
33119
33120The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
33121parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
33122separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
33123full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
33124in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
33125with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
33126packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
33127for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
33128are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
33129existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
33130packet.}.
33131
33132Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
33133has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
33134explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
33135templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
33136@value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
33137
33138Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
33139
33140@table @samp
33141
33142@item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
33143@cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
33144Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
33145target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
33146pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
33147@samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
33148@samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
33149indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
33150indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
33151own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
33152insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
33153
33154@item qC
33155@cindex current thread, remote request
33156@cindex @samp{qC} packet
33157Return the current thread ID.
33158
33159Reply:
33160@table @samp
33161@item QC @var{thread-id}
33162Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
33163@ref{thread-id syntax}.
33164@item @r{(anything else)}
33165Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
33166@end table
33167
33168@item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
33169@cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
33170@cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
33171Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
33172IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
33173significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
33174@code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
33175
33176@emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
33177files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
33178Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
33179separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
33180significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
33181detect trailing zeros.
33182
33183Reply:
33184@table @samp
33185@item E @var{NN}
33186An error (such as memory fault)
33187@item C @var{crc32}
33188The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
33189@end table
33190
33191@item qfThreadInfo
33192@itemx qsThreadInfo
33193@cindex list active threads, remote request
33194@cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
33195@cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
33196Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
33197may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
33198works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
33199obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
33200be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
33201sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
33202
33203NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
33204
33205Reply:
33206@table @samp
33207@item m @var{thread-id}
33208A single thread ID
33209@item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
33210a comma-separated list of thread IDs
33211@item l
33212(lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
33213@end table
33214
33215In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
33216more thread IDs, separated by commas.
33217@value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
33218ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
33219with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
33220Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
33221fields.
33222
33223@item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
33224@cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
33225@cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
33226Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
33227by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
33228
33229@var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
33230thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
33231
33232@var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
33233thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
33234information associated with the variable.)
33235
33236@var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
33237load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
33238a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
33239object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
33240Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
33241differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
33242
33243Reply:
33244@table @samp
33245@item @var{XX}@dots{}
33246Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
33247local storage requested.
33248
33249@item E @var{nn}
33250An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33251
33252@item
33253An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
33254@end table
33255
33256@item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
33257@cindex get thread information block address
33258@cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
33259Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
33260
33261@var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
33262
33263Reply:
33264@table @samp
33265@item @var{XX}@dots{}
33266Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
33267thread information block.
33268
33269@item E @var{nn}
33270An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
33271address could not be retrieved.
33272
33273@item
33274An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
33275@end table
33276
33277@item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
33278Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
33279digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
33280subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
33281number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
33282(eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
33283returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
33284
33285Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
33286
33287Reply:
33288@table @samp
33289@item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
33290Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
33291returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
33292and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
33293digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
33294is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
33295digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
33296@end table
33297
33298@item qOffsets
33299@cindex section offsets, remote request
33300@cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
33301Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
33302image.
33303
33304Reply:
33305@table @samp
33306@item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
33307Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
33308Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
33309If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
33310@samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
33311segments by the supplied offsets.
33312
33313@emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
33314@value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
33315to the @code{Bss} section.}
33316
33317@item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
33318Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
33319contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
33320@samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
33321conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
33322@var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
33323does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
33324as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
33325kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
33326@end table
33327
33328@item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
33329@cindex thread information, remote request
33330@cindex @samp{qP} packet
33331Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
33332encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
33333(@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
33334
33335Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
33336(see below).
33337
33338Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
33339
33340@item QNonStop:1
33341@item QNonStop:0
33342@cindex non-stop mode, remote request
33343@cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
33344@anchor{QNonStop}
33345Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
33346@xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
33347
33348Reply:
33349@table @samp
33350@item OK
33351The request succeeded.
33352
33353@item E @var{nn}
33354An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33355
33356@item
33357An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
33358the stub.
33359@end table
33360
33361This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33362by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33363Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
33364@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
33365
33366@item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
33367@cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
33368@cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33369@anchor{QPassSignals}
33370Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
33371Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
33372(@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
33373strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
33374the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
33375reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
33376combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
33377new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
33378@var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
33379
33380Reply:
33381@table @samp
33382@item OK
33383The request succeeded.
33384
33385@item E @var{nn}
33386An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33387
33388@item
33389An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
33390the stub.
33391@end table
33392
33393Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
33394command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
33395This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33396by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33397
33398@item qRcmd,@var{command}
33399@cindex execute remote command, remote request
33400@cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
33401@var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
33402execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
33403string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
33404with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
33405packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
33406stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
33407
33408Reply:
33409@table @samp
33410@item OK
33411A command response with no output.
33412@item @var{OUTPUT}
33413A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
33414@item E @var{NN}
33415Indicate a badly formed request.
33416@item
33417An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
33418@end table
33419
33420(Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
33421command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33422conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33423packets.)
33424
33425@item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
33426@cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
33427@cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
33428@anchor{qSearch memory}
33429Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
33430@var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
33431@var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
33432
33433Reply:
33434@table @samp
33435@item 0
33436The pattern was not found.
33437@item 1,address
33438The pattern was found at @var{address}.
33439@item E @var{NN}
33440A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
33441@item
33442An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
33443@end table
33444
33445@item QStartNoAckMode
33446@cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
33447@anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
33448Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
33449protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
33450
33451Reply:
33452@table @samp
33453@item OK
33454The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
33455@value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
33456but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
33457@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
33458@item
33459An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
33460@end table
33461
33462@item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
33463@cindex supported packets, remote query
33464@cindex features of the remote protocol
33465@cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
33466@anchor{qSupported}
33467Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
33468query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
33469@value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
33470features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
33471at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
33472packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
33473high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
33474be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
33475stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
33476automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
33477reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
33478unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
33479helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
33480versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
33481
33482Reply:
33483@table @samp
33484@item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
33485The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
33486depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
33487possible forms).
33488@item
33489An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
33490or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
33491@end table
33492
33493The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
33494@samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
33495are:
33496
33497@table @samp
33498@item @var{name}=@var{value}
33499The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
33500with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
33501on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
33502@item @var{name}+
33503The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
33504need an associated value.
33505@item @var{name}-
33506The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
33507@item @var{name}?
33508The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
33509@value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
33510needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
33511but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
33512@end table
33513
33514Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
33515supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
33516request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
33517state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
33518a different version of @value{GDBN}.
33519
33520The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
33521are defined:
33522
33523@table @samp
33524@item multiprocess
33525This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
33526extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
33527extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
33528including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
33529@xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
33530
33531@item xmlRegisters
33532This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
33533description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
33534specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
33535description.
33536
33537@item qRelocInsn
33538This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
33539@samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
33540instruction reply packet}).
33541@end table
33542
33543Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
33544@var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
33545packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
33546versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
33547for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
33548advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
33549improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
33550an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
33551of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
33552describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
33553all the features it supports.
33554
33555Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
33556responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
33557
33558Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
33559should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
33560require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
33561form response.
33562
33563Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
33564@samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
33565in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
33566stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
33567
33568Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
33569mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
33570architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
33571about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
33572stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
33573
33574These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
33575
33576@multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
33577@c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
33578@c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
33579@item Feature Name
33580@tab Value Required
33581@tab Default
33582@tab Probe Allowed
33583
33584@item @samp{PacketSize}
33585@tab Yes
33586@tab @samp{-}
33587@tab No
33588
33589@item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
33590@tab No
33591@tab @samp{-}
33592@tab Yes
33593
33594@item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
33595@tab No
33596@tab @samp{-}
33597@tab Yes
33598
33599@item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
33600@tab No
33601@tab @samp{-}
33602@tab Yes
33603
33604@item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
33605@tab No
33606@tab @samp{-}
33607@tab Yes
33608
33609@item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
33610@tab No
33611@tab @samp{-}
33612@tab Yes
33613
33614@item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
33615@tab No
33616@tab @samp{-}
33617@tab Yes
33618
33619@item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
33620@tab No
33621@tab @samp{-}
33622@tab Yes
33623
33624@item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
33625@tab No
33626@tab @samp{-}
33627@tab Yes
33628
33629@item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
33630@tab No
33631@tab @samp{-}
33632@tab Yes
33633
33634@item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
33635@tab No
33636@tab @samp{-}
33637@tab Yes
33638
33639@item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33640@tab No
33641@tab @samp{-}
33642@tab Yes
33643
33644
33645@item @samp{QNonStop}
33646@tab No
33647@tab @samp{-}
33648@tab Yes
33649
33650@item @samp{QPassSignals}
33651@tab No
33652@tab @samp{-}
33653@tab Yes
33654
33655@item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
33656@tab No
33657@tab @samp{-}
33658@tab Yes
33659
33660@item @samp{multiprocess}
33661@tab No
33662@tab @samp{-}
33663@tab No
33664
33665@item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
33666@tab No
33667@tab @samp{-}
33668@tab No
33669
33670@item @samp{ReverseContinue}
33671@tab No
33672@tab @samp{-}
33673@tab No
33674
33675@item @samp{ReverseStep}
33676@tab No
33677@tab @samp{-}
33678@tab No
33679
33680@item @samp{TracepointSource}
33681@tab No
33682@tab @samp{-}
33683@tab No
33684
33685@item @samp{QAllow}
33686@tab No
33687@tab @samp{-}
33688@tab No
33689
33690@item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
33691@tab No
33692@tab @samp{-}
33693@tab No
33694
33695@end multitable
33696
33697These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
33698
33699@table @samp
33700@cindex packet size, remote protocol
33701@item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
33702The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
33703length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
33704transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
33705data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
33706There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
33707stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
33708byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
33709@value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
33710
33711@item qXfer:auxv:read
33712The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
33713(@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
33714
33715@item qXfer:features:read
33716The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
33717(@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
33718
33719@item qXfer:libraries:read
33720The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
33721(@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
33722
33723@item qXfer:memory-map:read
33724The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
33725(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
33726
33727@item qXfer:sdata:read
33728The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
33729(@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
33730
33731@item qXfer:spu:read
33732The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
33733(@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
33734
33735@item qXfer:spu:write
33736The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
33737(@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
33738
33739@item qXfer:siginfo:read
33740The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
33741(@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
33742
33743@item qXfer:siginfo:write
33744The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
33745(@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
33746
33747@item qXfer:threads:read
33748The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
33749(@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
33750
33751@item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
33752The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33753packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
33754
33755@item QNonStop
33756The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
33757(@pxref{QNonStop}).
33758
33759@item QPassSignals
33760The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33761(@pxref{QPassSignals}).
33762
33763@item QStartNoAckMode
33764The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
33765prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
33766
33767@item multiprocess
33768@anchor{multiprocess extensions}
33769@cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
33770The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
33771protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
33772thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
33773add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
33774replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
33775syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
33776debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
33777multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
33778indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
33779
33780@item qXfer:osdata:read
33781The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
33782((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
33783
33784@item ConditionalTracepoints
33785The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
33786for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
33787
33788@item ReverseContinue
33789The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
33790(@pxref{bc}).
33791
33792@item ReverseStep
33793The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
33794(@pxref{bs}).
33795
33796@item TracepointSource
33797The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
33798the source form of tracepoint definitions.
33799
33800@item QAllow
33801The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
33802
33803@item StaticTracepoint
33804@cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
33805The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
33806
33807@item EnableDisableTracepoints
33808The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
33809@samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
33810to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
33811
33812@end table
33813
33814@item qSymbol::
33815@cindex symbol lookup, remote request
33816@cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
33817Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
33818requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
33819
33820Reply:
33821@table @samp
33822@item OK
33823The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33824@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33825The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
33826@value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
33827@samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
33828below.
33829@end table
33830
33831@item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
33832Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
33833
33834@var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
33835target has previously requested.
33836
33837@var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
33838@value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
33839will be empty.
33840
33841Reply:
33842@table @samp
33843@item OK
33844The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33845@item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33846The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
33847encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
33848(if available), until the target ceases to request them.
33849@end table
33850
33851@item qTBuffer
33852@item QTBuffer
33853@item QTDisconnected
33854@itemx QTDP
33855@itemx QTDPsrc
33856@itemx QTDV
33857@itemx qTfP
33858@itemx qTfV
33859@itemx QTFrame
33860@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33861
33862@item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
33863@cindex thread attributes info, remote request
33864@cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
33865Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
33866the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
33867see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
33868string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
33869for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
33870displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
33871examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
33872@samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
33873
33874Reply:
33875@table @samp
33876@item @var{XX}@dots{}
33877Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
33878comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
33879the thread's attributes.
33880@end table
33881
33882(Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
33883the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33884conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33885packets.)
33886
33887@item QTSave
33888@item qTsP
33889@item qTsV
33890@itemx QTStart
33891@itemx QTStop
33892@itemx QTEnable
33893@itemx QTDisable
33894@itemx QTinit
33895@itemx QTro
33896@itemx qTStatus
33897@itemx qTV
33898@itemx qTfSTM
33899@itemx qTsSTM
33900@itemx qTSTMat
33901@xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33902
33903@item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33904@cindex read special object, remote request
33905@cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
33906@anchor{qXfer read}
33907Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
33908identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
33909starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
33910encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
33911additional details about what data to access.
33912
33913Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33914@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33915formats, listed below.
33916
33917@table @samp
33918@item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33919@anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
33920Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
33921auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
33922
33923This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33924by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33925
33926@item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33927@anchor{qXfer target description read}
33928Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
33929annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
33930always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
33931
33932This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33933by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33934
33935@item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33936@anchor{qXfer library list read}
33937Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
33938The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33939(@pxref{qXfer read}).
33940
33941Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
33942not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
33943the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
33944
33945This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33946by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33947
33948@item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33949@anchor{qXfer memory map read}
33950Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
33951annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33952(@pxref{qXfer read}).
33953
33954This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33955by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33956
33957@item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33958@anchor{qXfer sdata read}
33959
33960Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
33961information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
33962be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
33963Action Lists}.
33964
33965This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33966by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33967(@pxref{qSupported}).
33968
33969@item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33970@anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
33971Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
33972system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33973empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33974
33975This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33976by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33977(@pxref{qSupported}).
33978
33979@item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33980@anchor{qXfer spu read}
33981Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33982annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
33983@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33984in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33985in that context to be accessed.
33986
33987This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33988by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33989(@pxref{qSupported}).
33990
33991@item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33992@anchor{qXfer threads read}
33993Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
33994annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33995(@pxref{qXfer read}).
33996
33997This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33998by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33999
34000@item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
34001@anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
34002
34003Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
34004@xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
34005@samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
34006
34007This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34008by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34009
34010@item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
34011@anchor{qXfer osdata read}
34012Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
34013@xref{Operating System Information}.
34014
34015@end table
34016
34017Reply:
34018@table @samp
34019@item m @var{data}
34020Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
34021target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
34022it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
34023block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
34024@var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
34025request.
34026
34027@item l @var{data}
34028Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
34029There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
34030than the @var{length} in the request.
34031
34032@item l
34033The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
34034There is no more data to be read.
34035
34036@item E00
34037The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
34038
34039@item E @var{nn}
34040The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
34041@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
34042
34043@item
34044An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
34045the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
34046@end table
34047
34048@item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34049@cindex write data into object, remote request
34050@anchor{qXfer write}
34051Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
34052identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
34053into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
34054(@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
34055is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
34056to access.
34057
34058Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
34059@samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
34060formats, listed below.
34061
34062@table @samp
34063@item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34064@anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
34065Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
34066The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
34067empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
34068
34069This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34070by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
34071(@pxref{qSupported}).
34072
34073@item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34074@anchor{qXfer spu write}
34075Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
34076annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
34077@file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
34078in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
34079in that context to be accessed.
34080
34081This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34082by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34083@end table
34084
34085Reply:
34086@table @samp
34087@item @var{nn}
34088@var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
34089This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
34090
34091@item E00
34092The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
34093
34094@item E @var{nn}
34095The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
34096@var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
34097
34098@item
34099An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
34100recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
34101@end table
34102
34103@item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
34104Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
34105not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
34106@var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
34107must respond with an empty packet.
34108
34109@item qAttached:@var{pid}
34110@cindex query attached, remote request
34111@cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
34112Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
34113existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
34114protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
34115@var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
34116process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
34117the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
34118
34119This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
34120should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
34121the @code{quit} command.
34122
34123Reply:
34124@table @samp
34125@item 1
34126The remote server attached to an existing process.
34127@item 0
34128The remote server created a new process.
34129@item E @var{NN}
34130A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
34131@end table
34132
34133@end table
34134
34135@node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
34136@section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
34137
34138This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
34139target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
34140details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
34141
34142@subsection ARM
34143
34144@subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
34145
34146These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
34147
34148@table @r
34149
34150@item 2
3415116-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
34152
34153@item 3
3415432-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
34155
34156@item 4
3415732-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
34158
34159@end table
34160
34161@subsection MIPS
34162
34163@subsubsection Register Packet Format
34164
34165The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
34166In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
34167sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
34168to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
34169byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
34170most-significant - least-significant.
34171
34172@table @r
34173
34174@item MIPS32
34175
34176All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
3417732 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
34178registers; fsr; fir; fp.
34179
34180@item MIPS64
34181
34182All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
34183thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
34184as @code{MIPS32}.
34185
34186@end table
34187
34188@node Tracepoint Packets
34189@section Tracepoint Packets
34190@cindex tracepoint packets
34191@cindex packets, tracepoint
34192
34193Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
34194tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34195
34196@table @samp
34197
34198@item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
34199Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
34200is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
34201the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
34202count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
34203then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
34204the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
34205for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
34206tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
34207by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
34208encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
34209further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
34210actions.
34211
34212Replies:
34213@table @samp
34214@item OK
34215The packet was understood and carried out.
34216@item qRelocInsn
34217@xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
34218@item
34219The packet was not recognized.
34220@end table
34221
34222@item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
34223Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
34224@var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
34225this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
34226another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
34227trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
34228specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
34229
34230In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
34231can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
34232is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
34233actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
34234taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
34235@samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
34236tracepoint actions.
34237
34238The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
34239actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
34240following forms:
34241
34242@table @samp
34243
34244@item R @var{mask}
34245Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
34246a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
34247@var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
34248zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
34249not fit in a 32-bit word.
34250
34251@item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
34252Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
34253number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
34254@samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
34255address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
34256@var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
34257values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
34258
34259@item X @var{len},@var{expr}
34260Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
34261it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
34262@ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
34263two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
34264in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
34265packet).
34266
34267@end table
34268
34269Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
34270packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
34271length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
34272action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
34273actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
34274must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
34275``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
34276separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
34277
34278Replies:
34279@table @samp
34280@item OK
34281The packet was understood and carried out.
34282@item qRelocInsn
34283@xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
34284@item
34285The packet was not recognized.
34286@end table
34287
34288@item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
34289@cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
34290Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
34291This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
34292originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
34293is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
34294tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
34295@var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
34296
34297@var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
34298string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
34299This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
34300fit in a single packet.
34301@c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
34302@c tracepoint descriptions section.
34303
34304The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
34305@samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
34306@value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
34307list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
34308
34309The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
34310report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
34311query packets.
34312
34313Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
34314if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
34315Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
34316much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
34317tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
34318the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
34319could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
34320be found.
34321
34322@item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
34323@cindex define trace state variable, remote request
34324@cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
34325Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
34326value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
34327and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
34328the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
34329target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
34330mentioned in expressions.
34331
34332@item QTFrame:@var{n}
34333Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
34334register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
34335request packets from @value{GDBN}.
34336
34337A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
34338requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
34339without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
34340one of the following forms:
34341
34342@table @samp
34343@item F @var{f}
34344The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
34345@var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
34346was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
34347
34348@item T @var{t}
34349The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
34350@var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
34351
34352@end table
34353
34354@item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
34355Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34356currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
34357@var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
34358
34359@item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
34360Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34361currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
34362is a hexadecimal number.
34363
34364@item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
34365Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34366currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
34367and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
34368numbers.
34369
34370@item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
34371Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
34372frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
34373
34374@item QTStart
34375Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
34376tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
34377@samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
34378instruction reply packet}).
34379
34380@item QTStop
34381End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
34382
34383@item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
34384@anchor{QTEnable}
34385Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
34386experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
34387of data from it will resume.
34388
34389@item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
34390@anchor{QTDisable}
34391Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
34392experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
34393@samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
34394
34395@item QTinit
34396Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
34397
34398@item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
34399Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
34400will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
34401if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
34402
34403@value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
34404containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
34405still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
34406there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
34407
34408@item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
34409Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
34410disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
34411continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
34412@value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
34413
34414@item qTStatus
34415Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
34416
34417The reply has the form:
34418
34419@table @samp
34420
34421@item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
34422@var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
34423running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
34424optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
34425
34426@end table
34427
34428If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
34429explanations as one of the optional fields:
34430
34431@table @samp
34432
34433@item tnotrun:0
34434No trace has been run yet.
34435
34436@item tstop:0
34437The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command.
34438
34439@item tfull:0
34440The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
34441
34442@item tdisconnected:0
34443The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
34444
34445@item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
34446The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
34447
34448@item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
34449The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
34450string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
34451(for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
34452@var{text} is hex encoded.
34453
34454@item tunknown:0
34455The trace stopped for some other reason.
34456
34457@end table
34458
34459Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
34460Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
34461the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
34462numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
34463trace.
34464
34465@table @samp
34466
34467@item tframes:@var{n}
34468The number of trace frames in the buffer.
34469
34470@item tcreated:@var{n}
34471The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
34472be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
34473
34474@item tsize:@var{n}
34475The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
34476
34477@item tfree:@var{n}
34478The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
34479
34480@item circular:@var{n}
34481The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
34482trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
34483necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
34484and may fill up.
34485
34486@item disconn:@var{n}
34487The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
34488tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
34489that the trace run will stop.
34490
34491@end table
34492
34493@item qTV:@var{var}
34494@cindex trace state variable value, remote request
34495@cindex @samp{qTV} packet
34496Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
34497
34498Replies:
34499@table @samp
34500@item V@var{value}
34501The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
34502value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
34503saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
34504user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
34505different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
34506program is running.
34507
34508@item U
34509The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
34510if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
34511was not collected.
34512@end table
34513
34514@item qTfP
34515@itemx qTsP
34516These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
34517the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
34518of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
34519to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
34520that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
34521
34522@item qTfV
34523@itemx qTsV
34524These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
34525target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
34526and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
34527these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
34528trace state variables.
34529
34530@item qTfSTM
34531@itemx qTsSTM
34532These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
34533in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
34534first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
34535pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
34536
34537Reply:
34538@table @samp
34539@item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
34540A single marker
34541@item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
34542a comma-separated list of markers
34543@item l
34544(lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
34545@item E @var{nn}
34546An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
34547@item
34548An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
34549stub.
34550@end table
34551
34552@var{address} is encoded in hex.
34553@var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
34554
34555In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
34556more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
34557reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
34558query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
34559@dfn{last}).
34560
34561@item qTSTMat:@var{address}
34562This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
34563target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
34564syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
34565tracepoint markers.
34566
34567@item QTSave:@var{filename}
34568This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
34569@var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
34570as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
34571absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
34572
34573@item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
34574Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
34575starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
34576a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
34577The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
34578in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
34579A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
34580available.
34581
34582@item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
34583This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
34584@var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
34585
34586@end table
34587
34588@subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
34589When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
34590relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
34591different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
34592enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
34593return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
34594PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
34595of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
34596it had executed in the original location.
34597
34598In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
34599respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
34600packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
34601this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
34602documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
34603descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
34604format of the request is:
34605
34606@table @samp
34607@item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
34608
34609This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
34610to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
34611instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
34612@var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
34613memory starting at @var{to}.
34614@end table
34615
34616Replies:
34617@table @samp
34618@item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
34619Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
34620the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
34621@item E @var{NN}
34622A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
34623relocating the instruction.
34624@end table
34625
34626@node Host I/O Packets
34627@section Host I/O Packets
34628@cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
34629@cindex file transfer, remote protocol
34630
34631The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
34632operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
34633used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
34634filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
34635layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
34636Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
34637protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
34638Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
34639target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
34640Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
34641
34642The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
34643its arguments. They have this format:
34644
34645@table @samp
34646
34647@item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
34648@var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
34649should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
34650for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
34651the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
34652numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
34653used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
34654hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
34655buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
34656
34657@end table
34658
34659The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
34660
34661@table @samp
34662
34663@item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
34664@var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
34665non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
34666@var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
34667value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
34668operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
34669binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
34670normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
34671documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
34672@var{attachment}.
34673
34674@item
34675An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
34676
34677@end table
34678
34679These are the supported Host I/O operations:
34680
34681@table @samp
34682@item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
34683Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
34684return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
34685@var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
34686(@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
34687of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
34688@xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
34689
34690@item vFile:close: @var{fd}
34691Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
34692-1 if an error occurs.
34693
34694@item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
34695Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
34696@var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
34697relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
34698common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
34699condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
34700returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
34701@var{count} was zero.
34702
34703The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
34704If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
34705attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
34706number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
34707some characters were escaped.
34708
34709@item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
34710Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
34711to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
34712file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
34713separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
34714packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
34715which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
34716error occurred.
34717
34718@item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
34719Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
34720or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
34721
34722@end table
34723
34724@node Interrupts
34725@section Interrupts
34726@cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
34727
34728When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
34729attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
34730a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
34731control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
34732
34733The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
34734mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
34735currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
34736interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
34737@code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
34738
34739@samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
34740transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
34741@code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
34742the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
34743transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
34744and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
34745(@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
34746@code{0x03} as part of its packet.
34747
34748@code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
34749When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
34750it stops execution and connects to gdb.
34751
34752Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
34753precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
34754implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
34755threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
34756currently-executing threads and processes.
34757If the stub is successful at interrupting the
34758running program, it should send one of the stop
34759reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
34760of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
34761for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
34762Interrupts received while the
34763program is stopped are discarded.
34764
34765@node Notification Packets
34766@section Notification Packets
34767@cindex notification packets
34768@cindex packets, notification
34769
34770The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
34771packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
34772may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
34773present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
34774without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
34775are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
34776is not a problem.
34777
34778A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
34779@var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
34780and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
34781as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
34782never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
34783receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
34784to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
34785
34786Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
34787colon characters, followed by a colon character.
34788
34789Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
34790notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
34791timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
34792not they understand it.
34793
34794Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
34795protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
34796future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
34797new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
34798recipients.
34799
34800(Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
34801the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
34802transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
34803are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
34804assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
34805
34806The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
34807defined:
34808
34809@table @samp
34810@item Stop: @var{reply}
34811Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
34812The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
34813described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
34814for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
34815@value{GDBN}.
34816@end table
34817
34818@node Remote Non-Stop
34819@section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
34820
34821@value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
34822multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
34823supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
34824@samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34825
34826@value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
34827establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
34828does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
34829must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
34830all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
34831probe the target state after a mode change.
34832
34833In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
34834would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
34835asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
34836inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
34837in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
34838mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
34839when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
34840of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
34841affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
34842to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
34843threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
34844
34845Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
34846additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
34847previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
34848synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
34849@value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
34850the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
34851if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
34852ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
34853finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
34854sending any queued stop events.
34855
34856Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
34857notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
34858@value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
34859@value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
34860@samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
34861Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
34862the stub so there is no ambiguity.
34863
34864After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
34865acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
34866as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
34867is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
34868send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
34869process normally.
34870
34871Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
34872stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
34873normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
34874@samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
34875permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
34876should process normally.
34877
34878If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
34879additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
34880response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
34881send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
34882notification, and the process shall be repeated.
34883
34884In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
34885follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
34886sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
34887sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
34888it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
34889stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
34890subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
34891using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
34892asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
34893If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
34894or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
34895@samp{OK}.
34896
34897@node Packet Acknowledgment
34898@section Packet Acknowledgment
34899
34900@cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34901@cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34902By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
34903the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34904the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
34905This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
34906unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
34907
34908In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
34909TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
34910It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
34911overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
34912@samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
34913
34914When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
34915expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
34916and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
34917@ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
34918
34919If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
34920no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
34921by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
34922@pxref{qSupported}.
34923If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
34924disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
34925(@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
34926@value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
34927Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
34928@value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
34929response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
34930
34931Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
34932between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
34933it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
34934connection.
34935Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
34936new connection is established,
34937there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
34938for the current connection, once disabled.
34939
34940@node Examples
34941@section Examples
34942
34943Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
34944does not get any direct output:
34945
34946@smallexample
34947-> @code{R00}
34948<- @code{+}
34949@emph{target restarts}
34950-> @code{?}
34951<- @code{+}
34952<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34953-> @code{+}
34954@end smallexample
34955
34956Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
34957
34958@smallexample
34959-> @code{G1445@dots{}}
34960<- @code{+}
34961-> @code{s}
34962<- @code{+}
34963@emph{time passes}
34964<- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34965-> @code{+}
34966-> @code{g}
34967<- @code{+}
34968<- @code{1455@dots{}}
34969-> @code{+}
34970@end smallexample
34971
34972@node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34973@section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34974@cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
34975
34976@menu
34977* File-I/O Overview::
34978* Protocol Basics::
34979* The F Request Packet::
34980* The F Reply Packet::
34981* The Ctrl-C Message::
34982* Console I/O::
34983* List of Supported Calls::
34984* Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
34985* Constants::
34986* File-I/O Examples::
34987@end menu
34988
34989@node File-I/O Overview
34990@subsection File-I/O Overview
34991@cindex file-i/o overview
34992
34993The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
34994target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
34995system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
34996remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
34997actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
34998This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
34999
35000The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
35001It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
35002@value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
35003translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
35004protocol representations when data is transmitted.
35005
35006The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
35007@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
35008or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
35009the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
35010memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
35011the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
35012(@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
35013
35014The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
35015the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
35016after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
35017previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
35018request from @value{GDBN} is required.
35019
35020@smallexample
35021(@value{GDBP}) continue
35022 <- target requests 'system call X'
35023 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
35024 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
35025 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
35026 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
35027@end smallexample
35028
35029The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
35030the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
35031named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
35032system are not supported by this protocol.
35033
35034File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
35035
35036@node Protocol Basics
35037@subsection Protocol Basics
35038@cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
35039
35040The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
35041as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
35042@value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
35043the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
35044of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
35045This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
35046to call the appropriate host system call:
35047
35048@itemize @bullet
35049@item
35050A unique identifier for the requested system call.
35051
35052@item
35053All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
35054in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
35055pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
35056Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
35057
35058@end itemize
35059
35060At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
35061
35062@itemize @bullet
35063@item
35064If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
35065system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
35066standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
35067expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
35068packet.
35069
35070@item
35071@value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
35072representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
35073
35074@item
35075@value{GDBN} calls the system call.
35076
35077@item
35078It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
35079
35080@item
35081If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
35082by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
35083target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
35084by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
35085packet.
35086
35087@end itemize
35088
35089Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
35090necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
35091
35092@itemize @bullet
35093@item
35094Return value.
35095
35096@item
35097@code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
35098
35099@item
35100``Ctrl-C'' flag.
35101
35102@end itemize
35103
35104After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
35105the latest continue or step action.
35106
35107@node The F Request Packet
35108@subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
35109@cindex file-i/o request packet
35110@cindex @code{F} request packet
35111
35112The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
35113
35114@table @samp
35115@item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
35116
35117@var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
35118This is just the name of the function.
35119
35120@var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
35121Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
35122of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
35123datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
35124of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
35125comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
35126string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
35127
35128@end table
35129
35130
35131
35132@node The F Reply Packet
35133@subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
35134@cindex file-i/o reply packet
35135@cindex @code{F} reply packet
35136
35137The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
35138
35139@table @samp
35140
35141@item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
35142
35143@var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
35144
35145@var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
35146representation.
35147This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
35148
35149@var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
35150case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
35151The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
35152
35153@smallexample
35154F0,0,C
35155@end smallexample
35156
35157@noindent
35158or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
35159
35160@smallexample
35161F-1,4,C
35162@end smallexample
35163
35164@noindent
35165assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
35166
35167@end table
35168
35169
35170@node The Ctrl-C Message
35171@subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
35172@cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
35173
35174If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
35175reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
35176the target should behave as if it had
35177gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
35178interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
35179(as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
35180packet.
35181
35182It's important for the target to know in which
35183state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
35184
35185@itemize @bullet
35186@item
35187The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
35188
35189@item
35190The system call on the host has been finished.
35191
35192@end itemize
35193
35194These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
35195returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
35196call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
35197on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
35198system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
35199as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
35200
35201@value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
35202yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
35203@code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
35204before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
35205@value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
35206The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
35207or the full action has been completed.
35208
35209@node Console I/O
35210@subsection Console I/O
35211@cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
35212
35213By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
35214descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
35215on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
35216(@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
35217by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
352180 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
35219conditions is met:
35220
35221@itemize @bullet
35222@item
35223The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
35224@code{read}
35225system call is treated as finished.
35226
35227@item
35228The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
35229newline.
35230
35231@item
35232The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
35233character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
35234
35235@end itemize
35236
35237If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
35238the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
35239either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
35240is stopped at the user's request.
35241
35242
35243@node List of Supported Calls
35244@subsection List of Supported Calls
35245@cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
35246
35247@menu
35248* open::
35249* close::
35250* read::
35251* write::
35252* lseek::
35253* rename::
35254* unlink::
35255* stat/fstat::
35256* gettimeofday::
35257* isatty::
35258* system::
35259@end menu
35260
35261@node open
35262@unnumberedsubsubsec open
35263@cindex open, file-i/o system call
35264
35265@table @asis
35266@item Synopsis:
35267@smallexample
35268int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
35269int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
35270@end smallexample
35271
35272@item Request:
35273@samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
35274
35275@noindent
35276@var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
35277
35278@table @code
35279@item O_CREAT
35280If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
35281rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
35282are concerned.
35283
35284@item O_EXCL
35285When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
35286an error and open() fails.
35287
35288@item O_TRUNC
35289If the file already exists and the open mode allows
35290writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
35291truncated to zero length.
35292
35293@item O_APPEND
35294The file is opened in append mode.
35295
35296@item O_RDONLY
35297The file is opened for reading only.
35298
35299@item O_WRONLY
35300The file is opened for writing only.
35301
35302@item O_RDWR
35303The file is opened for reading and writing.
35304@end table
35305
35306@noindent
35307Other bits are silently ignored.
35308
35309
35310@noindent
35311@var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
35312
35313@table @code
35314@item S_IRUSR
35315User has read permission.
35316
35317@item S_IWUSR
35318User has write permission.
35319
35320@item S_IRGRP
35321Group has read permission.
35322
35323@item S_IWGRP
35324Group has write permission.
35325
35326@item S_IROTH
35327Others have read permission.
35328
35329@item S_IWOTH
35330Others have write permission.
35331@end table
35332
35333@noindent
35334Other bits are silently ignored.
35335
35336
35337@item Return value:
35338@code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
35339occurred.
35340
35341@item Errors:
35342
35343@table @code
35344@item EEXIST
35345@var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
35346
35347@item EISDIR
35348@var{pathname} refers to a directory.
35349
35350@item EACCES
35351The requested access is not allowed.
35352
35353@item ENAMETOOLONG
35354@var{pathname} was too long.
35355
35356@item ENOENT
35357A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
35358
35359@item ENODEV
35360@var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
35361
35362@item EROFS
35363@var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
35364write access was requested.
35365
35366@item EFAULT
35367@var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
35368
35369@item ENOSPC
35370No space on device to create the file.
35371
35372@item EMFILE
35373The process already has the maximum number of files open.
35374
35375@item ENFILE
35376The limit on the total number of files open on the system
35377has been reached.
35378
35379@item EINTR
35380The call was interrupted by the user.
35381@end table
35382
35383@end table
35384
35385@node close
35386@unnumberedsubsubsec close
35387@cindex close, file-i/o system call
35388
35389@table @asis
35390@item Synopsis:
35391@smallexample
35392int close(int fd);
35393@end smallexample
35394
35395@item Request:
35396@samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
35397
35398@item Return value:
35399@code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
35400
35401@item Errors:
35402
35403@table @code
35404@item EBADF
35405@var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
35406
35407@item EINTR
35408The call was interrupted by the user.
35409@end table
35410
35411@end table
35412
35413@node read
35414@unnumberedsubsubsec read
35415@cindex read, file-i/o system call
35416
35417@table @asis
35418@item Synopsis:
35419@smallexample
35420int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
35421@end smallexample
35422
35423@item Request:
35424@samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35425
35426@item Return value:
35427On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
35428Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
35429returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
35430
35431@item Errors:
35432
35433@table @code
35434@item EBADF
35435@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35436reading.
35437
35438@item EFAULT
35439@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35440
35441@item EINTR
35442The call was interrupted by the user.
35443@end table
35444
35445@end table
35446
35447@node write
35448@unnumberedsubsubsec write
35449@cindex write, file-i/o system call
35450
35451@table @asis
35452@item Synopsis:
35453@smallexample
35454int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
35455@end smallexample
35456
35457@item Request:
35458@samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35459
35460@item Return value:
35461On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
35462Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
35463is returned.
35464
35465@item Errors:
35466
35467@table @code
35468@item EBADF
35469@var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35470writing.
35471
35472@item EFAULT
35473@var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35474
35475@item EFBIG
35476An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
35477host-specific maximum file size allowed.
35478
35479@item ENOSPC
35480No space on device to write the data.
35481
35482@item EINTR
35483The call was interrupted by the user.
35484@end table
35485
35486@end table
35487
35488@node lseek
35489@unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
35490@cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
35491
35492@table @asis
35493@item Synopsis:
35494@smallexample
35495long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
35496@end smallexample
35497
35498@item Request:
35499@samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
35500
35501@var{flag} is one of:
35502
35503@table @code
35504@item SEEK_SET
35505The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
35506
35507@item SEEK_CUR
35508The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
35509bytes.
35510
35511@item SEEK_END
35512The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
35513bytes.
35514@end table
35515
35516@item Return value:
35517On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
35518the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
35519value of -1 is returned.
35520
35521@item Errors:
35522
35523@table @code
35524@item EBADF
35525@var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
35526
35527@item ESPIPE
35528@var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
35529
35530@item EINVAL
35531@var{flag} is not a proper value.
35532
35533@item EINTR
35534The call was interrupted by the user.
35535@end table
35536
35537@end table
35538
35539@node rename
35540@unnumberedsubsubsec rename
35541@cindex rename, file-i/o system call
35542
35543@table @asis
35544@item Synopsis:
35545@smallexample
35546int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
35547@end smallexample
35548
35549@item Request:
35550@samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
35551
35552@item Return value:
35553On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35554
35555@item Errors:
35556
35557@table @code
35558@item EISDIR
35559@var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
35560directory.
35561
35562@item EEXIST
35563@var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
35564
35565@item EBUSY
35566@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
35567process.
35568
35569@item EINVAL
35570An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
35571of itself.
35572
35573@item ENOTDIR
35574A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
35575path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
35576and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
35577
35578@item EFAULT
35579@var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
35580
35581@item EACCES
35582No access to the file or the path of the file.
35583
35584@item ENAMETOOLONG
35585
35586@var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
35587
35588@item ENOENT
35589A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
35590
35591@item EROFS
35592The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35593
35594@item ENOSPC
35595The device containing the file has no room for the new
35596directory entry.
35597
35598@item EINTR
35599The call was interrupted by the user.
35600@end table
35601
35602@end table
35603
35604@node unlink
35605@unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
35606@cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
35607
35608@table @asis
35609@item Synopsis:
35610@smallexample
35611int unlink(const char *pathname);
35612@end smallexample
35613
35614@item Request:
35615@samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
35616
35617@item Return value:
35618On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35619
35620@item Errors:
35621
35622@table @code
35623@item EACCES
35624No access to the file or the path of the file.
35625
35626@item EPERM
35627The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
35628
35629@item EBUSY
35630The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
35631being used by another process.
35632
35633@item EFAULT
35634@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35635
35636@item ENAMETOOLONG
35637@var{pathname} was too long.
35638
35639@item ENOENT
35640A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
35641
35642@item ENOTDIR
35643A component of the path is not a directory.
35644
35645@item EROFS
35646The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35647
35648@item EINTR
35649The call was interrupted by the user.
35650@end table
35651
35652@end table
35653
35654@node stat/fstat
35655@unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
35656@cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
35657@cindex stat, file-i/o system call
35658
35659@table @asis
35660@item Synopsis:
35661@smallexample
35662int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
35663int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
35664@end smallexample
35665
35666@item Request:
35667@samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
35668@samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
35669
35670@item Return value:
35671On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35672
35673@item Errors:
35674
35675@table @code
35676@item EBADF
35677@var{fd} is not a valid open file.
35678
35679@item ENOENT
35680A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
35681path is an empty string.
35682
35683@item ENOTDIR
35684A component of the path is not a directory.
35685
35686@item EFAULT
35687@var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35688
35689@item EACCES
35690No access to the file or the path of the file.
35691
35692@item ENAMETOOLONG
35693@var{pathname} was too long.
35694
35695@item EINTR
35696The call was interrupted by the user.
35697@end table
35698
35699@end table
35700
35701@node gettimeofday
35702@unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
35703@cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
35704
35705@table @asis
35706@item Synopsis:
35707@smallexample
35708int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
35709@end smallexample
35710
35711@item Request:
35712@samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
35713
35714@item Return value:
35715On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
35716
35717@item Errors:
35718
35719@table @code
35720@item EINVAL
35721@var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
35722
35723@item EFAULT
35724@var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35725@end table
35726
35727@end table
35728
35729@node isatty
35730@unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
35731@cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
35732
35733@table @asis
35734@item Synopsis:
35735@smallexample
35736int isatty(int fd);
35737@end smallexample
35738
35739@item Request:
35740@samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
35741
35742@item Return value:
35743Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
35744
35745@item Errors:
35746
35747@table @code
35748@item EINTR
35749The call was interrupted by the user.
35750@end table
35751
35752@end table
35753
35754Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
357551 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
35756to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
35757would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
35758needed.
35759
35760
35761@node system
35762@unnumberedsubsubsec system
35763@cindex system, file-i/o system call
35764
35765@table @asis
35766@item Synopsis:
35767@smallexample
35768int system(const char *command);
35769@end smallexample
35770
35771@item Request:
35772@samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
35773
35774@item Return value:
35775If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
35776available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
35777For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
35778return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
35779command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
35780return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
35781@file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
35782
35783@item Errors:
35784
35785@table @code
35786@item EINTR
35787The call was interrupted by the user.
35788@end table
35789
35790@end table
35791
35792@value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
35793to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
35794the host is simplified before it's returned
35795to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
35796is discarded, and the return value consists
35797entirely of the exit status of the called command.
35798
35799Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
35800by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
35801@code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
35802
35803@table @code
35804@item set remote system-call-allowed
35805@kindex set remote system-call-allowed
35806Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
35807protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
35808
35809@item show remote system-call-allowed
35810@kindex show remote system-call-allowed
35811Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
35812protocol.
35813@end table
35814
35815@node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35816@subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35817@cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35818
35819@menu
35820* Integral Datatypes::
35821* Pointer Values::
35822* Memory Transfer::
35823* struct stat::
35824* struct timeval::
35825@end menu
35826
35827@node Integral Datatypes
35828@unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
35829@cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35830
35831The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
35832@code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
35833@code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
35834
35835@code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
35836implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
35837
35838@code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
35839
35840@xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
35841in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
35842
35843@code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
35844
35845All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
35846structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
35847byte order.
35848
35849@node Pointer Values
35850@unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
35851@cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
35852
35853Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
35854is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
35855transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
35856are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
35857
35858@smallexample
35859@code{1aaf/12}
35860@end smallexample
35861
35862@noindent
35863which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
35864The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
35865the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
35866at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
35867
35868@smallexample
35869@code{123456/d}
35870@end smallexample
35871
35872@node Memory Transfer
35873@unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
35874@cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
35875
35876Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
35877example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
35878with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
35879this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
35880packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
35881it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
35882data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
35883
35884
35885@node struct stat
35886@unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
35887@cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
35888
35889The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
35890is defined as follows:
35891
35892@smallexample
35893struct stat @{
35894 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
35895 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
35896 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
35897 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
35898 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
35899 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
35900 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
35901 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
35902 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
35903 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
35904 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
35905 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
35906 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
35907@};
35908@end smallexample
35909
35910The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35911appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35912structure is of size 64 bytes.
35913
35914The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
35915range of values.
35916
35917@table @code
35918
35919@item st_dev
35920A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
35921
35922@item st_ino
35923No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35924
35925@item st_mode
35926Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
35927bits have currently no meaning for the target.
35928
35929@item st_uid
35930@itemx st_gid
35931@itemx st_rdev
35932No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35933
35934@item st_atime
35935@itemx st_mtime
35936@itemx st_ctime
35937These values have a host and file system dependent
35938accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
35939support exact timing values.
35940@end table
35941
35942The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
35943responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
35944continuing.
35945
35946Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
35947representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
35948get truncated on the target.
35949
35950@node struct timeval
35951@unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
35952@cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
35953
35954The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
35955is defined as follows:
35956
35957@smallexample
35958struct timeval @{
35959 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
35960 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
35961@};
35962@end smallexample
35963
35964The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35965appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35966structure is of size 8 bytes.
35967
35968@node Constants
35969@subsection Constants
35970@cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
35971
35972The following values are used for the constants inside of the
35973protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
35974values before and after the call as needed.
35975
35976@menu
35977* Open Flags::
35978* mode_t Values::
35979* Errno Values::
35980* Lseek Flags::
35981* Limits::
35982@end menu
35983
35984@node Open Flags
35985@unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
35986@cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
35987
35988All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
35989
35990@smallexample
35991 O_RDONLY 0x0
35992 O_WRONLY 0x1
35993 O_RDWR 0x2
35994 O_APPEND 0x8
35995 O_CREAT 0x200
35996 O_TRUNC 0x400
35997 O_EXCL 0x800
35998@end smallexample
35999
36000@node mode_t Values
36001@unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
36002@cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
36003
36004All values are given in octal representation.
36005
36006@smallexample
36007 S_IFREG 0100000
36008 S_IFDIR 040000
36009 S_IRUSR 0400
36010 S_IWUSR 0200
36011 S_IXUSR 0100
36012 S_IRGRP 040
36013 S_IWGRP 020
36014 S_IXGRP 010
36015 S_IROTH 04
36016 S_IWOTH 02
36017 S_IXOTH 01
36018@end smallexample
36019
36020@node Errno Values
36021@unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
36022@cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
36023
36024All values are given in decimal representation.
36025
36026@smallexample
36027 EPERM 1
36028 ENOENT 2
36029 EINTR 4
36030 EBADF 9
36031 EACCES 13
36032 EFAULT 14
36033 EBUSY 16
36034 EEXIST 17
36035 ENODEV 19
36036 ENOTDIR 20
36037 EISDIR 21
36038 EINVAL 22
36039 ENFILE 23
36040 EMFILE 24
36041 EFBIG 27
36042 ENOSPC 28
36043 ESPIPE 29
36044 EROFS 30
36045 ENAMETOOLONG 91
36046 EUNKNOWN 9999
36047@end smallexample
36048
36049 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
36050 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
36051
36052@node Lseek Flags
36053@unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
36054@cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
36055
36056@smallexample
36057 SEEK_SET 0
36058 SEEK_CUR 1
36059 SEEK_END 2
36060@end smallexample
36061
36062@node Limits
36063@unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
36064@cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
36065
36066All values are given in decimal representation.
36067
36068@smallexample
36069 INT_MIN -2147483648
36070 INT_MAX 2147483647
36071 UINT_MAX 4294967295
36072 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
36073 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
36074 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
36075@end smallexample
36076
36077@node File-I/O Examples
36078@subsection File-I/O Examples
36079@cindex file-i/o examples
36080
36081Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
36082address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
36083
36084@smallexample
36085<- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
36086@emph{request memory read from target}
36087-> @code{m1234,6}
36088<- XXXXXX
36089@emph{return "6 bytes written"}
36090-> @code{F6}
36091@end smallexample
36092
36093Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
36094address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
36095
36096@smallexample
36097<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36098@emph{request memory write to target}
36099-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
36100@emph{return "6 bytes read"}
36101-> @code{F6}
36102@end smallexample
36103
36104Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
36105file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
36106
36107@smallexample
36108<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36109-> @code{F-1,9}
36110@end smallexample
36111
36112Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
36113host is called:
36114
36115@smallexample
36116<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36117-> @code{F-1,4,C}
36118<- @code{T02}
36119@end smallexample
36120
36121Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
36122host is called:
36123
36124@smallexample
36125<- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36126-> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
36127<- @code{T02}
36128@end smallexample
36129
36130@node Library List Format
36131@section Library List Format
36132@cindex library list format, remote protocol
36133
36134On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
36135same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
36136@value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
36137operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
36138platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
36139@value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
36140through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36141packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
36142queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
36143are loaded.
36144
36145The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
36146lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
36147associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
36148which report where the library was loaded in memory.
36149
36150For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
36151library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
36152dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
36153should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
36154section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
36155depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
36156
36157@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36158library lists. @xref{Expat}.
36159
36160A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
36161offset, looks like this:
36162
36163@smallexample
36164<library-list>
36165 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
36166 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
36167 </library>
36168</library-list>
36169@end smallexample
36170
36171Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
36172allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
36173
36174@smallexample
36175<library-list>
36176 <library name="sharedlib.o">
36177 <section address="0x10000000"/>
36178 <section address="0x20000000"/>
36179 <section address="0x30000000"/>
36180 </library>
36181</library-list>
36182@end smallexample
36183
36184The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
36185
36186@smallexample
36187<!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
36188<!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
36189<!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
36190<!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
36191<!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
36192<!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
36193<!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
36194<!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
36195<!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
36196@end smallexample
36197
36198In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
36199single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
36200section for each library.
36201
36202@node Memory Map Format
36203@section Memory Map Format
36204@cindex memory map format
36205
36206To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
36207memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
36208memory map.
36209
36210The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36211(@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
36212lists memory regions.
36213
36214@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36215memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
36216
36217The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
36218
36219@smallexample
36220<?xml version="1.0"?>
36221<!DOCTYPE memory-map
36222 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
36223 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
36224<memory-map>
36225 region...
36226</memory-map>
36227@end smallexample
36228
36229Each region can be either:
36230
36231@itemize
36232
36233@item
36234A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
36235bytes from there:
36236
36237@smallexample
36238<memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36239@end smallexample
36240
36241
36242@item
36243A region of read-only memory:
36244
36245@smallexample
36246<memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36247@end smallexample
36248
36249
36250@item
36251A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
36252bytes in length:
36253
36254@smallexample
36255<memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
36256 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
36257</memory>
36258@end smallexample
36259
36260@end itemize
36261
36262Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
36263by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
36264packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
36265
36266The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
36267
36268@smallexample
36269<!-- ................................................... -->
36270<!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
36271<!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
36272<!-- .................................... .............. -->
36273<!-- memory-map.dtd -->
36274<!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
36275<!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
36276<!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
36277<!ELEMENT memory (property)>
36278<!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
36279 and its type, or device. -->
36280<!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
36281 start CDATA #REQUIRED
36282 length CDATA #REQUIRED
36283 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
36284<!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
36285<!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
36286<!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
36287@end smallexample
36288
36289@node Thread List Format
36290@section Thread List Format
36291@cindex thread list format
36292
36293To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
36294@value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
36295(@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
36296the following structure:
36297
36298@smallexample
36299<?xml version="1.0"?>
36300<threads>
36301 <thread id="id" core="0">
36302 ... description ...
36303 </thread>
36304</threads>
36305@end smallexample
36306
36307Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
36308identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
36309@samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
36310the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
36311element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
36312
36313@node Traceframe Info Format
36314@section Traceframe Info Format
36315@cindex traceframe info format
36316
36317To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
36318inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
36319memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
36320collected in a traceframe.
36321
36322This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36323(@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
36324
36325@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36326traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
36327
36328The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
36329
36330@smallexample
36331<?xml version="1.0"?>
36332<!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
36333 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
36334 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
36335<traceframe-info>
36336 block...
36337</traceframe-info>
36338@end smallexample
36339
36340Each traceframe block can be either:
36341
36342@itemize
36343
36344@item
36345A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
36346@var{length} bytes from there:
36347
36348@smallexample
36349<memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36350@end smallexample
36351
36352@end itemize
36353
36354The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
36355
36356@smallexample
36357<!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
36358<!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
36359
36360<!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
36361<!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
36362 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
36363@end smallexample
36364
36365@include agentexpr.texi
36366
36367@node Target Descriptions
36368@appendix Target Descriptions
36369@cindex target descriptions
36370
36371One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
36372is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
36373architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
36374a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
36375and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
36376architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
36377vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
36378
36379@itemize @bullet
36380@item
36381With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
36382the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
36383@item
36384Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
36385audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
36386variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
36387@item
36388When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
36389at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
36390@command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
36391@end itemize
36392
36393To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
36394target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
36395actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
36396processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
36397descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
36398
36399@value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36400target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
36401
36402@menu
36403* Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
36404* Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
36405* Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
36406 descriptions.
36407* Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
36408@end menu
36409
36410@node Retrieving Descriptions
36411@section Retrieving Descriptions
36412
36413Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
36414specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
36415description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
36416protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
36417qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
36418@samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
36419XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
36420Format}.
36421
36422Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
36423If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
36424specify a file are:
36425
36426@table @code
36427@cindex set tdesc filename
36428@item set tdesc filename @var{path}
36429Read the target description from @var{path}.
36430
36431@cindex unset tdesc filename
36432@item unset tdesc filename
36433Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
36434will use the description supplied by the current target.
36435
36436@cindex show tdesc filename
36437@item show tdesc filename
36438Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
36439@end table
36440
36441
36442@node Target Description Format
36443@section Target Description Format
36444@cindex target descriptions, XML format
36445
36446A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
36447document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
36448the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
36449means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
36450check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
36451However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
36452their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
36453
36454Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
36455and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
36456sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
36457@value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
36458target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
36459
36460Here is a simple target description:
36461
36462@smallexample
36463<target version="1.0">
36464 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
36465</target>
36466@end smallexample
36467
36468@noindent
36469This minimal description only says that the target uses
36470the x86-64 architecture.
36471
36472A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
36473optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
36474are explained further below.
36475
36476@smallexample
36477<?xml version="1.0"?>
36478<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
36479<target version="1.0">
36480 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
36481 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
36482 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
36483 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
36484</target>
36485@end smallexample
36486
36487@noindent
36488The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
36489breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
36490declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
36491(@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
36492useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
36493@samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
36494including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
36495revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
36496the version mismatch.
36497
36498@subsection Inclusion
36499@cindex target descriptions, inclusion
36500@cindex XInclude
36501@ifnotinfo
36502@cindex <xi:include>
36503@end ifnotinfo
36504
36505It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
36506several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
36507share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
36508divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
36509the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
36510
36511@smallexample
36512<xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
36513@end smallexample
36514
36515@noindent
36516When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
36517the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
36518the contents of that document. If the current description was read
36519using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
36520@var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
36521current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
36522@var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
36523original description.
36524
36525@subsection Architecture
36526@cindex <architecture>
36527
36528An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
36529
36530@smallexample
36531 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
36532@end smallexample
36533
36534@var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36535@code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36536
36537@subsection OS ABI
36538@cindex @code{<osabi>}
36539
36540This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36541Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36542
36543An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
36544
36545@smallexample
36546 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
36547@end smallexample
36548
36549@var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
36550@w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
36551
36552@subsection Compatible Architecture
36553@cindex @code{<compatible>}
36554
36555This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36556Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36557
36558A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
36559
36560@smallexample
36561 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
36562@end smallexample
36563
36564@var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36565@code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36566
36567A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
36568is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
36569given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
36570Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
36571or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
36572in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
36573capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
36574
36575@smallexample
36576 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
36577 <compatible>spu</compatible>
36578@end smallexample
36579
36580@subsection Features
36581@cindex <feature>
36582
36583Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
36584system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
36585registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
36586has this form:
36587
36588@smallexample
36589<feature name="@var{name}">
36590 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
36591 @var{reg}@dots{}
36592</feature>
36593@end smallexample
36594
36595@noindent
36596Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
36597of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
36598knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
36599should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
36600
36601@subsection Types
36602
36603Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
36604interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
36605but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
36606Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
36607Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
36608
36609Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
36610a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
36611Types must be defined before they are used.
36612
36613@cindex <vector>
36614Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
36615of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
36616specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
36617@var{count}:
36618
36619@smallexample
36620<vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
36621@end smallexample
36622
36623@cindex <union>
36624If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
36625with a union type containing the useful representations. The
36626@samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
36627each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
36628
36629@smallexample
36630<union id="@var{id}">
36631 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36632 @dots{}
36633</union>
36634@end smallexample
36635
36636@cindex <struct>
36637If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
36638it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
36639element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
36640or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
36641its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
36642explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
36643integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
36644equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
36645
36646@smallexample
36647<struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36648 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36649 @dots{}
36650</struct>
36651@end smallexample
36652
36653If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
36654explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
36655
36656@smallexample
36657<struct id="@var{id}">
36658 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36659 @dots{}
36660</struct>
36661@end smallexample
36662
36663@cindex <flags>
36664If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
36665a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
36666and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
36667@var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
36668are supported.
36669
36670@smallexample
36671<flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36672 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36673 @dots{}
36674</flags>
36675@end smallexample
36676
36677@subsection Registers
36678@cindex <reg>
36679
36680Each register is represented as an element with this form:
36681
36682@smallexample
36683<reg name="@var{name}"
36684 bitsize="@var{size}"
36685 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
36686 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
36687 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
36688 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
36689@end smallexample
36690
36691@noindent
36692The components are as follows:
36693
36694@table @var
36695
36696@item name
36697The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
36698
36699@item bitsize
36700The register's size, in bits.
36701
36702@item regnum
36703The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
36704than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
36705a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
36706defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
36707the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
36708packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
36709in order of increasing register number.
36710
36711@item save-restore
36712Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
36713calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
36714@code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
36715some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
36716ABI.
36717
36718@item type
36719The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
36720defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
36721and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
36722for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
36723architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
36724@var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
36725
36726@item group
36727The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
36728be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
36729@var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
36730in @code{info registers}.
36731
36732@end table
36733
36734@node Predefined Target Types
36735@section Predefined Target Types
36736@cindex target descriptions, predefined types
36737
36738Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
36739from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
36740standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
36741types. The currently supported types are:
36742
36743@table @code
36744
36745@item int8
36746@itemx int16
36747@itemx int32
36748@itemx int64
36749@itemx int128
36750Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36751
36752@item uint8
36753@itemx uint16
36754@itemx uint32
36755@itemx uint64
36756@itemx uint128
36757Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36758
36759@item code_ptr
36760@itemx data_ptr
36761Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
36762any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
36763pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
36764address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
36765may be marked as data pointers.
36766
36767@item ieee_single
36768Single precision IEEE floating point.
36769
36770@item ieee_double
36771Double precision IEEE floating point.
36772
36773@item arm_fpa_ext
36774The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
36775
36776@item i387_ext
36777The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
36778
36779@item i386_eflags
3678032bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
36781
36782@item i386_mxcsr
3678332bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
36784
36785@end table
36786
36787@node Standard Target Features
36788@section Standard Target Features
36789@cindex target descriptions, standard features
36790
36791A target description must contain either no registers or all the
36792target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
36793@value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
36794the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
36795default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
36796described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
36797can recognize them.
36798
36799This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
36800which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
36801with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
36802if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
36803feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
36804description. You can add additional registers to any of the
36805standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
36806they were added to an unrecognized feature.
36807
36808This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
36809Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
36810@value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
36811
36812Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
36813company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
36814architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
36815containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
36816
36817The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
36818of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
36819registers using the capitalization used in the description.
36820
36821@menu
36822* ARM Features::
36823* i386 Features::
36824* MIPS Features::
36825* M68K Features::
36826* PowerPC Features::
36827@end menu
36828
36829
36830@node ARM Features
36831@subsection ARM Features
36832@cindex target descriptions, ARM features
36833
36834The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
36835ARM targets.
36836It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
36837@samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
36838
36839For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
36840feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
36841registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
36842and @samp{xpsr}.
36843
36844The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
36845should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
36846
36847The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
36848it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
36849@samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
36850@samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
36851
36852The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
36853should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
36854they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
36855@value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
36856halves of the double-precision registers.
36857
36858The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
36859need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
36860VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
36861quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
36862If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
36863be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
36864
36865@node i386 Features
36866@subsection i386 Features
36867@cindex target descriptions, i386 features
36868
36869The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
36870targets. It should describe the following registers:
36871
36872@itemize @minus
36873@item
36874@samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
36875@item
36876@samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
36877@item
36878@samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
36879@samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
36880@item
36881@samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
36882@item
36883@samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
36884@samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
36885@end itemize
36886
36887The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
36888
36889The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
36890describe registers:
36891
36892@itemize @minus
36893@item
36894@samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
36895@item
36896@samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
36897@item
36898@samp{mxcsr}
36899@end itemize
36900
36901The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
36902@samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
36903describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
36904
36905@itemize @minus
36906@item
36907@samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
36908@item
36909@samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
36910@end itemize
36911
36912The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
36913describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
36914
36915@node MIPS Features
36916@subsection MIPS Features
36917@cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
36918
36919The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
36920It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
36921@samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
36922on the target.
36923
36924The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
36925contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
36926registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36927
36928The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
36929it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
36930contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
36931@samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36932
36933The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
36934contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
36935Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
36936
36937@node M68K Features
36938@subsection M68K Features
36939@cindex target descriptions, M68K features
36940
36941@table @code
36942@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
36943@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
36944@itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
36945One of those features must be always present.
36946The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
36947used. The feature that is present should contain registers
36948@samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
36949@samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
36950
36951@item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
36952This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
36953@samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
36954@samp{fpiaddr}.
36955@end table
36956
36957@node PowerPC Features
36958@subsection PowerPC Features
36959@cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
36960
36961The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
36962targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
36963@samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
36964@samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36965
36966The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
36967contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
36968
36969The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
36970contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
36971and @samp{vrsave}.
36972
36973The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
36974contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
36975will combine these registers with the floating point registers
36976(@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
36977through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
36978through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
36979
36980The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
36981contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
36982@samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
36983@samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
36984@samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
36985these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
36986user.
36987
36988@node Operating System Information
36989@appendix Operating System Information
36990@cindex operating system information
36991
36992@menu
36993* Process list::
36994@end menu
36995
36996Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
36997the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
36998processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
36999mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
37000target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
37001on a different aspect of target.
37002
37003Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
37004remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
37005read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
37006the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
37007
37008@node Process list
37009@appendixsection Process list
37010@cindex operating system information, process list
37011
37012When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
37013@samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
37014an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
37015@file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
37016
37017An example document is:
37018
37019@smallexample
37020<?xml version="1.0"?>
37021<!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
37022<osdata type="processes">
37023 <item>
37024 <column name="pid">1</column>
37025 <column name="user">root</column>
37026 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
37027 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
37028 </item>
37029</osdata>
37030@end smallexample
37031
37032Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
37033of that column should identify the process on the target. The
37034@samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
37035displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
37036should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
37037is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
37038which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
37039
37040@node Trace File Format
37041@appendix Trace File Format
37042@cindex trace file format
37043
37044The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
37045section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
37046
37047The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
37048@code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
37049while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
37050in the future.
37051
37052The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
37053separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
37054variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
37055as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
37056ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
37057of this section.
37058
37059@c FIXME add some specific types of data
37060
37061The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
37062Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
37063four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
37064the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
37065character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
37066state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
37067hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
37068endianness.
37069
37070@c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
37071
37072@table @code
37073@item R @var{bytes}
37074Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
37075@code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
37076actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
37077hexadecimal encoding.
37078
37079@item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
37080Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
37081address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
37082@var{length} bytes.
37083
37084@item V @var{number} @var{value}
37085Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
37086@var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
37087
37088@end table
37089
37090Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
37091of blocks.
37092
37093@node Index Section Format
37094@appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
37095@cindex .gdb_index section format
37096@cindex index section format
37097
37098This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
37099gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
37100DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
37101description.
37102
37103The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
37104@code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
37105represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
37106@code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
37107before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
37108laid out such that alignment is always respected.
37109
37110A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
37111
37112@enumerate
37113@item
37114The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
37115unless otherwise noted:
37116
37117@enumerate
37118@item
37119The version number, currently 5. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
37120Version 4 differs by its hashing function.
37121
37122@item
37123The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
37124
37125@item
37126The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
37127that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
37128to the next offset.
37129
37130@item
37131The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
37132
37133@item
37134The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
37135
37136@item
37137The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
37138@end enumerate
37139
37140@item
37141The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
37142values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
37143the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
37144element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
37145elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
371460-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
37147conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
37148CU indices.
37149
37150@item
37151The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
37152little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
37153the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
37154the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
37155
37156@item
37157The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
37158entries. Each address entry has three elements:
37159
37160@enumerate
37161@item
37162The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
37163
37164@item
37165The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
37166@code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
37167
37168@item
37169The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
37170@end enumerate
37171
37172@item
37173The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
37174the hash table is always a power of 2.
37175
37176Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
37177values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
37178constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
37179constant pool.
37180
37181If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
37182is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
37183valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
37184
37185The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
37186iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
37187initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
37188the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
37189index version:
37190
37191@table @asis
37192@item Version 4
37193The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
37194
37195@item Version 5
37196The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
37197@end table
37198
37199The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
37200
37201The step size used in the hash table is computed via
37202@code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
37203value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
37204is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
37205collision.
37206
37207The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
37208don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
37209algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
37210the code.
37211
37212@item
37213The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
37214so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
37215strings.
37216
37217A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
37218values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
37219Each subsequent value is the index of a CU in the CU list. This
37220element in the hash table is used to indicate which CUs define the
37221symbol.
37222
37223A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
37224@end enumerate
37225
37226@include gpl.texi
37227
37228@node GNU Free Documentation License
37229@appendix GNU Free Documentation License
37230@include fdl.texi
37231
37232@node Index
37233@unnumbered Index
37234
37235@printindex cp
37236
37237@tex
37238% I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
37239% meantime:
37240\long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
37241\centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
37242\centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
37243\centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
37244\centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
37245\centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
37246\centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
37247\centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
37248\centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
37249\page\colophon
37250% Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
37251@end tex
37252
37253@bye
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