0a59f980219f4c6d58fb7d1cf8a82036287a5462
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3 @c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24 @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
48 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
49 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
54 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57 and 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
60 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62 @end copying
63
64 @ifnottex
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67 This 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
72 Version @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
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 @insertcopying
103 @page
104 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106 software in general. We will miss him.
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162
163 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
164
165 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
166 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
167 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
168 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
169 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
170 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
171 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
172 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
173 @value{GDBN}
174 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
175 the operating system
176 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
177 how you can copy and share GDB
178 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
179 * Index:: Index
180 @end menu
181
182 @end ifnottex
183
184 @contents
185
186 @node Summary
187 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
188
189 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
190 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
191 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
192
193 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
194 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
195
196 @itemize @bullet
197 @item
198 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
199
200 @item
201 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
202
203 @item
204 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
205
206 @item
207 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
208 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
209 @end itemize
210
211 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
212 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
213 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
214
215 @cindex Modula-2
216 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
217 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
218
219 @cindex Pascal
220 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
221 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
222 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
223 syntax.
224
225 @cindex Fortran
226 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
227 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
228 underscore.
229
230 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
231 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
232
233 @menu
234 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
235 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
236 @end menu
237
238 @node Free Software
239 @unnumberedsec Free Software
240
241 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
242 General Public License
243 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
244 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
245 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
246 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
247 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
248 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
249
250 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
251 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
252 from anyone else.
253
254 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
255
256 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
257 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
258 include with the free software. Many of our most important
259 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
260 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
261 when an important free software package does not come with a free
262 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
263 gaps today.
264
265 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
266 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
267 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
268 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
269 them from the free software world.
270
271 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
272 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
273 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
274 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
275 contract to make it non-free.
276
277 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
278 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
279 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
280 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
281 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
282 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
283 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
284
285 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
286 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
287 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
288 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
289
290 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
291 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
292 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
293 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
294 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
295 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
296 community.
297
298 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
299 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
300 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
301 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
302 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
303 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
304 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
305 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
306 of the manual.
307
308 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
309 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
310 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
311 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
312 manual to replace it.
313
314 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
315 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
316 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
317 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
318 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
319 the free software community.
320
321 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
322 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
323 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
324 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
325 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
326 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
327 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
328 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
329 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
330
331 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
332 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
333 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
334 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
335 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
336 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
337 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
338 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
339
340 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
341 published by other publishers, at
342 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
343
344 @node Contributors
345 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
346
347 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
348 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
349 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
350 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
351 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
352 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
353 blow-by-blow account.
354
355 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
356
357 @quotation
358 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
359 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
360 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
361 @end quotation
362
363 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
364 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
365 releases:
366 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
367 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
368 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
369 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
370 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
371 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
372 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
373 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
374 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
375
376 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
377 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
378
379 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
380 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
381 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
382 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
383 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
384
385 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
386 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
387 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
388
389 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
390 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
391
392 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
393
394 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
395 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
396 support.
397 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
398 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
399 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
400 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
401 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
402 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
403 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
404 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
405 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
406 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
407 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
408 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
409 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
410 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
411 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
412 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
413
414 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
415
416 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
417 libraries.
418
419 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
420 about several machine instruction sets.
421
422 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
423 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
424 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
425 and RDI targets, respectively.
426
427 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
428 command-line editing and command history.
429
430 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
431 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
432
433 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
434 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
435 symbols.
436
437 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
438 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
439
440 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
441
442 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
443 processors.
444
445 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
446
447 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
448
449 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
450
451 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
452 watchpoints.
453
454 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
455
456 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
457
458 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
459 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
460
461 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
462 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
463 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
464 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
465 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
466 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
467 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
468
469 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
470 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
471
472 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
473 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
474 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
475 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
476 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
477 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
478 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
479 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
480 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
481 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
482 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
483 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
484 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
485 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
486 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
487
488 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
489 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
490
491 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
492 Hat.
493
494 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
495 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
496 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
497 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
498 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
499 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
500
501 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
502 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
503 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
504 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
505 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
506 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
507 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
508 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
509 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
510 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
511 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
512 Weigand.
513
514 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
515 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
516 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
517 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
518
519 @node Sample Session
520 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
521
522 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
523 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
524 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
525
526 @iftex
527 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
528 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
529 @end iftex
530
531 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
532 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
533
534 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
535 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
536 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
537 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
538 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
539 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
540 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
541 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
542 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
543
544 @smallexample
545 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
546 $ @b{./m4}
547 @b{define(foo,0000)}
548
549 @b{foo}
550 0000
551 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
552
553 @b{bar}
554 0000
555 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
556
557 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
558 @b{baz}
559 @b{Ctrl-d}
560 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
561 @end smallexample
562
563 @noindent
564 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
565
566 @smallexample
567 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
568 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
569 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
570 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
571 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
572 the conditions.
573 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
574 for details.
575
576 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
577 (@value{GDBP})
578 @end smallexample
579
580 @noindent
581 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
582 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
583 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
584 that examples fit in this manual.
585
586 @smallexample
587 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
588 @end smallexample
589
590 @noindent
591 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
592 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
593 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
594 @code{break} command.
595
596 @smallexample
597 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
598 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
599 @end smallexample
600
601 @noindent
602 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
603 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
604 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
605
606 @smallexample
607 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
608 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
609 @b{define(foo,0000)}
610
611 @b{foo}
612 0000
613 @end smallexample
614
615 @noindent
616 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
617 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
618 context where it stops.
619
620 @smallexample
621 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
622
623 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
624 at builtin.c:879
625 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
626 @end smallexample
627
628 @noindent
629 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
630 the next line of the current function.
631
632 @smallexample
633 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
634 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
635 : nil,
636 @end smallexample
637
638 @noindent
639 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
640 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
641 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
642 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
643
644 @smallexample
645 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
646 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
647 at input.c:530
648 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
649 @end smallexample
650
651 @noindent
652 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
653 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
654 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
655 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
656 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
657 stack frame for each active subroutine.
658
659 @smallexample
660 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
661 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
662 at input.c:530
663 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
664 at builtin.c:882
665 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
666 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
667 at macro.c:71
668 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
669 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
670 @end smallexample
671
672 @noindent
673 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
674 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
675 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
676
677 @smallexample
678 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
679 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
681 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
682 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
683 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
684 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
685 : xstrdup(rq);
686 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
687 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
688 @end smallexample
689
690 @noindent
691 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
692 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
693 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
694 (@code{print}) to see their values.
695
696 @smallexample
697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
698 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
699 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
700 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
701 @end smallexample
702
703 @noindent
704 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
705 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
706 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
707
708 @smallexample
709 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
710 533 xfree(rquote);
711 534
712 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
713 : xstrdup (lq);
714 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
715 : xstrdup (rq);
716 537
717 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
718 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
719 540 @}
720 541
721 542 void
722 @end smallexample
723
724 @noindent
725 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
726 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
727
728 @smallexample
729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
730 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
731 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
732 540 @}
733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
734 $3 = 9
735 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
736 $4 = 7
737 @end smallexample
738
739 @noindent
740 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
741 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
742 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
743 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
744 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
745 assignments.
746
747 @smallexample
748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
749 $5 = 7
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
751 $6 = 9
752 @end smallexample
753
754 @noindent
755 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
756 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
757 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
758 example that caused trouble initially:
759
760 @smallexample
761 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
762 Continuing.
763
764 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
765
766 baz
767 0000
768 @end smallexample
769
770 @noindent
771 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
772 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
773 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
774
775 @smallexample
776 @b{Ctrl-d}
777 Program exited normally.
778 @end smallexample
779
780 @noindent
781 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
782 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
783 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
784
785 @smallexample
786 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
787 @end smallexample
788
789 @node Invocation
790 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
791
792 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
793 The essentials are:
794 @itemize @bullet
795 @item
796 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
797 @item
798 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
799 @end itemize
800
801 @menu
802 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
803 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
804 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
805 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
806 @end menu
807
808 @node Invoking GDB
809 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
810
811 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
812 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
813
814 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
815 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
816
817 The command-line options described here are designed
818 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
819 options may effectively be unavailable.
820
821 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
822 specifying an executable program:
823
824 @smallexample
825 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
826 @end smallexample
827
828 @noindent
829 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
830 specified:
831
832 @smallexample
833 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
834 @end smallexample
835
836 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
837 to debug a running process:
838
839 @smallexample
840 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
841 @end smallexample
842
843 @noindent
844 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
845 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
846
847 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
848 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
849 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
850 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
851 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
852
853 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
854 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
855 option processing.
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
858 @end smallexample
859 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
860 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
861
862 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
863 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
864
865 @smallexample
866 @value{GDBP} -silent
867 @end smallexample
868
869 @noindent
870 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
871 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
872
873 @noindent
874 Type
875
876 @smallexample
877 @value{GDBP} -help
878 @end smallexample
879
880 @noindent
881 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
882 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
883
884 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
885 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
886 @samp{-x} option is used.
887
888
889 @menu
890 * File Options:: Choosing files
891 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
892 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
893 @end menu
894
895 @node File Options
896 @subsection Choosing Files
897
898 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
899 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
900 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
901 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
902 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
903 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
904 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
905 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
906 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
907 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
908 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
909 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
910 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
911
912 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
913 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
914 argument and ignore it.
915
916 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
917 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
918 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
919 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
920 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
921
922 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
923 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
924 @c it.
925
926 @table @code
927 @item -symbols @var{file}
928 @itemx -s @var{file}
929 @cindex @code{--symbols}
930 @cindex @code{-s}
931 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
932
933 @item -exec @var{file}
934 @itemx -e @var{file}
935 @cindex @code{--exec}
936 @cindex @code{-e}
937 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
938 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
939
940 @item -se @var{file}
941 @cindex @code{--se}
942 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
943 file.
944
945 @item -core @var{file}
946 @itemx -c @var{file}
947 @cindex @code{--core}
948 @cindex @code{-c}
949 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
950
951 @item -pid @var{number}
952 @itemx -p @var{number}
953 @cindex @code{--pid}
954 @cindex @code{-p}
955 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
956
957 @item -command @var{file}
958 @itemx -x @var{file}
959 @cindex @code{--command}
960 @cindex @code{-x}
961 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
962 Files,, Command files}.
963
964 @item -eval-command @var{command}
965 @itemx -ex @var{command}
966 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
967 @cindex @code{-ex}
968 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
969
970 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
971 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
972
973 @smallexample
974 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
975 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
976 @end smallexample
977
978 @item -directory @var{directory}
979 @itemx -d @var{directory}
980 @cindex @code{--directory}
981 @cindex @code{-d}
982 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
983
984 @item -r
985 @itemx -readnow
986 @cindex @code{--readnow}
987 @cindex @code{-r}
988 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
989 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
990 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
991
992 @end table
993
994 @node Mode Options
995 @subsection Choosing Modes
996
997 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
998 batch mode or quiet mode.
999
1000 @table @code
1001 @item -nx
1002 @itemx -n
1003 @cindex @code{--nx}
1004 @cindex @code{-n}
1005 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1006 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1007 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1008 Files}.
1009
1010 @item -quiet
1011 @itemx -silent
1012 @itemx -q
1013 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1014 @cindex @code{--silent}
1015 @cindex @code{-q}
1016 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1017 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1018
1019 @item -batch
1020 @cindex @code{--batch}
1021 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1022 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1023 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1024 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1025 in the command files.
1026
1027 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1028 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1029 make this more useful, the message
1030
1031 @smallexample
1032 Program exited normally.
1033 @end smallexample
1034
1035 @noindent
1036 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1037 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1038 mode.
1039
1040 @item -batch-silent
1041 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1042 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1043 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1044 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1045 for an interactive session.
1046
1047 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1048 messages, for example.
1049
1050 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1051 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1052
1053 @item -return-child-result
1054 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1055 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1056 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1057
1058 @itemize @bullet
1059 @item
1060 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1061 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1062 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1063 @item
1064 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1065 @item
1066 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1067 the exit code will be -1.
1068 @end itemize
1069
1070 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1071 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1072 interface.
1073
1074 @item -nowindows
1075 @itemx -nw
1076 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1077 @cindex @code{-nw}
1078 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1079 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1080 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1081
1082 @item -windows
1083 @itemx -w
1084 @cindex @code{--windows}
1085 @cindex @code{-w}
1086 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1087 used if possible.
1088
1089 @item -cd @var{directory}
1090 @cindex @code{--cd}
1091 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1092 instead of the current directory.
1093
1094 @item -fullname
1095 @itemx -f
1096 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1097 @cindex @code{-f}
1098 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1099 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1100 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1101 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1102 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1103 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1104 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1105 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1106 frame.
1107
1108 @item -epoch
1109 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1110 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1111 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1112 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1113 separate window.
1114
1115 @item -annotate @var{level}
1116 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1117 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1118 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1119 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1120 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1121 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1122 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1123 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1124 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1125
1126 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1127 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1128
1129 @item --args
1130 @cindex @code{--args}
1131 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1132 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1133 This option stops option processing.
1134
1135 @item -baud @var{bps}
1136 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1137 @cindex @code{--baud}
1138 @cindex @code{-b}
1139 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1140 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1141
1142 @item -l @var{timeout}
1143 @cindex @code{-l}
1144 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1145 for remote debugging.
1146
1147 @item -tty @var{device}
1148 @itemx -t @var{device}
1149 @cindex @code{--tty}
1150 @cindex @code{-t}
1151 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1152 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1153
1154 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1155 @item -tui
1156 @cindex @code{--tui}
1157 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1158 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1159 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1160 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1161 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1162 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1163 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1164
1165 @c @item -xdb
1166 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1167 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1168 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1169 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1170 @c systems.
1171
1172 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1173 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1174 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1175 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1176 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1177 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1178
1179 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1180 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1181 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1182 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1183 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1184 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1185
1186 @item -write
1187 @cindex @code{--write}
1188 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1189 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1190 (@pxref{Patching}).
1191
1192 @item -statistics
1193 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1194 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1195 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1196
1197 @item -version
1198 @cindex @code{--version}
1199 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1200 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1201
1202 @end table
1203
1204 @node Startup
1205 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1206 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1207
1208 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1209
1210 @enumerate
1211 @item
1212 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1213 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1214
1215 @item
1216 @cindex init file
1217 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1218 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1219 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1220 that file.
1221
1222 @item
1223 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1224 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1225 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1226 that file.
1227
1228 @item
1229 Processes command line options and operands.
1230
1231 @item
1232 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1233 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1234 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1235 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1236 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1237 @value{GDBN}.
1238
1239 @item
1240 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1241 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1242
1243 @item
1244 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1245 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1246 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1247 @end enumerate
1248
1249 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1250 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1251 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1252 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1253 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1254 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1255
1256 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1257 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1258
1259 @cindex init file name
1260 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1261 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1262 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1263 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1264 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1265 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1266 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1267 the file to the standard name.
1268
1269
1270 @node Quitting GDB
1271 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1272 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1273 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1274
1275 @table @code
1276 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1277 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1278 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1279 @itemx q
1280 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1281 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1282 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1283 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1284 error code.
1285 @end table
1286
1287 @cindex interrupt
1288 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1289 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1290 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1291 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1292 until a time when it is safe.
1293
1294 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1295 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1296 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1297
1298 @node Shell Commands
1299 @section Shell Commands
1300
1301 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1302 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1303 just use the @code{shell} command.
1304
1305 @table @code
1306 @kindex shell
1307 @cindex shell escape
1308 @item shell @var{command string}
1309 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1310 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1311 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1312 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1313 @end table
1314
1315 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1316 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1317 @value{GDBN}:
1318
1319 @table @code
1320 @kindex make
1321 @cindex calling make
1322 @item make @var{make-args}
1323 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1324 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1325 @end table
1326
1327 @node Logging Output
1328 @section Logging Output
1329 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1330 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1331
1332 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1333 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1334
1335 @table @code
1336 @kindex set logging
1337 @item set logging on
1338 Enable logging.
1339 @item set logging off
1340 Disable logging.
1341 @cindex logging file name
1342 @item set logging file @var{file}
1343 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1344 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1345 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1346 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1347 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1348 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1349 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1350 @kindex show logging
1351 @item show logging
1352 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1353 @end table
1354
1355 @node Commands
1356 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1357
1358 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1359 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1360 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1361 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1362 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1363
1364 @menu
1365 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1366 * Completion:: Command completion
1367 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1368 @end menu
1369
1370 @node Command Syntax
1371 @section Command Syntax
1372
1373 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1374 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1375 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1376 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1377 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1378 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1379
1380 @cindex abbreviation
1381 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1382 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1383 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1384 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1385 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1386 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1387 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1388
1389 @cindex repeating commands
1390 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1391 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1392 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1393 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1394 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1395 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1396 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1397
1398 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1399 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1400 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1401
1402 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1403 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1404 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1405 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1406 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1407
1408 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1409 @cindex comment
1410 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1411 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1412 Files,,Command Files}).
1413
1414 @cindex repeating command sequences
1415 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1416 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1417 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1418 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1419 for editing.
1420
1421 @node Completion
1422 @section Command Completion
1423
1424 @cindex completion
1425 @cindex word completion
1426 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1427 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1428 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1429 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1430
1431 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1432 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1433 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1434 enter it). For example, if you type
1435
1436 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1437 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1438 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1439 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1440 @smallexample
1441 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1442 @end smallexample
1443
1444 @noindent
1445 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1446 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1447
1448 @smallexample
1449 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1450 @end smallexample
1451
1452 @noindent
1453 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1454 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1455 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1456 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1457 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1458 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1459
1460 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1461 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1462 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1463 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1464 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1465 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1466 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1467 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1468 example:
1469
1470 @smallexample
1471 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1472 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1473 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1474 make_abs_section make_function_type
1475 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1476 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1477 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1478 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1479 @end smallexample
1480
1481 @noindent
1482 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1483 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1484 command.
1485
1486 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1487 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1488 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1489 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1490 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1491
1492 @cindex quotes in commands
1493 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1494 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1495 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1496 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1497 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1498 @value{GDBN} commands.
1499
1500 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1501 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1502 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1503 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1504 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1505 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1506 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1507 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1508 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1509 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1510 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1511
1512 @smallexample
1513 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1514 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1515 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1516 @end smallexample
1517
1518 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1519 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1520 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1521 place:
1522
1523 @smallexample
1524 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1525 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1526 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1527 @end smallexample
1528
1529 @noindent
1530 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1531 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1532 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1533
1534 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1535 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1536 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1537 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1538
1539 @cindex completion of structure field names
1540 @cindex structure field name completion
1541 @cindex completion of union field names
1542 @cindex union field name completion
1543 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1544 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1545 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1546 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1547 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1548 left-hand-side:
1549
1550 @smallexample
1551 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1552 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1553 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1554 @end smallexample
1555
1556 @noindent
1557 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1558 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1559 follows:
1560
1561 @smallexample
1562 struct ui_file
1563 @{
1564 int *magic;
1565 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1566 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1567 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1568 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1569 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1570 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1571 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1572 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1573 void *to_data;
1574 @}
1575 @end smallexample
1576
1577
1578 @node Help
1579 @section Getting Help
1580 @cindex online documentation
1581 @kindex help
1582
1583 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1584 using the command @code{help}.
1585
1586 @table @code
1587 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1588 @item help
1589 @itemx h
1590 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1591 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1592
1593 @smallexample
1594 (@value{GDBP}) help
1595 List of classes of commands:
1596
1597 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1598 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1599 data -- Examining data
1600 files -- Specifying and examining files
1601 internals -- Maintenance commands
1602 obscure -- Obscure features
1603 running -- Running the program
1604 stack -- Examining the stack
1605 status -- Status inquiries
1606 support -- Support facilities
1607 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1608 stopping the program
1609 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1610
1611 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1612 commands in that class.
1613 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1614 documentation.
1615 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1616 (@value{GDBP})
1617 @end smallexample
1618 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1619
1620 @item help @var{class}
1621 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1622 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1623 help display for the class @code{status}:
1624
1625 @smallexample
1626 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1627 Status inquiries.
1628
1629 List of commands:
1630
1631 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1632 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1633 info -- Generic command for showing things
1634 about the program being debugged
1635 show -- Generic command for showing things
1636 about the debugger
1637
1638 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1639 documentation.
1640 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1641 (@value{GDBP})
1642 @end smallexample
1643
1644 @item help @var{command}
1645 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1646 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1647
1648 @kindex apropos
1649 @item apropos @var{args}
1650 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1651 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1652 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1653
1654 @smallexample
1655 apropos reload
1656 @end smallexample
1657
1658 @noindent
1659 results in:
1660
1661 @smallexample
1662 @c @group
1663 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1664 multiple times in one run
1665 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1666 multiple times in one run
1667 @c @end group
1668 @end smallexample
1669
1670 @kindex complete
1671 @item complete @var{args}
1672 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1673 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1674 command you want completed. For example:
1675
1676 @smallexample
1677 complete i
1678 @end smallexample
1679
1680 @noindent results in:
1681
1682 @smallexample
1683 @group
1684 if
1685 ignore
1686 info
1687 inspect
1688 @end group
1689 @end smallexample
1690
1691 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1692 @end table
1693
1694 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1695 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1696 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1697 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1698 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1699 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1700
1701 @c @group
1702 @table @code
1703 @kindex info
1704 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1705 @item info
1706 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1707 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1708 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1709 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1710 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1711 @w{@code{help info}}.
1712
1713 @kindex set
1714 @item set
1715 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1716 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1717 @code{set prompt $}.
1718
1719 @kindex show
1720 @item show
1721 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1722 @value{GDBN} itself.
1723 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1724 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1725 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1726 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1727
1728 @kindex info set
1729 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1730 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1731 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1732 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1733 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1734 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1735 @end table
1736 @c @end group
1737
1738 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1739 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1740
1741 @table @code
1742 @kindex show version
1743 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1744 @item show version
1745 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1746 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1747 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1748 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1749 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1750 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1751 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1752 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1753 @value{GDBN}.
1754
1755 @kindex show copying
1756 @kindex info copying
1757 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1758 @item show copying
1759 @itemx info copying
1760 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1761
1762 @kindex show warranty
1763 @kindex info warranty
1764 @item show warranty
1765 @itemx info warranty
1766 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1767 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1768
1769 @end table
1770
1771 @node Running
1772 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1773
1774 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1775 debugging information when you compile it.
1776
1777 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1778 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1779 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1780 kill a child process.
1781
1782 @menu
1783 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1784 * Starting:: Starting your program
1785 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1786 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1787
1788 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1789 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1790 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1791 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1792
1793 * Inferiors:: Debugging multiple inferiors
1794 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1795 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1796 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1797 @end menu
1798
1799 @node Compilation
1800 @section Compiling for Debugging
1801
1802 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1803 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1804 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1805 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1806 and addresses in the executable code.
1807
1808 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1809 the compiler.
1810
1811 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1812 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1813 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1814 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1815 executables containing debugging information.
1816
1817 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1818 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1819 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1820 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1821 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1822
1823 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1824 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1825 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1826
1827 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1828 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1829 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1830 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1831 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1832 provides macro information if you specify the options
1833 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1834 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1835 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1836 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1837 @option{-g} alone.
1838
1839 @need 2000
1840 @node Starting
1841 @section Starting your Program
1842 @cindex starting
1843 @cindex running
1844
1845 @table @code
1846 @kindex run
1847 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1848 @item run
1849 @itemx r
1850 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1851 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1852 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1853 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1854 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1855
1856 @end table
1857
1858 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1859 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1860 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1861 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1862 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1863 message like this one:
1864
1865 @smallexample
1866 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1867 Try "help target" or "continue".
1868 @end smallexample
1869
1870 @noindent
1871 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1872 first (@pxref{load}).
1873
1874 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1875 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1876 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1877 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1878 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1879 divided into four categories:
1880
1881 @table @asis
1882 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1883 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1884 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1885 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1886 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1887 the arguments.
1888 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1889 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1890 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1891
1892 @item The @emph{environment.}
1893 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1894 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1895 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1896 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1897
1898 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1899 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1900 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1901 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1902
1903 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1904 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1905 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1906 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1907 set a different device for your program.
1908 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1909
1910 @cindex pipes
1911 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1912 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1913 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1914 wrong program.
1915 @end table
1916
1917 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1918 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1919 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1920 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1921 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1922
1923 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1924 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1925 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1926 your current breakpoints.
1927
1928 @table @code
1929 @kindex start
1930 @item start
1931 @cindex run to main procedure
1932 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1933 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1934 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1935 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1936 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1937 procedure, depending on the language used.
1938
1939 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1940 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1941 the @samp{run} command.
1942
1943 @cindex elaboration phase
1944 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1945 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1946 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1947 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1948 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1949 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1950 will remain to halt execution.
1951
1952 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1953 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1954 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1955 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1956 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1957
1958 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1959 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1960 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1961 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1962 elaboration code before running your program.
1963
1964 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1965 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1966 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1967 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1968 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1969 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1970 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1971 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1972 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1973 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1974 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1975
1976 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1977 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1978 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1979 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1980
1981 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1982 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1983 environment:
1984
1985 @smallexample
1986 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1987 (@value{GDBP}) run
1988 @end smallexample
1989
1990 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
1991 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
1992
1993 @kindex set disable-randomization
1994 @item set disable-randomization
1995 @itemx set disable-randomization on
1996 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
1997 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
1998 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
1999 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2000
2001 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2002 behavior using
2003
2004 @smallexample
2005 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2006 @end smallexample
2007
2008 @item set disable-randomization off
2009 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2010 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2011 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2012 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2013 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2014 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2015
2016 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2017 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2018 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2019 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2020 a code at its expected addresses.
2021
2022 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2023 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2024 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2025 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2026 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2027 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2028 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2029 a randomly chosen address.
2030
2031 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2032 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2033 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2034 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2035 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2036
2037 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2038 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2039
2040 @item show disable-randomization
2041 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2042 the virtual address space of the started program.
2043
2044 @end table
2045
2046 @node Arguments
2047 @section Your Program's Arguments
2048
2049 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2050 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2051 @code{run} command.
2052 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2053 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2054 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2055 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2056 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2057
2058 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2059 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2060 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2061 the program, not by the shell.
2062
2063 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2064 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2065
2066 @table @code
2067 @kindex set args
2068 @item set args
2069 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2070 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2071 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2072 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2073 it again without arguments.
2074
2075 @kindex show args
2076 @item show args
2077 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2078 @end table
2079
2080 @node Environment
2081 @section Your Program's Environment
2082
2083 @cindex environment (of your program)
2084 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2085 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2086 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2087 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2088 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2089 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2090 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2091
2092 @table @code
2093 @kindex path
2094 @item path @var{directory}
2095 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2096 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2097 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2098 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2099 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2100 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2101 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2102
2103 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2104 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2105 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2106 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2107 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2108 @var{directory} to the search path.
2109 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2110 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2111
2112 @kindex show paths
2113 @item show paths
2114 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2115 environment variable).
2116
2117 @kindex show environment
2118 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2119 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2120 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2121 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2122 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2123
2124 @kindex set environment
2125 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2126 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2127 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2128 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2129 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2130 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2131 null value.
2132 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2133 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2134
2135 For example, this command:
2136
2137 @smallexample
2138 set env USER = foo
2139 @end smallexample
2140
2141 @noindent
2142 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2143 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2144 are not actually required.)
2145
2146 @kindex unset environment
2147 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2148 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2149 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2150 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2151 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2152 @end table
2153
2154 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2155 the shell indicated
2156 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2157 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2158 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2159 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2160 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2161 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2162 @file{.profile}.
2163
2164 @node Working Directory
2165 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2166
2167 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2168 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2169 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2170 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2171 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2172 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2173
2174 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2175 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2176 Specify Files}.
2177
2178 @table @code
2179 @kindex cd
2180 @cindex change working directory
2181 @item cd @var{directory}
2182 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2183
2184 @kindex pwd
2185 @item pwd
2186 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2187 @end table
2188
2189 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2190 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2191 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2192 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2193 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2194 current working directory of the debuggee.
2195
2196 @node Input/Output
2197 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2198
2199 @cindex redirection
2200 @cindex i/o
2201 @cindex terminal
2202 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2203 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2204 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2205 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2206 running your program.
2207
2208 @table @code
2209 @kindex info terminal
2210 @item info terminal
2211 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2212 program is using.
2213 @end table
2214
2215 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2216 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2217
2218 @smallexample
2219 run > outfile
2220 @end smallexample
2221
2222 @noindent
2223 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2224
2225 @kindex tty
2226 @cindex controlling terminal
2227 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2228 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2229 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2230 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2231 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2232
2233 @smallexample
2234 tty /dev/ttyb
2235 @end smallexample
2236
2237 @noindent
2238 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2239 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2240 that as their controlling terminal.
2241
2242 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2243 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2244 terminal.
2245
2246 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2247 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2248 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2249 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2250
2251 @cindex inferior tty
2252 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2253 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2254 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2255 program.
2256
2257 @table @code
2258 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2259 @kindex set inferior-tty
2260 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2261
2262 @item show inferior-tty
2263 @kindex show inferior-tty
2264 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2265 @end table
2266
2267 @node Attach
2268 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2269 @kindex attach
2270 @cindex attach
2271
2272 @table @code
2273 @item attach @var{process-id}
2274 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2275 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2276 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2277 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2278 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2279
2280 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2281 executing the command.
2282 @end table
2283
2284 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2285 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2286 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2287 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2288
2289 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2290 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2291 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2292 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2293 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2294 Specify Files}.
2295
2296 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2297 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2298 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2299 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2300 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2301 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2302 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2303
2304 @table @code
2305 @kindex detach
2306 @item detach
2307 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2308 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2309 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2310 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2311 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2312 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2313 executing the command.
2314 @end table
2315
2316 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2317 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2318 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2319 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2320 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2321 Messages}).
2322
2323 @node Kill Process
2324 @section Killing the Child Process
2325
2326 @table @code
2327 @kindex kill
2328 @item kill
2329 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2330 @end table
2331
2332 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2333 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2334 is running.
2335
2336 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2337 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2338 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2339 outside the debugger.
2340
2341 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2342 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2343 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2344 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2345 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2346 breakpoint settings).
2347
2348 @node Inferiors
2349 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2350
2351 Some @value{GDBN} targets are able to run multiple processes created
2352 from a single executable. This can happen, for instance, with an
2353 embedded system reporting back several processes via the remote
2354 protocol.
2355
2356 @cindex inferior
2357 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2358 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2359 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2360 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2361 may (in future) be retained after a process exits. Each run of an
2362 executable creates a new inferior, as does each attachment to an
2363 existing process. Inferiors have unique identifiers that are
2364 different from process ids, and may optionally be named as well.
2365 Usually each inferior will also have its own distinct address space,
2366 although some embedded targets may have several inferiors running in
2367 different parts of a single space.
2368
2369 Each inferior may in turn have multiple threads running in it.
2370
2371 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @code{info inferiors}:
2372
2373 @table @code
2374 @kindex info inferiors
2375 @item info inferiors
2376 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2377 @end table
2378
2379 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2380
2381 @table @code
2382 @kindex inferior @var{inferior-id}
2383 @item inferior @var{inferior-id}
2384 Make inferior number @var{inferior-id} the current inferior. The
2385 argument @var{inferior-id} is the internal inferior number assigned by
2386 @value{GDBN}, as shown in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors}
2387 display.
2388 @end table
2389
2390 To quit debugging one of the inferiors, you can either detach from it
2391 by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it to run
2392 independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}} command:
2393
2394 @table @code
2395 @kindex detach inferior @var{inferior-id}
2396 @item detach inferior @var{inferior-id}
2397 Detach from the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2398 @var{inferior-id}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2399
2400 @kindex kill inferior @var{inferior-id}
2401 @item kill inferior @var{inferior-id}
2402 Kill the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2403 @var{inferior-id}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2404 @end table
2405
2406 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2407 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2408
2409 @table @code
2410 @kindex set print inferior-events
2411 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2412 @item set print inferior-events
2413 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2414 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2415 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2416 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2417 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2418 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2419
2420 @kindex show print inferior-events
2421 @item show print inferior-events
2422 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2423 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2424 @end table
2425
2426 @node Threads
2427 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2428
2429 @cindex threads of execution
2430 @cindex multiple threads
2431 @cindex switching threads
2432 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2433 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2434 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2435 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2436 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2437 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2438 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2439
2440 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2441 programs:
2442
2443 @itemize @bullet
2444 @item automatic notification of new threads
2445 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2446 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2447 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2448 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2449 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2450 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2451 messages on thread start and exit.
2452 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2453 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2454 isn't compatible with the program.
2455 @end itemize
2456
2457 @quotation
2458 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2459 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2460 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2461 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2462 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2463 like this:
2464
2465 @smallexample
2466 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2467 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2468 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2469 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2470 @end smallexample
2471 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2472 @c doesn't support threads"?
2473 @end quotation
2474
2475 @cindex focus of debugging
2476 @cindex current thread
2477 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2478 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2479 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2480 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2481 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2482
2483 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2484 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2485 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2486 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2487 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2488 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2489 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2490 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2491 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2492 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2493
2494 @smallexample
2495 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2496 @end smallexample
2497
2498 @noindent
2499 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2500 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2501 further qualifier.
2502
2503 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2504 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2505 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2506 @c program?
2507 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2508 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2509 @c threads ab initio?
2510
2511 @cindex thread number
2512 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2513 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2514 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2515
2516 @table @code
2517 @kindex info threads
2518 @item info threads
2519 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2520 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2521
2522 @enumerate
2523 @item
2524 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2525
2526 @item
2527 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2528
2529 @item
2530 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2531 @end enumerate
2532
2533 @noindent
2534 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2535 indicates the current thread.
2536
2537 For example,
2538 @end table
2539 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2540
2541 @smallexample
2542 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2543 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2544 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2545 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2546 at threadtest.c:68
2547 @end smallexample
2548
2549 On HP-UX systems:
2550
2551 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2552 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2553 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2554 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2555 thread in your program.
2556
2557 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2558 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2559 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2560 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2561 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2562 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2563 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2564 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2565 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2566 HP-UX, you see
2567
2568 @smallexample
2569 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2570 @end smallexample
2571
2572 @noindent
2573 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2574
2575 @table @code
2576 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2577 @item info threads
2578 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2579 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2580
2581 @enumerate
2582 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2583
2584 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2585
2586 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2587 @end enumerate
2588
2589 @noindent
2590 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2591 indicates the current thread.
2592
2593 For example,
2594 @end table
2595 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2596
2597 @smallexample
2598 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2599 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2600 at quicksort.c:137
2601 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2602 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2603 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2604 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2605 @end smallexample
2606
2607 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2608 Solaris-specific command:
2609
2610 @table @code
2611 @item maint info sol-threads
2612 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2613 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2614 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2615 @end table
2616
2617 @table @code
2618 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2619 @item thread @var{threadno}
2620 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2621 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2622 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2623 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2624 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2625
2626 @smallexample
2627 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2628 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2629 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2630 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2631 @end smallexample
2632
2633 @noindent
2634 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2635 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2636 threads.
2637
2638 @kindex thread apply
2639 @cindex apply command to several threads
2640 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2641 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2642 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2643 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2644 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2645 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2646 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2647 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2648
2649 @kindex set print thread-events
2650 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2651 @item set print thread-events
2652 @itemx set print thread-events on
2653 @itemx set print thread-events off
2654 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2655 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2656 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2657 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2658 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2659
2660 @kindex show print thread-events
2661 @item show print thread-events
2662 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2663 have started and exited.
2664 @end table
2665
2666 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2667 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2668 programs with multiple threads.
2669
2670 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2671 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2672
2673 @table @code
2674 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2675 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2676 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2677 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2678 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2679 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2680 an empty list.
2681
2682 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2683 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2684 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2685 to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2686 with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2687 from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2688
2689 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2690 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2691 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2692 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2693 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2694 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2695 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2696
2697 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2698 only on some platforms.
2699
2700 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2701 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2702 Display current libthread_db search path.
2703 @end table
2704
2705 @node Processes
2706 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2707
2708 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2709 @cindex multiple processes
2710 @cindex processes, multiple
2711 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2712 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2713 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2714 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2715 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2716 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2717 will cause it to terminate.
2718
2719 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2720 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2721 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2722 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2723 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2724 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2725 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2726 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2727 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2728 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2729
2730 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2731 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2732 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2733 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2734
2735 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2736 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2737
2738 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2739 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2740
2741 @table @code
2742 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2743 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2744 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2745 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2746 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2747
2748 @table @code
2749 @item parent
2750 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2751 unimpeded. This is the default.
2752
2753 @item child
2754 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2755 unimpeded.
2756
2757 @end table
2758
2759 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2760 @item show follow-fork-mode
2761 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2762 @end table
2763
2764 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2765 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2766 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2767
2768 @table @code
2769 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2770 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2771 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2772 retain debugger control over them both.
2773
2774 @table @code
2775 @item on
2776 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2777 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2778 independently. This is the default.
2779
2780 @item off
2781 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2782 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2783 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2784 is held suspended.
2785
2786 @end table
2787
2788 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2789 @item show detach-on-fork
2790 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2791 @end table
2792
2793 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2794 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2795 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2796 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2797 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors,
2798 ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors}).
2799
2800 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2801 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it
2802 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}}
2803 command. @xref{Inferiors, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors}.
2804
2805 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2806 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2807 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2808 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2809 the child process's @code{main}.
2810
2811 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
2812 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2813
2814 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2815 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2816 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2817 argument.
2818
2819 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2820 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2821 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2822
2823 @node Checkpoint/Restart
2824 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2825
2826 @cindex checkpoint
2827 @cindex restart
2828 @cindex bookmark
2829 @cindex snapshot of a process
2830 @cindex rewind program state
2831
2832 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2833 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2834 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2835 later.
2836
2837 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2838 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2839 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2840 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2841 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2842
2843 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2844 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2845 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2846 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2847 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2848 start again from there.
2849
2850 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2851 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2852
2853 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2854
2855 @table @code
2856 @kindex checkpoint
2857 @item checkpoint
2858 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2859 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2860 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2861
2862 @kindex info checkpoints
2863 @item info checkpoints
2864 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2865 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2866 listed:
2867
2868 @table @code
2869 @item Checkpoint ID
2870 @item Process ID
2871 @item Code Address
2872 @item Source line, or label
2873 @end table
2874
2875 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2876 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2877 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2878 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2879 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2880 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2881 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2882
2883 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2884 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2885 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2886 the debugger.
2887
2888 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2889 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2890 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2891
2892 @end table
2893
2894 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2895 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2896 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2897 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2898 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2899 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2900 previously read data can be read again.
2901
2902 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2903 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2904 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2905 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2906 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2907 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2908
2909 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2910 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2911 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2912 different execution path this time.
2913
2914 @cindex checkpoints and process id
2915 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2916 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2917 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2918 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2919 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2920 potentially pose a problem.
2921
2922 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2923
2924 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2925 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2926 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2927 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2928 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2929 next.
2930
2931 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2932 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2933 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2934 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2935 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2936
2937 @node Stopping
2938 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2939
2940 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2941 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2942 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2943
2944 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2945 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2946 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2947 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2948 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2949 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2950 explicitly request this information at any time.
2951
2952 @table @code
2953 @kindex info program
2954 @item info program
2955 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2956 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2957 @end table
2958
2959 @menu
2960 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2961 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2962 * Signals:: Signals
2963 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2964 @end menu
2965
2966 @node Breakpoints
2967 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2968
2969 @cindex breakpoints
2970 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2971 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2972 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2973 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2974 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2975 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2976 program.
2977
2978 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
2979 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
2980 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
2981 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
2982 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
2983 call).
2984
2985 @cindex watchpoints
2986 @cindex data breakpoints
2987 @cindex memory tracing
2988 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
2989 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2990 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2991 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
2992 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
2993 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
2994 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
2995 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
2996 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
2997 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
2998 same commands.
2999
3000 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3001 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3002 Automatic Display}.
3003
3004 @cindex catchpoints
3005 @cindex breakpoint on events
3006 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3007 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3008 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3009 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3010 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3011 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3012 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3013
3014 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3015 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3016 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3017 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3018 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3019 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3020 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3021 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3022 enable it again.
3023
3024 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3025 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3026 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3027 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3028 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3029 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3030 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3031
3032 @menu
3033 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3034 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3035 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3036 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3037 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3038 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3039 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3040 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3041 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3042 @end menu
3043
3044 @node Set Breaks
3045 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3046
3047 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3048 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3049 @c
3050 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3051
3052 @kindex break
3053 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3054 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3055 @cindex latest breakpoint
3056 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3057 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3058 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3059 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3060 convenience variables.
3061
3062 @table @code
3063 @item break @var{location}
3064 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3065 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3066 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3067 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3068 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3069
3070 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3071 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3072 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3073 that situation.
3074
3075 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3076 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3077 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3078
3079 @item break
3080 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3081 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3082 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3083 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3084 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3085 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3086 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3087 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3088 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3089 inside loops.
3090
3091 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3092 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3093 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3094 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3095 existed when your program stopped.
3096
3097 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3098 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3099 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3100 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3101 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3102 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3103 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3104
3105 @kindex tbreak
3106 @item tbreak @var{args}
3107 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3108 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3109 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3110 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3111
3112 @kindex hbreak
3113 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3114 @item hbreak @var{args}
3115 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3116 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3117 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3118 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3119 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3120 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3121 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3122 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3123 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3124 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3125 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3126 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3127 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3128 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3129 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3130 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3131 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3132 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3133
3134 @kindex thbreak
3135 @item thbreak @var{args}
3136 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3137 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3138 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3139 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3140 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3141 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3142 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3143 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3144
3145 @kindex rbreak
3146 @cindex regular expression
3147 @cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3148 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3149 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3150 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3151 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3152 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3153 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3154 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3155 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3156
3157 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3158 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3159 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3160 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3161 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3162 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3163
3164 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3165 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3166 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3167 classes.
3168
3169 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3170 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3171 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3172
3173 @smallexample
3174 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3175 @end smallexample
3176
3177 @kindex info breakpoints
3178 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3179 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3180 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3181 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3182 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3183 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3184 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3185 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3186
3187 @table @emph
3188 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3189 @item Type
3190 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3191 @item Disposition
3192 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3193 @item Enabled or Disabled
3194 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3195 that are not enabled.
3196 @item Address
3197 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3198 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3199 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3200 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3201 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3202 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3203 @item What
3204 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3205 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3206 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3207 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3208 @end table
3209
3210 @noindent
3211 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3212 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3213 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3214 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3215 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3216 valid location.
3217
3218 @noindent
3219 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3220 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3221 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3222 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3223 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3224
3225 @noindent
3226 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3227 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3228 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3229 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3230 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3231 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3232 @end table
3233
3234 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3235 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3236 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3237 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3238
3239 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3240 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3241 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3242 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3243
3244 @itemize @bullet
3245 @item
3246 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3247 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3248
3249 @item
3250 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3251 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3252
3253 @item
3254 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3255 several places where that function is inlined.
3256 @end itemize
3257
3258 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3259 the relevant locations@footnote{
3260 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3261 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3262 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3263 info with line numbers for them.}.
3264
3265 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3266 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3267 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3268 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3269 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3270 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3271 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3272
3273 For example:
3274
3275 @smallexample
3276 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3277 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3278 stop only if i==1
3279 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3280 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3281 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3282 @end smallexample
3283
3284 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3285 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3286 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3287 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3288 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3289 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3290 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3291 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3292 that belong to that breakpoint.
3293
3294 @cindex pending breakpoints
3295 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3296 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3297 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3298 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3299 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3300 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3301 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3302 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3303 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3304 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3305 is not yet resolved.
3306
3307 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3308 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3309 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3310 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3311 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3312 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3313
3314 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3315 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3316 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3317 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3318
3319 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3320 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3321 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3322
3323 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3324 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3325 address specification to an address:
3326
3327 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3328 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3329 @table @code
3330 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3331 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3332 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3333
3334 @item set breakpoint pending on
3335 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3336 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3337
3338 @item set breakpoint pending off
3339 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3340 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3341 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3342
3343 @item show breakpoint pending
3344 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3345 @end table
3346
3347 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3348 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3349 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3350
3351 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3352 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3353 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3354 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3355 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3356 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3357 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3358 breakpoints.
3359
3360 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3361
3362 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3363 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3364 @table @code
3365 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3366 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3367 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3368 breakpoint must be used.
3369
3370 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3371 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3372 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3373 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3374 @end table
3375
3376 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3377 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3378 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3379 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3380 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3381 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3382 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3383 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3384 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3385
3386 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3387 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3388 @table @code
3389 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3390 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3391 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3392 removed from the target when it stops.
3393
3394 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3395 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3396 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3397 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3398 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3399
3400 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3401 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3402 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3403 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3404 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3405 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3406 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3407 @end table
3408
3409 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3410 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3411 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3412 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3413 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3414 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3415 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3416 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3417
3418
3419 @node Set Watchpoints
3420 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3421
3422 @cindex setting watchpoints
3423 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3424 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3425 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3426 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3427 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3428
3429 @itemize @bullet
3430 @item
3431 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3432
3433 @item
3434 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3435 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3436 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3437
3438 @item
3439 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3440 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3441 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3442 @end itemize
3443
3444 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3445 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3446 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3447 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3448 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3449 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3450 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3451 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3452 the expression changes.
3453
3454 @cindex software watchpoints
3455 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3456 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3457 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3458 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3459 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3460 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3461 culprit.)
3462
3463 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3464 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3465 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3466
3467 @table @code
3468 @kindex watch
3469 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3470 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3471 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3472 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3473 to watch the value of a single variable:
3474
3475 @smallexample
3476 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3477 @end smallexample
3478
3479 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3480 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3481 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3482 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3483 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3484 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3485
3486 @kindex rwatch
3487 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3488 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3489 by the program.
3490
3491 @kindex awatch
3492 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3493 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3494 or written into by the program.
3495
3496 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3497 @item info watchpoints
3498 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3499 it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3500 @end table
3501
3502 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3503 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3504 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3505 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3506 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3507 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3508
3509 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3510 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3511 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3512 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3513 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3514 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3515 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3516 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3517
3518 @table @code
3519 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3520 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3521 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3522
3523 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3524 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3525 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3526 @end table
3527
3528 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3529 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3530 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3531
3532 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3533
3534 @smallexample
3535 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3536 @end smallexample
3537
3538 @noindent
3539 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3540
3541 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3542 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3543 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3544 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3545 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3546 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3547 will print a message like this:
3548
3549 @smallexample
3550 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3551 @end smallexample
3552
3553 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3554 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3555 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3556 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3557 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3558 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3559 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3560 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3561
3562 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3563 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3564 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3565 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3566 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3567 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3568
3569 @smallexample
3570 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3571 @end smallexample
3572
3573 @noindent
3574 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3575
3576 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3577 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3578 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3579 expression with separately allocated resources.
3580
3581 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3582 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3583 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3584
3585 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3586 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3587 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3588 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3589 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3590 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3591 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3592 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3593 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3594
3595 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3596 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3597 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3598 watched expression from every thread.
3599
3600 @quotation
3601 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3602 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3603 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3604 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3605 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3606 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3607 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3608 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3609 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3610 @end quotation
3611
3612 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3613
3614 @node Set Catchpoints
3615 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3616 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3617 @cindex exception handlers
3618 @cindex event handling
3619
3620 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3621 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3622 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3623
3624 @table @code
3625 @kindex catch
3626 @item catch @var{event}
3627 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3628 @table @code
3629 @item throw
3630 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3631 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3632
3633 @item catch
3634 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3635
3636 @item exception
3637 @cindex Ada exception catching
3638 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3639 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3640 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3641 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3642 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3643
3644 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3645 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3646 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3647 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3648 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3649 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3650 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3651 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3652
3653 @item exception unhandled
3654 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3655
3656 @item assert
3657 A failed Ada assertion.
3658
3659 @item exec
3660 @cindex break on fork/exec
3661 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3662 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3663
3664 @item fork
3665 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3666 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3667
3668 @item vfork
3669 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3670 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3671
3672 @end table
3673
3674 @item tcatch @var{event}
3675 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3676 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3677
3678 @end table
3679
3680 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3681
3682 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3683 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3684
3685 @itemize @bullet
3686 @item
3687 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3688 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3689 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3690 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3691 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3692 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3693 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3694 disabled within interactive calls.
3695
3696 @item
3697 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3698
3699 @item
3700 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3701 @end itemize
3702
3703 @cindex raise exceptions
3704 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3705 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3706 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3707 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3708 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3709 out where the exception was raised.
3710
3711 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3712 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3713 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3714 which has the following ANSI C interface:
3715
3716 @smallexample
3717 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3718 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3719 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3720 @end smallexample
3721
3722 @noindent
3723 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3724 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3725 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3726
3727 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3728 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3729 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3730 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3731 raised.
3732
3733
3734 @node Delete Breaks
3735 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3736
3737 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3738 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3739 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3740 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3741 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3742 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3743
3744 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3745 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3746 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3747 their breakpoint numbers.
3748
3749 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3750 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3751 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3752
3753 @table @code
3754 @kindex clear
3755 @item clear
3756 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3757 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3758 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3759 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3760
3761 @item clear @var{location}
3762 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3763 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3764 most useful ones are listed below:
3765
3766 @table @code
3767 @item clear @var{function}
3768 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3769 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3770
3771 @item clear @var{linenum}
3772 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3773 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3774 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3775 @end table
3776
3777 @cindex delete breakpoints
3778 @kindex delete
3779 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3780 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3781 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3782 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3783 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3784 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3785 @end table
3786
3787 @node Disabling
3788 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3789
3790 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3791 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3792 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3793 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3794 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3795
3796 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3797 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3798 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3799 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3800 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3801
3802 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3803 affects all of its locations.
3804
3805 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3806 states of enablement:
3807
3808 @itemize @bullet
3809 @item
3810 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3811 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3812 @item
3813 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3814 @item
3815 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3816 disabled.
3817 @item
3818 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3819 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3820 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3821 @end itemize
3822
3823 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3824 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3825
3826 @table @code
3827 @kindex disable
3828 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3829 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3830 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3831 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3832 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3833 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3834 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3835
3836 @kindex enable
3837 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3838 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3839 become effective once again in stopping your program.
3840
3841 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3842 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3843 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3844
3845 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3846 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3847 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3848 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3849 @end table
3850
3851 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3852 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3853 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3854 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3855 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3856 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3857 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3858 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3859 Stepping}.)
3860
3861 @node Conditions
3862 @subsection Break Conditions
3863 @cindex conditional breakpoints
3864 @cindex breakpoint conditions
3865
3866 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3867 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
3868 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3869 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3870 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3871 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3872 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3873 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3874
3875 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3876 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3877 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3878 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3879 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3880
3881 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3882 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3883 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3884 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3885 one.
3886
3887 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3888 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3889 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3890 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3891 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3892 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3893 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3894 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3895 conditions for the
3896 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3897 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3898
3899 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3900 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3901 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3902 with the @code{condition} command.
3903
3904 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3905 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3906 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3907 catchpoint.
3908
3909 @table @code
3910 @kindex condition
3911 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3912 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3913 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3914 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3915 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3916 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3917 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3918 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3919 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3920 prints an error message:
3921
3922 @smallexample
3923 No symbol "foo" in current context.
3924 @end smallexample
3925
3926 @noindent
3927 @value{GDBN} does
3928 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3929 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3930 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3931
3932 @item condition @var{bnum}
3933 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3934 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3935 @end table
3936
3937 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3938 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3939 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3940 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3941 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3942 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3943 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3944 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3945 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3946 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3947 your program reaches it.
3948
3949 @table @code
3950 @kindex ignore
3951 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3952 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3953 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3954 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3955 takes no action.
3956
3957 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3958 a count of zero.
3959
3960 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3961 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3962 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3963 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3964
3965 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3966 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3967 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3968
3969 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3970 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3971 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3972 Variables}.
3973 @end table
3974
3975 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3976
3977
3978 @node Break Commands
3979 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
3980
3981 @cindex breakpoint commands
3982 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3983 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3984 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3985 enable other breakpoints.
3986
3987 @table @code
3988 @kindex commands
3989 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
3990 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3991 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3992 @itemx end
3993 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3994 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3995 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
3996
3997 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3998 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3999
4000 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
4001 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
4002 recently encountered).
4003 @end table
4004
4005 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4006 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4007
4008 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4009 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4010 that resumes execution.
4011
4012 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4013 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4014 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4015 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4016 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4017
4018 @kindex silent
4019 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4020 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4021 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4022 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4023 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4024 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4025
4026 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4027 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4028 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4029
4030 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4031 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4032
4033 @smallexample
4034 break foo if x>0
4035 commands
4036 silent
4037 printf "x is %d\n",x
4038 cont
4039 end
4040 @end smallexample
4041
4042 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4043 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4044 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4045 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4046 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4047 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4048 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4049
4050 @smallexample
4051 break 403
4052 commands
4053 silent
4054 set x = y + 4
4055 cont
4056 end
4057 @end smallexample
4058
4059 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4060 @node Error in Breakpoints
4061 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4062
4063 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4064 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4065
4066 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4067 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4068 @smallexample
4069 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4070 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4071 @end smallexample
4072
4073 @noindent
4074 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4075 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4076 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4077
4078 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4079 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4080
4081 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4082 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4083 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4084
4085 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4086 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4087 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4088 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4089
4090 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4091 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4092 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4093 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4094 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4095 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4096 first in the bundle.
4097
4098 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4099 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4100 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4101 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4102 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4103 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4104 is hit.
4105
4106 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4107 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4108
4109 @smallexample
4110 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4111 @end smallexample
4112
4113 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4114 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4115 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4116 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4117 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4118 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4119 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4120 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4121
4122 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4123 adjusted breakpoints:
4124
4125 @smallexample
4126 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4127 to 0x00010410.
4128 @end smallexample
4129
4130 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4131 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4132 frequently than expected.
4133
4134 @node Continuing and Stepping
4135 @section Continuing and Stepping
4136
4137 @cindex stepping
4138 @cindex continuing
4139 @cindex resuming execution
4140 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4141 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4142 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4143 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4144 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4145 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4146 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4147 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4148
4149 @table @code
4150 @kindex continue
4151 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4152 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4153 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4154 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4155 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4156 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4157 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4158 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4159 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4160 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4161
4162 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4163 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4164 @code{continue} is ignored.
4165
4166 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4167 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4168 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4169 @code{continue}.
4170 @end table
4171
4172 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4173 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4174 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4175 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4176
4177 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4178 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4179 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4180 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4181 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4182 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4183
4184 @table @code
4185 @kindex step
4186 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4187 @item step
4188 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4189 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4190 abbreviated @code{s}.
4191
4192 @quotation
4193 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4194 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4195 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4196 @c distinction here.
4197 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4198 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4199 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4200 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4201 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4202 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4203 below.
4204 @end quotation
4205
4206 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4207 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4208 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4209 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4210 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4211 called within the line.
4212
4213 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4214 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4215 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4216 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4217 was any debugging information about the routine.
4218
4219 @item step @var{count}
4220 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4221 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4222 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4223
4224 @kindex next
4225 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4226 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4227 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4228 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4229 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4230 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4231 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4232 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4233
4234 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4235
4236
4237 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4238 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4239 @c
4240 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4241 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4242 @c function are executed without stopping.
4243
4244 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4245 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4246 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4247
4248 @kindex set step-mode
4249 @item set step-mode
4250 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4251 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4252 @itemx set step-mode on
4253 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4254 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4255 information rather than stepping over it.
4256
4257 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4258 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4259 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4260
4261 @item set step-mode off
4262 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4263 debug information. This is the default.
4264
4265 @item show step-mode
4266 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4267 source line debug information.
4268
4269 @kindex finish
4270 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4271 @item finish
4272 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4273 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4274 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4275
4276 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4277 ,Returning from a Function}).
4278
4279 @kindex until
4280 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4281 @cindex run until specified location
4282 @item until
4283 @itemx u
4284 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4285 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4286 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4287 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4288 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4289 than the address of the jump.
4290
4291 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4292 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4293 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4294 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4295 through the next iteration.
4296
4297 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4298 stack frame.
4299
4300 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4301 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4302 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4303 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4304 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4305
4306 @smallexample
4307 (@value{GDBP}) f
4308 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4309 206 expand_input();
4310 (@value{GDBP}) until
4311 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4312 @end smallexample
4313
4314 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4315 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4316 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4317 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4318 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4319 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4320 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4321
4322 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4323 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4324 argument.
4325
4326 @item until @var{location}
4327 @itemx u @var{location}
4328 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4329 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4330 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4331 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4332 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4333 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4334 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4335 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4336 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4337 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4338 invocations have returned.
4339
4340 @smallexample
4341 94 int factorial (int value)
4342 95 @{
4343 96 if (value > 1) @{
4344 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4345 98 @}
4346 99 return (value);
4347 100 @}
4348 @end smallexample
4349
4350
4351 @kindex advance @var{location}
4352 @itemx advance @var{location}
4353 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4354 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4355 @ref{Specify Location}.
4356 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4357 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4358 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4359 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4360
4361
4362 @kindex stepi
4363 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4364 @item stepi
4365 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4366 @itemx si
4367 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4368
4369 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4370 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4371 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4372 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4373
4374 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4375
4376 @need 750
4377 @kindex nexti
4378 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4379 @item nexti
4380 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4381 @itemx ni
4382 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4383 proceed until the function returns.
4384
4385 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4386 @end table
4387
4388 @node Signals
4389 @section Signals
4390 @cindex signals
4391
4392 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4393 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4394 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4395 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4396 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4397 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4398 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4399 requested an alarm).
4400
4401 @cindex fatal signals
4402 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4403 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4404 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4405 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4406 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4407 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4408
4409 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4410 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4411 signal.
4412
4413 @cindex handling signals
4414 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4415 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4416 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4417 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4418 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4419
4420 @table @code
4421 @kindex info signals
4422 @kindex info handle
4423 @item info signals
4424 @itemx info handle
4425 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4426 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4427 the defined types of signals.
4428
4429 @item info signals @var{sig}
4430 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4431
4432 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4433
4434 @kindex handle
4435 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4436 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4437 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4438 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4439 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4440 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4441 say what change to make.
4442 @end table
4443
4444 @c @group
4445 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4446 Their full names are:
4447
4448 @table @code
4449 @item nostop
4450 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4451 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4452
4453 @item stop
4454 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4455 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4456
4457 @item print
4458 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4459
4460 @item noprint
4461 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4462 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4463
4464 @item pass
4465 @itemx noignore
4466 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4467 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4468 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4469
4470 @item nopass
4471 @itemx ignore
4472 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4473 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4474 @end table
4475 @c @end group
4476
4477 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4478 program until you
4479 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4480 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4481 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4482 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4483 program sees that signal when you continue.
4484
4485 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4486 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4487 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4488 erroneous signals.
4489
4490 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4491 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4492 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4493 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4494 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4495 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4496 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4497 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4498 Program a Signal}.
4499
4500 @cindex extra signal information
4501 @anchor{extra signal information}
4502
4503 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4504 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4505 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4506 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4507 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4508 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4509 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4510 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4511 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4512 system header.
4513
4514 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4515 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4516
4517 @smallexample
4518 @group
4519 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4520 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4521 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4522 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4523 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4524 type = struct @{
4525 int si_signo;
4526 int si_errno;
4527 int si_code;
4528 union @{
4529 int _pad[28];
4530 struct @{...@} _kill;
4531 struct @{...@} _timer;
4532 struct @{...@} _rt;
4533 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4534 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4535 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4536 @} _sifields;
4537 @}
4538 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4539 type = struct @{
4540 void *si_addr;
4541 @}
4542 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4543 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4544 @end group
4545 @end smallexample
4546
4547 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4548
4549 @node Thread Stops
4550 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4551
4552 @cindex stopped threads
4553 @cindex threads, stopped
4554
4555 @cindex continuing threads
4556 @cindex threads, continuing
4557
4558 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4559 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4560 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4561 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4562 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4563 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4564 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4565 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4566 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4567
4568 @menu
4569 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4570 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4571 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4572 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4573 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4574 @end menu
4575
4576 @node All-Stop Mode
4577 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4578
4579 @cindex all-stop mode
4580
4581 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4582 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4583 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4584 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4585 underfoot.
4586
4587 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4588 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4589 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4590
4591 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4592 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4593 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4594 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4595 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4596 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4597 stops.
4598
4599 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4600 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4601 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4602 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4603
4604 @cindex automatic thread selection
4605 @cindex switching threads automatically
4606 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4607 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4608 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4609 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4610 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4611 thread.
4612
4613 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4614 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4615
4616 @table @code
4617 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4618 @cindex scheduler locking mode
4619 @cindex lock scheduler
4620 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4621 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4622 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4623 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4624 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4625 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4626 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4627 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4628 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4629 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4630 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4631 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4632
4633 @item show scheduler-locking
4634 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4635 @end table
4636
4637 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
4638 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
4639 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
4640 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
4641 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
4642 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
4643 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
4644 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
4645 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
4646 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
4647 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
4648 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
4649 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
4650 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
4651
4652 @table @code
4653 @kindex set schedule-multiple
4654 @item set schedule-multiple
4655 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
4656 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
4657 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
4658 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
4659 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
4660 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
4661
4662 @item show schedule-multiple
4663 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
4664 multiple processes.
4665 @end table
4666
4667 @node Non-Stop Mode
4668 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
4669
4670 @cindex non-stop mode
4671
4672 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4673 @c with more details.
4674
4675 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4676 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4677 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4678 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4679 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4680 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4681
4682 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4683 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4684 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4685 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4686 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4687 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4688 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4689 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4690 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4691 independently and simultaneously.
4692
4693 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4694 or attach to your program:
4695
4696 @smallexample
4697 # Enable the async interface.
4698 set target-async 1
4699
4700 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4701 set pagination off
4702
4703 # Finally, turn it on!
4704 set non-stop on
4705 @end smallexample
4706
4707 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4708
4709 @table @code
4710 @kindex set non-stop
4711 @item set non-stop on
4712 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4713 @item set non-stop off
4714 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4715 @kindex show non-stop
4716 @item show non-stop
4717 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4718 @end table
4719
4720 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4721 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4722 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4723 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4724 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4725 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4726 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4727 default.
4728
4729 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4730 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4731 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4732
4733 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4734 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4735 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4736 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4737 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4738
4739 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4740 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4741 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4742 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4743 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4744
4745 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4746
4747 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4748 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4749 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4750 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4751 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4752 previously current thread.
4753
4754 @node Background Execution
4755 @subsection Background Execution
4756
4757 @cindex foreground execution
4758 @cindex background execution
4759 @cindex asynchronous execution
4760 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4761
4762 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4763 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4764 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4765 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4766 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4767 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4768
4769 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
4770 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
4771 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
4772
4773 @table @code
4774 @kindex set target-async
4775 @item set target-async on
4776 Enable asynchronous mode.
4777 @item set target-async off
4778 Disable asynchronous mode.
4779 @kindex show target-async
4780 @item show target-async
4781 Show the current target-async setting.
4782 @end table
4783
4784 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
4785 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4786
4787 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4788 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4789 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4790 are:
4791
4792 @table @code
4793 @kindex run&
4794 @item run
4795 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4796
4797 @item attach
4798 @kindex attach&
4799 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4800
4801 @item step
4802 @kindex step&
4803 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4804
4805 @item stepi
4806 @kindex stepi&
4807 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4808
4809 @item next
4810 @kindex next&
4811 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4812
4813 @item nexti
4814 @kindex nexti&
4815 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
4816
4817 @item continue
4818 @kindex continue&
4819 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4820
4821 @item finish
4822 @kindex finish&
4823 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4824
4825 @item until
4826 @kindex until&
4827 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4828
4829 @end table
4830
4831 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4832 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4833 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4834 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4835 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4836 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4837
4838 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4839 using the @code{interrupt} command.
4840
4841 @table @code
4842 @kindex interrupt
4843 @item interrupt
4844 @itemx interrupt -a
4845
4846 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4847 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4848 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4849 use @code{interrupt -a}.
4850 @end table
4851
4852 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4853 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4854
4855 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4856 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4857 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4858
4859 @table @code
4860 @cindex breakpoints and threads
4861 @cindex thread breakpoints
4862 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4863 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4864 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4865 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4866 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4867 specify some source line.
4868
4869 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4870 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4871 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4872 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4873 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4874
4875 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4876 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4877 program.
4878
4879 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4880 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4881 breakpoint condition, like this:
4882
4883 @smallexample
4884 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4885 @end smallexample
4886
4887 @end table
4888
4889 @node Interrupted System Calls
4890 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
4891
4892 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4893 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4894 @cindex premature return from system calls
4895 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4896 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4897 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4898 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4899 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4900 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4901 stop execution.
4902
4903 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4904 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4905 style anyways.
4906
4907 For example, do not write code like this:
4908
4909 @smallexample
4910 sleep (10);
4911 @end smallexample
4912
4913 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4914 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4915
4916 Instead, write this:
4917
4918 @smallexample
4919 int unslept = 10;
4920 while (unslept > 0)
4921 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4922 @end smallexample
4923
4924 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4925 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4926 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4927 @value{GDBN}.
4928
4929 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4930 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4931 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4932 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4933
4934
4935 @node Reverse Execution
4936 @chapter Running programs backward
4937 @cindex reverse execution
4938 @cindex running programs backward
4939
4940 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
4941 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
4942 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
4943 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
4944
4945 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
4946 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
4947 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
4948 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
4949 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
4950 all target environments can support reverse execution.
4951
4952 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
4953 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
4954 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
4955 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
4956 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
4957 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
4958 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
4959 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
4960 prior values@footnote{
4961 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
4962 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
4963 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
4964
4965 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
4966 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
4967 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
4968 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
4969 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
4970 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
4971 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
4972 }.
4973
4974 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
4975 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
4976
4977 @table @code
4978 @kindex reverse-continue
4979 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
4980 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4981 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4982 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
4983 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
4984 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
4985 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
4986
4987 @kindex reverse-step
4988 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
4989 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4990 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
4991 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
4992
4993 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
4994 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
4995 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
4996 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
4997 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
4998 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
4999
5000 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5001 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5002
5003 @kindex reverse-stepi
5004 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5005 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5006 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5007 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5008 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5009 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5010 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5011
5012 @kindex reverse-next
5013 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5014 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5015 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5016 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5017 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5018 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5019 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5020 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5021 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5022 @footnote{Unles the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5023
5024 @kindex reverse-nexti
5025 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5026 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5027 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5028 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5029 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5030 another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5031 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5032 frame) is reached.
5033
5034 @kindex reverse-finish
5035 @item reverse-finish
5036 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5037 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5038 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5039 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5040
5041 @kindex set exec-direction
5042 @item set exec-direction
5043 Set the direction of target execution.
5044 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5045 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5046 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5047 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5048 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5049 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5050 @item set exec-direction forward
5051 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5052 This is the default.
5053 @end table
5054
5055
5056 @node Process Record and Replay
5057 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5058 @cindex process record and replay
5059 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5060
5061 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5062 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5063 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5064
5065 @cindex replay mode
5066 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5067 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5068 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5069 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5070 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5071 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5072 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5073 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5074 execution log.
5075
5076 @cindex record mode
5077 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5078 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5079 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5080 for future replay.
5081
5082 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5083 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5084 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5085 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5086 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5087 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5088
5089 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5090 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5091 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5092 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5093
5094 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5095 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5096
5097 @table @code
5098 @kindex target record
5099 @kindex record
5100 @kindex rec
5101 @item target record
5102 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5103 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5104 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5105 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5106 the @kbd{target record} command.
5107
5108 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5109
5110 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5111 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5112 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5113 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5114 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5115
5116 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5117 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5118 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5119 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5120 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5121 support these two modes.
5122
5123 @kindex record stop
5124 @kindex rec s
5125 @item record stop
5126 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5127 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5128 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5129
5130 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5131 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5132 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5133 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5134 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5135
5136 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5137 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5138 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5139 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5140 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5141
5142 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5143 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5144
5145 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5146 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5147 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5148
5149 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5150 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5151 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5152 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5153 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5154 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5155 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5156 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5157
5158 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5159 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5160 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5161
5162 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5163 @item show record insn-number-max
5164 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5165
5166 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5167 @item set record stop-at-limit
5168 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5169 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5170 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5171 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5172 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5173 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5174
5175 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5176 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5177
5178 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5179 @item show record stop-at-limit
5180 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5181
5182 @kindex info record insn-number
5183 @item info record insn-number
5184 Show the current number of recorded instructions.
5185
5186 @kindex record delete
5187 @kindex rec del
5188 @item record delete
5189 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5190 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5191 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5192 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5193 @end table
5194
5195
5196 @node Stack
5197 @chapter Examining the Stack
5198
5199 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5200 stopped and how it got there.
5201
5202 @cindex call stack
5203 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5204 is generated.
5205 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5206 the arguments of the call,
5207 and the local variables of the function being called.
5208 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5209 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5210 stack}.
5211
5212 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5213 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5214
5215 @cindex selected frame
5216 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5217 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5218 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5219 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5220 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5221 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5222
5223 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5224 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5225 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5226
5227 @menu
5228 * Frames:: Stack frames
5229 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5230 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5231 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5232
5233 @end menu
5234
5235 @node Frames
5236 @section Stack Frames
5237
5238 @cindex frame, definition
5239 @cindex stack frame
5240 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5241 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5242 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5243 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5244 which the function is executing.
5245
5246 @cindex initial frame
5247 @cindex outermost frame
5248 @cindex innermost frame
5249 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5250 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5251 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5252 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5253 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5254 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5255 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5256 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5257
5258 @cindex frame pointer
5259 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5260 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5261 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5262 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5263 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5264 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5265
5266 @cindex frame number
5267 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5268 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5269 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5270 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5271 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5272
5273 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5274 @c underflow problems.
5275 @cindex frameless execution
5276 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5277 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5278 @smallexample
5279 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5280 @end smallexample
5281 generates functions without a frame.)
5282 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5283 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5284 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5285 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5286 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5287 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5288 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5289
5290 @table @code
5291 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5292 @cindex current stack frame
5293 @item frame @var{args}
5294 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5295 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5296 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5297 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5298
5299 @kindex select-frame
5300 @cindex selecting frame silently
5301 @item select-frame
5302 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5303 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5304 @code{frame}.
5305 @end table
5306
5307 @node Backtrace
5308 @section Backtraces
5309
5310 @cindex traceback
5311 @cindex call stack traces
5312 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5313 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5314 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5315 stack.
5316
5317 @table @code
5318 @kindex backtrace
5319 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5320 @item backtrace
5321 @itemx bt
5322 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5323 frames in the stack.
5324
5325 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5326 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5327
5328 @item backtrace @var{n}
5329 @itemx bt @var{n}
5330 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5331
5332 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5333 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5334 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5335
5336 @item backtrace full
5337 @itemx bt full
5338 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5339 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5340 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5341 number of frames to print, as described above.
5342 @end table
5343
5344 @kindex where
5345 @kindex info stack
5346 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5347 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5348
5349 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5350 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5351 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5352 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5353 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5354 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5355 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5356 multi-threaded program.
5357
5358 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5359 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5360 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5361 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5362 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5363 line number.
5364
5365 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5366 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5367
5368 @smallexample
5369 @group
5370 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5371 at builtin.c:993
5372 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5373 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5374 at macro.c:71
5375 (More stack frames follow...)
5376 @end group
5377 @end smallexample
5378
5379 @noindent
5380 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5381 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5382 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5383
5384 @noindent
5385 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5386 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5387 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5388 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5389 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5390
5391 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5392 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5393 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5394 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5395 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5396 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5397 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5398 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5399 such a backtrace might look like:
5400
5401 @smallexample
5402 @group
5403 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5404 at builtin.c:993
5405 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5406 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5407 at macro.c:71
5408 (More stack frames follow...)
5409 @end group
5410 @end smallexample
5411
5412 @noindent
5413 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5414 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5415
5416 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5417 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5418 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5419
5420 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5421 @cindex program entry point
5422 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5423 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5424 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5425 @code{main}@footnote{
5426 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5427 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5428 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5429 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5430 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5431 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5432
5433 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5434 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5435
5436 @table @code
5437 @item set backtrace past-main
5438 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5439 @kindex set backtrace
5440 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5441
5442 @item set backtrace past-main off
5443 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5444 default.
5445
5446 @item show backtrace past-main
5447 @kindex show backtrace
5448 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5449
5450 @item set backtrace past-entry
5451 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5452 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5453 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5454 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5455
5456 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5457 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5458 application. This is the default.
5459
5460 @item show backtrace past-entry
5461 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5462
5463 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5464 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5465 @cindex backtrace limit
5466 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5467 unlimited.
5468
5469 @item show backtrace limit
5470 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5471 @end table
5472
5473 @node Selection
5474 @section Selecting a Frame
5475
5476 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5477 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5478 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5479 of the stack frame just selected.
5480
5481 @table @code
5482 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5483 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5484 @item frame @var{n}
5485 @itemx f @var{n}
5486 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5487 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5488 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5489 @code{main}.
5490
5491 @item frame @var{addr}
5492 @itemx f @var{addr}
5493 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5494 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5495 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5496 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5497 switches between them.
5498
5499 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5500 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5501
5502 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5503 pointer and a program counter.
5504
5505 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5506 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5507
5508 @kindex up
5509 @item up @var{n}
5510 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5511 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5512 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5513
5514 @kindex down
5515 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5516 @item down @var{n}
5517 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5518 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5519 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5520 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5521 @end table
5522
5523 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5524 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5525 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5526 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5527
5528 @need 1000
5529 For example:
5530
5531 @smallexample
5532 @group
5533 (@value{GDBP}) up
5534 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5535 at env.c:10
5536 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5537 @end group
5538 @end smallexample
5539
5540 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5541 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5542 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5543 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5544 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5545 for details.
5546
5547 @table @code
5548 @kindex down-silently
5549 @kindex up-silently
5550 @item up-silently @var{n}
5551 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5552 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5553 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5554 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5555 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5556 distracting.
5557 @end table
5558
5559 @node Frame Info
5560 @section Information About a Frame
5561
5562 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5563 stack frame.
5564
5565 @table @code
5566 @item frame
5567 @itemx f
5568 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5569 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5570 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5571 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5572 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5573
5574 @kindex info frame
5575 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5576 @item info frame
5577 @itemx info f
5578 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5579 including:
5580
5581 @itemize @bullet
5582 @item
5583 the address of the frame
5584 @item
5585 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5586 @item
5587 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5588 @item
5589 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5590 @item
5591 the address of the frame's arguments
5592 @item
5593 the address of the frame's local variables
5594 @item
5595 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5596 @item
5597 which registers were saved in the frame
5598 @end itemize
5599
5600 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
5601 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5602 the usual conventions.
5603
5604 @item info frame @var{addr}
5605 @itemx info f @var{addr}
5606 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5607 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5608 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5609 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5610 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5611
5612 @kindex info args
5613 @item info args
5614 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5615
5616 @item info locals
5617 @kindex info locals
5618 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5619 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5620 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5621
5622 @kindex info catch
5623 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5624 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
5625 @item info catch
5626 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5627 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5628 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5629 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5630 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5631
5632 @end table
5633
5634
5635 @node Source
5636 @chapter Examining Source Files
5637
5638 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5639 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5640 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5641 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5642 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5643 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5644 source files by explicit command.
5645
5646 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5647 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5648 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5649
5650 @menu
5651 * List:: Printing source lines
5652 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5653 * Edit:: Editing source files
5654 * Search:: Searching source files
5655 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5656 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5657 @end menu
5658
5659 @node List
5660 @section Printing Source Lines
5661
5662 @kindex list
5663 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5664 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5665 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5666 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5667 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5668
5669 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5670
5671 @table @code
5672 @item list @var{linenum}
5673 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5674 current source file.
5675
5676 @item list @var{function}
5677 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5678 @var{function}.
5679
5680 @item list
5681 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5682 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5683 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5684 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5685 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5686
5687 @item list -
5688 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5689 @end table
5690
5691 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5692 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5693 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5694
5695 @table @code
5696 @kindex set listsize
5697 @item set listsize @var{count}
5698 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5699 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5700
5701 @kindex show listsize
5702 @item show listsize
5703 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5704 @end table
5705
5706 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5707 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5708 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5709 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5710 each repetition moves up in the source file.
5711
5712 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5713 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5714 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5715 to specify some source line.
5716
5717 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5718
5719 @table @code
5720 @item list @var{linespec}
5721 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5722
5723 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
5724 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5725 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5726 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5727 the same source file as the first linespec.
5728
5729 @item list ,@var{last}
5730 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5731
5732 @item list @var{first},
5733 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5734
5735 @item list +
5736 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5737
5738 @item list -
5739 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5740
5741 @item list
5742 As described in the preceding table.
5743 @end table
5744
5745 @node Specify Location
5746 @section Specifying a Location
5747 @cindex specifying location
5748 @cindex linespec
5749
5750 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5751 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5752 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5753 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5754
5755 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5756 @value{GDBN} understands:
5757
5758 @table @code
5759 @item @var{linenum}
5760 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5761
5762 @item -@var{offset}
5763 @itemx +@var{offset}
5764 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5765 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5766 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5767 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5768 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5769 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5770 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5771 linespec.
5772
5773 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5774 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5775
5776 @item @var{function}
5777 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5778 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5779
5780 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5781 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5782 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5783 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5784 functions in different source files.
5785
5786 @item *@var{address}
5787 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5788 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5789 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5790 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5791 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5792 source files.
5793
5794 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5795 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5796 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5797 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5798 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5799 of @var{address}:
5800
5801 @table @code
5802 @item @var{expression}
5803 Any expression valid in the current working language.
5804
5805 @item @var{funcaddr}
5806 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5807 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5808 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5809 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5810 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5811 (although the Pascal form also works).
5812
5813 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5814 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5815
5816 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5817 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5818 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5819 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5820 functions with identical names in different source files.
5821 @end table
5822
5823 @end table
5824
5825
5826 @node Edit
5827 @section Editing Source Files
5828 @cindex editing source files
5829
5830 @kindex edit
5831 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5832 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5833 The editing program of your choice
5834 is invoked with the current line set to
5835 the active line in the program.
5836 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5837 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5838
5839 @table @code
5840 @item edit @var{location}
5841 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5842 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5843 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5844 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5845 command most commonly used:
5846
5847 @table @code
5848 @item edit @var{number}
5849 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5850
5851 @item edit @var{function}
5852 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5853 @end table
5854
5855 @end table
5856
5857 @subsection Choosing your Editor
5858 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5859 @footnote{
5860 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5861 following command-line syntax:
5862 @smallexample
5863 ex +@var{number} file
5864 @end smallexample
5865 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5866 the file where to start editing.}.
5867 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5868 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5869 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5870 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5871 @smallexample
5872 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5873 export EDITOR
5874 gdb @dots{}
5875 @end smallexample
5876 or in the @code{csh} shell,
5877 @smallexample
5878 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5879 gdb @dots{}
5880 @end smallexample
5881
5882 @node Search
5883 @section Searching Source Files
5884 @cindex searching source files
5885
5886 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5887 regular expression.
5888
5889 @table @code
5890 @kindex search
5891 @kindex forward-search
5892 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
5893 @itemx search @var{regexp}
5894 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5895 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5896 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5897 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5898 @code{fo}.
5899
5900 @kindex reverse-search
5901 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5902 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5903 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5904 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5905 this command as @code{rev}.
5906 @end table
5907
5908 @node Source Path
5909 @section Specifying Source Directories
5910
5911 @cindex source path
5912 @cindex directories for source files
5913 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5914 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5915 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5916 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5917 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5918 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5919 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5920
5921 For example, suppose an executable references the file
5922 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5923 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5924 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5925 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5926 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5927 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5928 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5929 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5930 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5931 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5932
5933 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5934 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5935 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5936 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5937 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5938 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5939
5940 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5941 source files.
5942
5943 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5944 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5945 each line is in the file.
5946
5947 @kindex directory
5948 @kindex dir
5949 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5950 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5951 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5952
5953 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5954 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5955
5956 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5957 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5958 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5959 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5960 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5961 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5962 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5963 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5964 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5965 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5966 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5967 name to look up the sources.
5968
5969 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5970 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5971 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5972 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5973 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5974 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5975 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
5976 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
5977
5978 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
5979 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
5980 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
5981 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
5982 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
5983 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
5984 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
5985
5986 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
5987 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
5988 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
5989 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
5990 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
5991 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
5992 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
5993 command.
5994
5995 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
5996 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
5997 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
5998 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
5999 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6000 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6001 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6002
6003 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6004 @cindex default source path substitution
6005 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6006 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6007 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6008 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6009 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6010 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6011 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6012 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6013 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6014 together.
6015
6016 @table @code
6017 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6018 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6019 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6020 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6021 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6022 part of absolute file names) or
6023 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6024 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6025
6026 @kindex cdir
6027 @kindex cwd
6028 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6029 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6030 @cindex compilation directory
6031 @cindex current directory
6032 @cindex working directory
6033 @cindex directory, current
6034 @cindex directory, compilation
6035 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6036 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6037 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6038 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6039 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6040 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6041
6042 @item directory
6043 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6044
6045 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6046 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6047
6048 @item show directories
6049 @kindex show directories
6050 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6051
6052 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6053 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6054 @kindex set substitute-path
6055 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6056 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6057 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6058
6059 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6060 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6061
6062 @smallexample
6063 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6064 @end smallexample
6065
6066 @noindent
6067 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6068 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6069 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6070
6071 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6072 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6073 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6074 the substitution.
6075
6076 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6077
6078 @smallexample
6079 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6080 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6081 @end smallexample
6082
6083 @noindent
6084 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6085 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6086 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6087 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6088
6089
6090 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6091 @kindex unset substitute-path
6092 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6093 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6094 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6095
6096 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6097
6098 @item show substitute-path [path]
6099 @kindex show substitute-path
6100 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6101 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6102
6103 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6104 rules.
6105
6106 @end table
6107
6108 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6109 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6110 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6111
6112 @enumerate
6113 @item
6114 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6115
6116 @item
6117 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6118 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6119 directories in one command.
6120 @end enumerate
6121
6122 @node Machine Code
6123 @section Source and Machine Code
6124 @cindex source line and its code address
6125
6126 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6127 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6128 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6129 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6130 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6131 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6132 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6133 well as hex.
6134
6135 @table @code
6136 @kindex info line
6137 @item info line @var{linespec}
6138 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6139 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6140 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6141 @end table
6142
6143 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6144 the object code for the first line of function
6145 @code{m4_changequote}:
6146
6147 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6148 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6149 @smallexample
6150 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6151 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6152 @end smallexample
6153
6154 @noindent
6155 @cindex code address and its source line
6156 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6157 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6158 @smallexample
6159 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6160 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6161 @end smallexample
6162
6163 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6164 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6165 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6166 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6167 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6168 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6169 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6170 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6171 Variables}).
6172
6173 @table @code
6174 @kindex disassemble
6175 @cindex assembly instructions
6176 @cindex instructions, assembly
6177 @cindex machine instructions
6178 @cindex listing machine instructions
6179 @item disassemble
6180 @itemx disassemble /m
6181 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6182 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6183 the @code{/m} modifier.
6184 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6185 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6186 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6187 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
6188 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
6189 @end table
6190
6191 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6192 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6193
6194 @smallexample
6195 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
6196 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6197 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6198 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6199 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6200 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6201 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6202 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6203 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6204 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6205 End of assembler dump.
6206 @end smallexample
6207
6208 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
6209
6210 @smallexample
6211 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6212 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6213 5 @{
6214 0x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
6215 0x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6216 0x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6217 0x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6218 0x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6219
6220 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6221 0x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6222 0x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6223
6224 7 return 0;
6225 8 @}
6226 0x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6227 0x0804834d <main+29>: leave
6228 0x0804834e <main+30>: ret
6229
6230 End of assembler dump.
6231 @end smallexample
6232
6233 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6234 mnemonics or other syntax.
6235
6236 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6237 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6238 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6239 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6240 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6241
6242 @table @code
6243 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6244 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6245 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6246 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6247 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6248 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6249
6250 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6251 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6252 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6253 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6254
6255 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6256 @item show disassembly-flavor
6257 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6258 @end table
6259
6260 @table @code
6261 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6262 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6263 @item set disassemble-next-line
6264 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6265 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6266 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6267 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6268 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6269 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6270 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6271 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6272 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6273 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6274 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6275 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6276 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6277 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6278 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6279 instruction.
6280 @end table
6281
6282
6283 @node Data
6284 @chapter Examining Data
6285
6286 @cindex printing data
6287 @cindex examining data
6288 @kindex print
6289 @kindex inspect
6290 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6291 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6292 @c different window or something like that.
6293 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6294 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6295 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6296 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6297 Different Languages}).
6298
6299 @table @code
6300 @item print @var{expr}
6301 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6302 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6303 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6304 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6305 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6306 Formats}.
6307
6308 @item print
6309 @itemx print /@var{f}
6310 @cindex reprint the last value
6311 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6312 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6313 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6314 @end table
6315
6316 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6317 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6318 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6319
6320 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6321 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6322 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6323 Table}.
6324
6325 @menu
6326 * Expressions:: Expressions
6327 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6328 * Variables:: Program variables
6329 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6330 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6331 * Memory:: Examining memory
6332 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6333 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6334 * Value History:: Value history
6335 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6336 * Registers:: Registers
6337 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6338 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6339 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6340 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6341 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6342 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6343 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6344 character set than GDB does
6345 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6346 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6347 @end menu
6348
6349 @node Expressions
6350 @section Expressions
6351
6352 @cindex expressions
6353 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6354 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6355 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6356 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6357 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6358 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6359 @ref{Compilation}.
6360
6361 @cindex arrays in expressions
6362 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6363 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6364 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6365 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6366 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6367 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6368
6369 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6370 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6371 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6372 languages.
6373
6374 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6375 expressions regardless of your programming language.
6376
6377 @cindex casts, in expressions
6378 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6379 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6380 at that address in memory.
6381 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6382
6383 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6384 to programming languages:
6385
6386 @table @code
6387 @item @@
6388 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6389 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6390
6391 @item ::
6392 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6393 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6394
6395 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
6396 @cindex type casting memory
6397 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6398 @cindex casts, to view memory
6399 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6400 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6401 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6402 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6403 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6404 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6405 @end table
6406
6407 @node Ambiguous Expressions
6408 @section Ambiguous Expressions
6409 @cindex ambiguous expressions
6410
6411 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6412 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6413 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6414 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6415 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6416 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6417 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6418
6419 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6420 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6421 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6422 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6423 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6424 as well.
6425
6426 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6427 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6428 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6429 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6430 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6431 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6432 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6433 choices.
6434
6435 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6436 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6437 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6438
6439 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6440 @smallexample
6441 @group
6442 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6443 [0] cancel
6444 [1] all
6445 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6446 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6447 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6448 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6449 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6450 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6451 > 2 4 6
6452 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6453 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6454 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6455 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6456 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6457 breakpoints.
6458 (@value{GDBP})
6459 @end group
6460 @end smallexample
6461
6462 @table @code
6463 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6464 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6465 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6466
6467 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6468 is ambiguous.
6469
6470 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6471 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6472 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6473 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6474 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6475 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6476 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6477 in the use of the menu.
6478
6479 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6480 when an ambiguity is detected.
6481
6482 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6483 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6484
6485 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6486 @item show multiple-symbols
6487 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6488 @end table
6489
6490 @node Variables
6491 @section Program Variables
6492
6493 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6494 in your program.
6495
6496 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6497 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6498
6499 @itemize @bullet
6500 @item
6501 global (or file-static)
6502 @end itemize
6503
6504 @noindent or
6505
6506 @itemize @bullet
6507 @item
6508 visible according to the scope rules of the
6509 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6510 @end itemize
6511
6512 @noindent This means that in the function
6513
6514 @smallexample
6515 foo (a)
6516 int a;
6517 @{
6518 bar (a);
6519 @{
6520 int b = test ();
6521 bar (b);
6522 @}
6523 @}
6524 @end smallexample
6525
6526 @noindent
6527 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6528 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6529 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6530 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6531
6532 @cindex variable name conflict
6533 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6534 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6535 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6536 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6537 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6538 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6539 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6540
6541 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6542 @ifnotinfo
6543 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6544 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6545 @end ifnotinfo
6546 @smallexample
6547 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6548 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6549 @end smallexample
6550
6551 @noindent
6552 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6553 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6554 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6555 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6556
6557 @smallexample
6558 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6559 @end smallexample
6560
6561 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6562 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6563 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6564 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6565 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6566 @c conflict?? --mew
6567
6568 @cindex wrong values
6569 @cindex variable values, wrong
6570 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6571 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6572 @quotation
6573 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6574 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6575 scope, and just before exit.
6576 @end quotation
6577 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6578 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6579 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6580 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6581 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6582 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6583 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6584 variable definitions may be gone.
6585
6586 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6587 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6588 when compiling.
6589
6590 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6591 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6592 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6593 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6594 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6595 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6596 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6597
6598 @smallexample
6599 No symbol "foo" in current context.
6600 @end smallexample
6601
6602 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6603 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6604 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6605 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6606 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6607 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6608 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6609 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6610 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6611 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6612 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6613
6614 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6615 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6616 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6617 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6618
6619 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6620 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6621 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6622 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6623 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6624 For program code
6625
6626 @smallexample
6627 char var0[] = "A";
6628 signed char var1[] = "A";
6629 @end smallexample
6630
6631 You get during debugging
6632 @smallexample
6633 (gdb) print var0
6634 $1 = "A"
6635 (gdb) print var1
6636 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6637 @end smallexample
6638
6639 @node Arrays
6640 @section Artificial Arrays
6641
6642 @cindex artificial array
6643 @cindex arrays
6644 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6645 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6646 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6647 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6648 program.
6649
6650 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6651 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6652 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6653 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6654 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6655 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6656 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6657 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6658 example. If a program says
6659
6660 @smallexample
6661 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6662 @end smallexample
6663
6664 @noindent
6665 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6666
6667 @smallexample
6668 p *array@@len
6669 @end smallexample
6670
6671 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6672 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6673 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6674 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6675 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6676
6677 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6678 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6679 The value need not be in memory:
6680 @smallexample
6681 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6682 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6683 @end smallexample
6684
6685 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6686 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6687 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6688 @smallexample
6689 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6690 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6691 @end smallexample
6692
6693 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6694 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6695 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6696 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6697 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6698 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6699 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6700 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6701 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6702 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6703
6704 @smallexample
6705 set $i = 0
6706 p dtab[$i++]->fv
6707 @key{RET}
6708 @key{RET}
6709 @dots{}
6710 @end smallexample
6711
6712 @node Output Formats
6713 @section Output Formats
6714
6715 @cindex formatted output
6716 @cindex output formats
6717 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6718 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6719 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6720 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6721 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6722
6723 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6724 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6725 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6726 letters supported are:
6727
6728 @table @code
6729 @item x
6730 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6731 hexadecimal.
6732
6733 @item d
6734 Print as integer in signed decimal.
6735
6736 @item u
6737 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6738
6739 @item o
6740 Print as integer in octal.
6741
6742 @item t
6743 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6744 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6745 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6746 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6747
6748 @item a
6749 @cindex unknown address, locating
6750 @cindex locate address
6751 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6752 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6753 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6754
6755 @smallexample
6756 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6757 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6758 @end smallexample
6759
6760 @noindent
6761 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6762 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6763
6764 @item c
6765 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6766 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6767 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6768 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6769
6770 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6771 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6772 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6773 data.
6774
6775 @item f
6776 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6777 using typical floating point syntax.
6778
6779 @item s
6780 @cindex printing strings
6781 @cindex printing byte arrays
6782 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6783 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6784 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6785 natural types.
6786
6787 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6788 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6789 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6790 array.
6791
6792 @item r
6793 @cindex raw printing
6794 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
6795 use a type-specific pretty-printer. The @samp{r} format bypasses any
6796 pretty-printer which might exist for the value's type.
6797 @end table
6798
6799 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6800
6801 @smallexample
6802 p/x $pc
6803 @end smallexample
6804
6805 @noindent
6806 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6807 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6808
6809 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6810 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6811 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6812
6813 @node Memory
6814 @section Examining Memory
6815
6816 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6817 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6818
6819 @cindex examining memory
6820 @table @code
6821 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6822 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6823 @itemx x @var{addr}
6824 @itemx x
6825 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6826 @end table
6827
6828 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6829 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6830 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6831 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6832 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6833
6834 @table @r
6835 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
6836 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6837 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6838 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6839 @c 4.1.2.
6840
6841 @item @var{f}, the display format
6842 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6843 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6844 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6845 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6846 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6847
6848 @item @var{u}, the unit size
6849 The unit size is any of
6850
6851 @table @code
6852 @item b
6853 Bytes.
6854 @item h
6855 Halfwords (two bytes).
6856 @item w
6857 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6858 @item g
6859 Giant words (eight bytes).
6860 @end table
6861
6862 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6863 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6864 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6865
6866 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
6867 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6868 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6869 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6870 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6871 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6872 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6873 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6874 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6875 a value from memory).
6876 @end table
6877
6878 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6879 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6880 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6881 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6882 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6883
6884 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6885 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6886 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6887 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6888 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6889
6890 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6891 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6892 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6893 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6894 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6895 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6896 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6897 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6898 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6899
6900 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6901 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6902 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6903 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6904 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6905 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6906 for successive uses of @code{x}.
6907
6908 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6909 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6910 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6911 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6912 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6913 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6914 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6915 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6916 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6917
6918 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6919 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6920 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6921
6922 @cindex remote memory comparison
6923 @cindex verify remote memory image
6924 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6925 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6926 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6927 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6928 situations.
6929
6930 @table @code
6931 @kindex compare-sections
6932 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6933 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6934 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6935 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6936 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6937 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6938 remote request.
6939 @end table
6940
6941 @node Auto Display
6942 @section Automatic Display
6943 @cindex automatic display
6944 @cindex display of expressions
6945
6946 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6947 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6948 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6949 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6950 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6951 The automatic display looks like this:
6952
6953 @smallexample
6954 2: foo = 38
6955 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6956 @end smallexample
6957
6958 @noindent
6959 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6960 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6961 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6962 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6963 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6964 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6965
6966 @table @code
6967 @kindex display
6968 @item display @var{expr}
6969 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6970 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6971
6972 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6973
6974 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
6975 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
6976 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
6977 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
6978 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
6979
6980 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
6981 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
6982 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
6983 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
6984 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6985 @end table
6986
6987 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
6988 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
6989 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
6990
6991 @table @code
6992 @kindex delete display
6993 @kindex undisplay
6994 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
6995 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6996 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
6997
6998 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6999 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7000
7001 @kindex disable display
7002 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7003 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7004 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7005 enabled again later.
7006
7007 @kindex enable display
7008 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7009 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7010 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7011
7012 @item display
7013 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7014 done when your program stops.
7015
7016 @kindex info display
7017 @item info display
7018 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7019 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7020 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7021 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7022 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7023 @end table
7024
7025 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7026 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7027 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7028 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7029 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7030 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7031 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7032 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7033 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7034 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7035 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7036
7037 @node Print Settings
7038 @section Print Settings
7039
7040 @cindex format options
7041 @cindex print settings
7042 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7043 and symbols are printed.
7044
7045 @noindent
7046 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7047
7048 @table @code
7049 @kindex set print
7050 @item set print address
7051 @itemx set print address on
7052 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7053 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7054 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7055 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7056 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7057 @code{set print address on}:
7058
7059 @smallexample
7060 @group
7061 (@value{GDBP}) f
7062 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7063 at input.c:530
7064 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7065 @end group
7066 @end smallexample
7067
7068 @item set print address off
7069 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7070 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7071
7072 @smallexample
7073 @group
7074 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7075 (@value{GDBP}) f
7076 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7077 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7078 @end group
7079 @end smallexample
7080
7081 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7082 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7083 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7084 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7085
7086 @kindex show print
7087 @item show print address
7088 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7089 @end table
7090
7091 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7092 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7093 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7094 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7095 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7096 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7097 it prints a symbolic address:
7098
7099 @table @code
7100 @item set print symbol-filename on
7101 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7102 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7103 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7104 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7105
7106 @item set print symbol-filename off
7107 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7108 default.
7109
7110 @item show print symbol-filename
7111 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7112 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7113 @end table
7114
7115 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7116 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7117 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7118
7119 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7120 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7121
7122 @table @code
7123 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7124 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7125 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7126 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7127 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7128 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7129
7130 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7131 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7132 symbolic address.
7133 @end table
7134
7135 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7136 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7137 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7138 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7139 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7140 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7141 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7142 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7143
7144 @smallexample
7145 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7146 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7147 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7148 @end smallexample
7149
7150 @quotation
7151 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7152 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7153 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7154 @end quotation
7155
7156 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7157
7158 @table @code
7159 @item set print array
7160 @itemx set print array on
7161 @cindex pretty print arrays
7162 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7163 but uses more space. The default is off.
7164
7165 @item set print array off
7166 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7167
7168 @item show print array
7169 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7170 arrays.
7171
7172 @cindex print array indexes
7173 @item set print array-indexes
7174 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7175 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7176 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7177 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7178
7179 @item set print array-indexes off
7180 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7181
7182 @item show print array-indexes
7183 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7184 arrays.
7185
7186 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7187 @cindex number of array elements to print
7188 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7189 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7190 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7191 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7192 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7193 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7194 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7195
7196 @item show print elements
7197 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7198 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7199
7200 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7201 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7202 @cindex printing frame argument values
7203 @cindex print all frame argument values
7204 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7205 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7206 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7207 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7208 values are:
7209
7210 @table @code
7211 @item all
7212 The values of all arguments are printed.
7213
7214 @item scalars
7215 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7216 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7217 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7218 only scalar arguments are shown:
7219
7220 @smallexample
7221 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7222 at frame-args.c:23
7223 @end smallexample
7224
7225 @item none
7226 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7227 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7228
7229 @smallexample
7230 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7231 at frame-args.c:23
7232 @end smallexample
7233 @end table
7234
7235 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7236 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7237 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7238 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7239 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7240 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7241 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7242 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7243 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7244 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7245
7246 @item show print frame-arguments
7247 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7248
7249 @item set print repeats
7250 @cindex repeated array elements
7251 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7252 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7253 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7254 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7255 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7256 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7257 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7258
7259 @item show print repeats
7260 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7261 elements.
7262
7263 @item set print null-stop
7264 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7265 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7266 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7267 contain only short strings.
7268 The default is off.
7269
7270 @item show print null-stop
7271 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7272 @sc{null} character.
7273
7274 @item set print pretty on
7275 @cindex print structures in indented form
7276 @cindex indentation in structure display
7277 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7278 per line, like this:
7279
7280 @smallexample
7281 @group
7282 $1 = @{
7283 next = 0x0,
7284 flags = @{
7285 sweet = 1,
7286 sour = 1
7287 @},
7288 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7289 @}
7290 @end group
7291 @end smallexample
7292
7293 @item set print pretty off
7294 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7295
7296 @smallexample
7297 @group
7298 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7299 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7300 @end group
7301 @end smallexample
7302
7303 @noindent
7304 This is the default format.
7305
7306 @item show print pretty
7307 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7308
7309 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7310 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7311 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7312 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7313 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7314 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7315 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7316 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7317
7318 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7319 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7320 international character sets, and is the default.
7321
7322 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7323 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7324
7325 @item set print union on
7326 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7327 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7328 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7329
7330 @item set print union off
7331 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7332 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7333 instead.
7334
7335 @item show print union
7336 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7337 structures and other unions.
7338
7339 For example, given the declarations
7340
7341 @smallexample
7342 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7343 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7344 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7345 Bug_forms;
7346
7347 struct thing @{
7348 Species it;
7349 union @{
7350 Tree_forms tree;
7351 Bug_forms bug;
7352 @} form;
7353 @};
7354
7355 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7356 @end smallexample
7357
7358 @noindent
7359 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7360
7361 @smallexample
7362 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7363 @end smallexample
7364
7365 @noindent
7366 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7367
7368 @smallexample
7369 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7370 @end smallexample
7371
7372 @noindent
7373 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7374 and in Pascal.
7375 @end table
7376
7377 @need 1000
7378 @noindent
7379 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7380
7381 @table @code
7382 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7383 @item set print demangle
7384 @itemx set print demangle on
7385 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7386 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7387 linkage. The default is on.
7388
7389 @item show print demangle
7390 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7391
7392 @item set print asm-demangle
7393 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
7394 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7395 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7396 The default is off.
7397
7398 @item show print asm-demangle
7399 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7400 or demangled form.
7401
7402 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7403 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7404 @kindex set demangle-style
7405 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
7406 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7407 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7408
7409 @table @code
7410 @item auto
7411 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7412
7413 @item gnu
7414 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7415 This is the default.
7416
7417 @item hp
7418 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7419
7420 @item lucid
7421 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7422
7423 @item arm
7424 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7425 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7426 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7427 require further enhancement to permit that.
7428
7429 @end table
7430 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7431
7432 @item show demangle-style
7433 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7434
7435 @item set print object
7436 @itemx set print object on
7437 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
7438 @cindex display derived types
7439 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7440 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7441 the virtual function table.
7442
7443 @item set print object off
7444 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7445 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7446
7447 @item show print object
7448 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7449
7450 @item set print static-members
7451 @itemx set print static-members on
7452 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7453 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7454
7455 @item set print static-members off
7456 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7457
7458 @item show print static-members
7459 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7460
7461 @item set print pascal_static-members
7462 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7463 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7464 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7465 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7466
7467 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7468 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7469
7470 @item show print pascal_static-members
7471 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7472
7473 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7474 @item set print vtbl
7475 @itemx set print vtbl on
7476 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7477 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7478 @cindex VTBL display
7479 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7480 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7481 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7482
7483 @item set print vtbl off
7484 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7485
7486 @item show print vtbl
7487 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7488 @end table
7489
7490 @node Value History
7491 @section Value History
7492
7493 @cindex value history
7494 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7495 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7496 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7497 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7498 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7499 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7500 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7501 symbol table.
7502
7503 @cindex @code{$}
7504 @cindex @code{$$}
7505 @cindex history number
7506 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7507 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7508 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7509 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7510 history number.
7511
7512 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7513 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7514 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7515 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7516 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7517 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7518 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7519
7520 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7521 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7522
7523 @smallexample
7524 p *$
7525 @end smallexample
7526
7527 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7528 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7529
7530 @smallexample
7531 p *$.next
7532 @end smallexample
7533
7534 @noindent
7535 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7536 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7537
7538 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7539 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7540
7541 @smallexample
7542 print x
7543 set x=5
7544 @end smallexample
7545
7546 @noindent
7547 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7548 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7549
7550 @table @code
7551 @kindex show values
7552 @item show values
7553 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7554 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7555 values} does not change the history.
7556
7557 @item show values @var{n}
7558 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7559
7560 @item show values +
7561 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7562 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7563 @end table
7564
7565 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7566 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7567
7568 @node Convenience Vars
7569 @section Convenience Variables
7570
7571 @cindex convenience variables
7572 @cindex user-defined variables
7573 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7574 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7575 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7576 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7577 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7578
7579 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7580 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7581 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7582 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7583 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7584
7585 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7586 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7587 For example:
7588
7589 @smallexample
7590 set $foo = *object_ptr
7591 @end smallexample
7592
7593 @noindent
7594 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7595 @code{object_ptr}.
7596
7597 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7598 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7599 value with another assignment at any time.
7600
7601 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7602 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7603 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7604 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7605
7606 @table @code
7607 @kindex show convenience
7608 @cindex show all user variables
7609 @item show convenience
7610 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7611 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7612
7613 @kindex init-if-undefined
7614 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
7615 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7616 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7617 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7618 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7619 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7620 override default values used in a command script.
7621
7622 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7623 any side-effects do not occur.
7624 @end table
7625
7626 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7627 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7628 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7629
7630 @smallexample
7631 set $i = 0
7632 print bar[$i++]->contents
7633 @end smallexample
7634
7635 @noindent
7636 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7637
7638 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7639 values likely to be useful.
7640
7641 @table @code
7642 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7643 @item $_
7644 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7645 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7646 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7647 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7648 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7649 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7650 to the type of @code{$__}.
7651
7652 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7653 @item $__
7654 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7655 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7656 to match the format in which the data was printed.
7657
7658 @item $_exitcode
7659 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7660 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7661 the program being debugged terminates.
7662
7663 @item $_siginfo
7664 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
7665 The variable @code{$_siginfo} is bound to extra signal information
7666 inspection (@pxref{extra signal information}).
7667 @end table
7668
7669 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7670 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7671 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7672
7673 @cindex convenience functions
7674 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
7675 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
7676 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
7677 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
7678 @value{GDBN}.
7679
7680 @table @code
7681 @item help function
7682 @kindex help function
7683 @cindex show all convenience functions
7684 Print a list of all convenience functions.
7685 @end table
7686
7687 @node Registers
7688 @section Registers
7689
7690 @cindex registers
7691 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7692 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7693 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7694 your machine.
7695
7696 @table @code
7697 @kindex info registers
7698 @item info registers
7699 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7700 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7701
7702 @kindex info all-registers
7703 @cindex floating point registers
7704 @item info all-registers
7705 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7706 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7707
7708 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7709 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7710 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7711 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7712 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7713 @end table
7714
7715 @cindex stack pointer register
7716 @cindex program counter register
7717 @cindex process status register
7718 @cindex frame pointer register
7719 @cindex standard registers
7720 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7721 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7722 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7723 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7724 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7725 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7726 register that contains the processor status. For example,
7727 you could print the program counter in hex with
7728
7729 @smallexample
7730 p/x $pc
7731 @end smallexample
7732
7733 @noindent
7734 or print the instruction to be executed next with
7735
7736 @smallexample
7737 x/i $pc
7738 @end smallexample
7739
7740 @noindent
7741 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7742 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7743 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7744 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7745 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7746 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7747 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7748
7749 @smallexample
7750 set $sp += 4
7751 @end smallexample
7752
7753 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7754 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7755 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7756 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7757 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7758 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7759 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7760
7761 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7762 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7763 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7764 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7765 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7766 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7767 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7768
7769 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7770 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7771 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7772 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7773 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7774 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7775 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7776 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7777 prints the data in both formats.
7778
7779 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
7780 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
7781 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7782 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7783 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7784 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7785 registers in @code{struct} notation:
7786
7787 @smallexample
7788 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7789 $1 = @{
7790 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7791 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7792 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7793 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7794 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7795 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7796 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7797 @}
7798 @end smallexample
7799
7800 @noindent
7801 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7802 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7803 value to a @code{struct} member:
7804
7805 @smallexample
7806 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7807 @end smallexample
7808
7809 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7810 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7811 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7812 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7813 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7814 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7815
7816 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7817 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7818 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7819 frame makes no difference.
7820
7821 @node Floating Point Hardware
7822 @section Floating Point Hardware
7823 @cindex floating point
7824
7825 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7826 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7827
7828 @table @code
7829 @kindex info float
7830 @item info float
7831 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7832 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7833 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7834 the ARM and x86 machines.
7835 @end table
7836
7837 @node Vector Unit
7838 @section Vector Unit
7839 @cindex vector unit
7840
7841 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7842 more information about the status of the vector unit.
7843
7844 @table @code
7845 @kindex info vector
7846 @item info vector
7847 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7848 layout vary depending on the hardware.
7849 @end table
7850
7851 @node OS Information
7852 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7853 @cindex OS information
7854
7855 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7856 you debug your program.
7857
7858 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7859 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
7860 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7861 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7862 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7863 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7864 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7865 structure.
7866
7867 @table @code
7868 @item info udot
7869 @kindex info udot
7870 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7871 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7872 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7873 the @code{examine} command.
7874 @end table
7875
7876 @cindex auxiliary vector
7877 @cindex vector, auxiliary
7878 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7879 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7880 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7881 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7882 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7883 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7884 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7885 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7886 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7887 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7888 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7889
7890 @table @code
7891 @kindex info auxv
7892 @item info auxv
7893 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7894 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7895 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7896 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7897 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7898 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7899 an unrecognized tag.
7900 @end table
7901
7902 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
7903 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
7904 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
7905 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
7906
7907 @table @code
7908 @kindex info os processes
7909 @item info os processes
7910 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
7911 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
7912 the command corresponding to the process.
7913 @end table
7914
7915 @node Memory Region Attributes
7916 @section Memory Region Attributes
7917 @cindex memory region attributes
7918
7919 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7920 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7921 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7922 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7923 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7924 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7925 user can override the fetched regions.
7926
7927 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7928 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7929 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7930 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7931 all memory.
7932
7933 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7934 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7935
7936 @table @code
7937 @kindex mem
7938 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7939 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7940 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7941 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7942 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7943 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7944
7945 @item mem auto
7946 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7947 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7948
7949 @kindex delete mem
7950 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7951 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7952 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7953
7954 @kindex disable mem
7955 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7956 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7957 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7958 It may be enabled again later.
7959
7960 @kindex enable mem
7961 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7962 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7963
7964 @kindex info mem
7965 @item info mem
7966 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7967 for each region:
7968
7969 @table @emph
7970 @item Memory Region Number
7971 @item Enabled or Disabled.
7972 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7973 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
7974
7975 @item Lo Address
7976 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
7977
7978 @item Hi Address
7979 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
7980
7981 @item Attributes
7982 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
7983 @end table
7984 @end table
7985
7986
7987 @subsection Attributes
7988
7989 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
7990 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
7991 write accesses to a memory region.
7992
7993 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
7994 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
7995 etc.@: from accessing memory.
7996
7997 @table @code
7998 @item ro
7999 Memory is read only.
8000 @item wo
8001 Memory is write only.
8002 @item rw
8003 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8004 @end table
8005
8006 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8007 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8008 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8009 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8010 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8011
8012 @table @code
8013 @item 8
8014 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8015 @item 16
8016 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8017 @item 32
8018 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8019 @item 64
8020 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8021 @end table
8022
8023 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8024 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8025 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8026 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8027 @c
8028 @c @table @code
8029 @c @item hwbreak
8030 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8031 @c @item swbreak (default)
8032 @c @end table
8033
8034 @subsubsection Data Cache
8035 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8036 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8037 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8038 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8039 registers.
8040
8041 @table @code
8042 @item cache
8043 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8044 @item nocache
8045 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8046 @end table
8047
8048 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8049 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8050 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8051 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8052 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8053
8054 @table @code
8055 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8056 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8057 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8058 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8059 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8060 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8061 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8062 The default value is @code{on}.
8063 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8064 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8065 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8066 @end table
8067
8068
8069 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8070 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8071 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8072 @c
8073 @c @table @code
8074 @c @item verify
8075 @c @item noverify (default)
8076 @c @end table
8077
8078 @node Dump/Restore Files
8079 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8080 @cindex dump/restore files
8081 @cindex append data to a file
8082 @cindex dump data to a file
8083 @cindex restore data from a file
8084
8085 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8086 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8087 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8088 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8089 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8090 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8091 files.
8092
8093 @table @code
8094
8095 @kindex dump
8096 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8097 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8098 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8099 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8100
8101 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8102 @table @code
8103 @item binary
8104 Raw binary form.
8105 @item ihex
8106 Intel hex format.
8107 @item srec
8108 Motorola S-record format.
8109 @item tekhex
8110 Tektronix Hex format.
8111 @end table
8112
8113 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8114 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8115 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8116 form.
8117
8118 @kindex append
8119 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8120 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8121 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8122 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8123 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8124
8125 @kindex restore
8126 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8127 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8128 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8129 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8130 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8131
8132 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8133 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8134 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8135 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8136 from that location.
8137
8138 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8139 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8140 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8141 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8142
8143 @end table
8144
8145 @node Core File Generation
8146 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8147 @cindex dump core from inferior
8148
8149 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8150 image of a running process and its process status (register values
8151 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
8152 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
8153 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
8154 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
8155 the post-mortem debugging mode.
8156
8157 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
8158 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
8159 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
8160
8161 @table @code
8162 @kindex gcore
8163 @kindex generate-core-file
8164 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
8165 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
8166 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
8167 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
8168 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
8169 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
8170
8171 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
8172 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
8173 @end table
8174
8175 @node Character Sets
8176 @section Character Sets
8177 @cindex character sets
8178 @cindex charset
8179 @cindex translating between character sets
8180 @cindex host character set
8181 @cindex target character set
8182
8183 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
8184 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
8185 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
8186 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
8187 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
8188 @dfn{target character set}.
8189
8190 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
8191 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
8192 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
8193 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
8194 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
8195 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
8196 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
8197 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
8198 character and string literals in expressions.
8199
8200 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
8201 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
8202 target-charset} command, described below.
8203
8204 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
8205 support:
8206
8207 @table @code
8208 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
8209 @kindex set target-charset
8210 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
8211 list of supported target character sets, type
8212 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8213
8214 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
8215 @kindex set host-charset
8216 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
8217
8218 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
8219 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
8220 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
8221 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
8222 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
8223
8224 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
8225 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8226 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
8227
8228 @item set charset @var{charset}
8229 @kindex set charset
8230 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
8231 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8232 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
8233 for both host and target.
8234
8235 @item show charset
8236 @kindex show charset
8237 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
8238
8239 @item show host-charset
8240 @kindex show host-charset
8241 Show the name of the current host character set.
8242
8243 @item show target-charset
8244 @kindex show target-charset
8245 Show the name of the current target character set.
8246
8247 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
8248 @kindex set target-wide-charset
8249 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
8250 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
8251 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
8252 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8253
8254 @item show target-wide-charset
8255 @kindex show target-wide-charset
8256 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
8257 @end table
8258
8259 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
8260 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
8261 @file{charset-test.c}:
8262
8263 @smallexample
8264 #include <stdio.h>
8265
8266 char ascii_hello[]
8267 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
8268 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
8269 char ibm1047_hello[]
8270 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
8271 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
8272
8273 main ()
8274 @{
8275 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8276 @}
8277 @end smallexample
8278
8279 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
8280 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
8281 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
8282
8283 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
8284
8285 @smallexample
8286 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
8287 $ gdb -nw charset-test
8288 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
8289 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8290 @dots{}
8291 (@value{GDBP})
8292 @end smallexample
8293
8294 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
8295 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
8296 strings:
8297
8298 @smallexample
8299 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8300 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
8301 (@value{GDBP})
8302 @end smallexample
8303
8304 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
8305 initial character set:
8306 @smallexample
8307 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8308 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8309 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8310 (@value{GDBP})
8311 @end smallexample
8312
8313 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8314 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8315 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8316 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8317 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8318
8319 @smallexample
8320 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8321 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8322 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8323 $2 = 72 'H'
8324 (@value{GDBP})
8325 @end smallexample
8326
8327 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8328 literals you use in expressions:
8329
8330 @smallexample
8331 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8332 $3 = 43 '+'
8333 (@value{GDBP})
8334 @end smallexample
8335
8336 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8337 character.
8338
8339 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8340 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8341 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8342
8343 @smallexample
8344 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8345 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8346 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8347 $5 = 200 '\310'
8348 (@value{GDBP})
8349 @end smallexample
8350
8351 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8352 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8353
8354 @smallexample
8355 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8356 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8357 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8358 @end smallexample
8359
8360 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8361 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8362 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8363 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8364 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8365
8366 @smallexample
8367 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8368 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8369 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8370 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8371 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8372 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8373 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8374 $7 = 72 '\110'
8375 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8376 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8377 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8378 $9 = 200 'H'
8379 (@value{GDBP})
8380 @end smallexample
8381
8382 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8383 string literals you use in expressions:
8384
8385 @smallexample
8386 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8387 $10 = 78 '+'
8388 (@value{GDBP})
8389 @end smallexample
8390
8391 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8392 character.
8393
8394 @node Caching Remote Data
8395 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8396 @cindex caching data of remote targets
8397
8398 @value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
8399 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8400 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8401 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
8402 @value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
8403 registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
8404 volatile registers are in use.
8405
8406 @table @code
8407 @kindex set remotecache
8408 @item set remotecache on
8409 @itemx set remotecache off
8410 Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
8411 caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
8412
8413 @kindex show remotecache
8414 @item show remotecache
8415 Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
8416
8417 @kindex info dcache
8418 @item info dcache
8419 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8420 information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
8421 each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
8422 state (invalid, dirty, valid). This command is useful for debugging
8423 the data cache operation.
8424 @end table
8425
8426 @node Searching Memory
8427 @section Search Memory
8428 @cindex searching memory
8429
8430 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8431 @code{find} command.
8432
8433 @table @code
8434 @kindex find
8435 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8436 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8437 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8438 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8439 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8440 @end table
8441
8442 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8443 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8444
8445 @table @r
8446 @item @var{s}, search query size
8447 The size of each search query value.
8448
8449 @table @code
8450 @item b
8451 bytes
8452 @item h
8453 halfwords (two bytes)
8454 @item w
8455 words (four bytes)
8456 @item g
8457 giant words (eight bytes)
8458 @end table
8459
8460 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8461 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8462 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8463
8464 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8465 value's type in the current language.
8466 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8467 pattern as a mixture of types.
8468 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8469 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8470 which is typically four bytes.
8471
8472 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8473 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8474 @end table
8475
8476 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8477 (@code{"}).
8478 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8479 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8480
8481 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8482 number of matches found.
8483
8484 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8485 @samp{$_}.
8486 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8487
8488 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8489
8490 @smallexample
8491 void
8492 hello ()
8493 @{
8494 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8495 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8496 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8497 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8498 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8499 @}
8500 @end smallexample
8501
8502 @noindent
8503 you get during debugging:
8504
8505 @smallexample
8506 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
8507 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8508 1 pattern found
8509 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
8510 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8511 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8512 2 patterns found
8513 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
8514 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8515 1 pattern found
8516 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
8517 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
8518 1 pattern found
8519 (gdb) print $numfound
8520 $1 = 1
8521 (gdb) print $_
8522 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8523 @end smallexample
8524
8525 @node Optimized Code
8526 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
8527 @cindex optimized code, debugging
8528 @cindex debugging optimized code
8529
8530 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
8531 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
8532 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
8533 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
8534 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
8535 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
8536 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
8537
8538 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
8539 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
8540 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
8541 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
8542
8543 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
8544 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
8545 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
8546 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
8547 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
8548 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
8549
8550 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
8551 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
8552 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
8553 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
8554 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
8555
8556 @menu
8557 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
8558 @end menu
8559
8560 @node Inline Functions
8561 @section Inline Functions
8562 @cindex inline functions, debugging
8563
8564 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
8565 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
8566 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
8567 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
8568 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
8569 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
8570 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
8571 @code{info frame} command.
8572
8573 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
8574 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
8575 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
8576 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
8577 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
8578 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
8579 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
8580 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
8581 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
8582 local variables in the caller.
8583
8584 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
8585 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
8586 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
8587 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
8588 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
8589 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
8590 instructions are executed.
8591
8592 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
8593 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
8594 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
8595 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
8596
8597 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
8598 function calls are the same as normal calls:
8599
8600 @itemize @bullet
8601 @item
8602 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
8603 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
8604 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
8605 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
8606 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
8607 function instead.
8608
8609 @item
8610 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
8611 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
8612 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
8613 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
8614 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
8615 or inside the inlined function instead.
8616
8617 @item
8618 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
8619 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
8620 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
8621 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
8622
8623 @end itemize
8624
8625
8626 @node Macros
8627 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8628
8629 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8630 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8631 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8632 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8633 where it was defined.
8634
8635 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8636 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8637 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8638 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8639
8640 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8641 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8642 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8643 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8644 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8645 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8646 see @ref{List}.
8647
8648 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8649 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8650 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8651
8652 @table @code
8653
8654 @kindex macro expand
8655 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8656 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8657 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8658 @item macro expand @var{expression}
8659 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8660 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8661 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8662 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8663 it can be any string of tokens.
8664
8665 @kindex macro exp1
8666 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8667 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8668 @cindex expand macro once
8669 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8670 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8671 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8672 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8673 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8674 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8675 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8676 can be any string of tokens.
8677
8678 @kindex info macro
8679 @cindex macro definition, showing
8680 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
8681 @item info macro @var{macro}
8682 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8683 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
8684
8685 @kindex macro define
8686 @cindex user-defined macros
8687 @cindex defining macros interactively
8688 @cindex macros, user-defined
8689 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8690 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8691 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8692 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8693 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8694 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8695 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8696 @var{arglist}.
8697
8698 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8699 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8700 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8701 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8702 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8703
8704 @kindex macro undef
8705 @item macro undef @var{macro}
8706 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8707 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8708 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8709 in the program being debugged.
8710
8711 @kindex macro list
8712 @item macro list
8713 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8714 @end table
8715
8716 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
8717 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8718 show our source files:
8719
8720 @smallexample
8721 $ cat sample.c
8722 #include <stdio.h>
8723 #include "sample.h"
8724
8725 #define M 42
8726 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8727
8728 main ()
8729 @{
8730 #define N 28
8731 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8732 #undef N
8733 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8734 #define N 1729
8735 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8736 @}
8737 $ cat sample.h
8738 #define Q <
8739 $
8740 @end smallexample
8741
8742 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8743 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8744 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8745 information.
8746
8747 @smallexample
8748 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8749 $
8750 @end smallexample
8751
8752 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8753
8754 @smallexample
8755 $ gdb -nw sample
8756 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8757 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8758 GDB is free software, @dots{}
8759 (@value{GDBP})
8760 @end smallexample
8761
8762 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8763 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8764 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8765
8766 @smallexample
8767 (@value{GDBP}) list main
8768 3
8769 4 #define M 42
8770 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8771 6
8772 7 main ()
8773 8 @{
8774 9 #define N 28
8775 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8776 11 #undef N
8777 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8778 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8779 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8780 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8781 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8782 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8783 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8784 #define Q <
8785 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8786 expands to: (42 + 1)
8787 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8788 expands to: once (M + 1)
8789 (@value{GDBP})
8790 @end smallexample
8791
8792 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8793 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8794 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8795 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8796
8797 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8798 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8799
8800 @smallexample
8801 (@value{GDBP}) break main
8802 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8803 (@value{GDBP}) run
8804 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8805
8806 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
8807 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8808 (@value{GDBP})
8809 @end smallexample
8810
8811 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8812
8813 @smallexample
8814 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8815 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8816 #define N 28
8817 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8818 expands to: 28 < 42
8819 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8820 $1 = 1
8821 (@value{GDBP})
8822 @end smallexample
8823
8824 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8825 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8826 thereof) in force at each point:
8827
8828 @smallexample
8829 (@value{GDBP}) next
8830 Hello, world!
8831 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8832 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8833 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8834 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8835 (@value{GDBP}) next
8836 We're so creative.
8837 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8838 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8839 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8840 #define N 1729
8841 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8842 expands to: 1729 < 42
8843 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8844 $2 = 0
8845 (@value{GDBP})
8846 @end smallexample
8847
8848 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
8849 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
8850 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
8851 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
8852
8853 @smallexample
8854 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
8855 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
8856 -D__STDC__=1
8857 (@value{GDBP})
8858 @end smallexample
8859
8860
8861 @node Tracepoints
8862 @chapter Tracepoints
8863 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8864 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8865
8866 @cindex tracepoints
8867 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8868 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8869 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8870 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8871 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8872 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8873 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8874
8875 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8876 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8877 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8878 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8879 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8880 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8881 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8882 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8883 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8884 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8885 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8886
8887 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8888 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8889 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8890 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8891 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8892 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8893 Packets}.
8894
8895 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8896
8897 @menu
8898 * Set Tracepoints::
8899 * Analyze Collected Data::
8900 * Tracepoint Variables::
8901 @end menu
8902
8903 @node Set Tracepoints
8904 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8905
8906 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8907 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
8908 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
8909 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
8910 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
8911 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
8912 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
8913
8914 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8915 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8916 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8917 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8918 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8919 tracepoint was hit.
8920
8921 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Conditional
8922 expressions and ignore counts on tracepoints have no effect, and
8923 tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN} commands when they are
8924 hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific either.
8925
8926 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8927 conditions and actions.
8928
8929 @menu
8930 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8931 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8932 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
8933 * Tracepoint Actions::
8934 * Listing Tracepoints::
8935 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8936 @end menu
8937
8938 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8939 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8940
8941 @table @code
8942 @cindex set tracepoint
8943 @kindex trace
8944 @item trace @var{location}
8945 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8946 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
8947 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
8948 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
8949 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
8950 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
8951 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
8952 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
8953 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
8954
8955 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8956
8957 @smallexample
8958 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8959
8960 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8961
8962 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8963
8964 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8965
8966 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8967 @end smallexample
8968
8969 @noindent
8970 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8971
8972 @vindex $tpnum
8973 @cindex last tracepoint number
8974 @cindex recent tracepoint number
8975 @cindex tracepoint number
8976 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
8977 of the most recently set tracepoint.
8978
8979 @kindex delete tracepoint
8980 @cindex tracepoint deletion
8981 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8982 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
8983 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
8984 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
8985
8986 Examples:
8987
8988 @smallexample
8989 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
8990
8991 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
8992 @end smallexample
8993
8994 @noindent
8995 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
8996 @end table
8997
8998 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8999 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9000
9001 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9002
9003 @table @code
9004 @kindex disable tracepoint
9005 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9006 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9007 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9008 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
9009 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
9010
9011 @kindex enable tracepoint
9012 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9013 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
9014 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
9015 run.
9016 @end table
9017
9018 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
9019 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
9020
9021 @table @code
9022 @kindex passcount
9023 @cindex tracepoint pass count
9024 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
9025 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
9026 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
9027 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
9028 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
9029 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
9030 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
9031 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
9032 user.
9033
9034 Examples:
9035
9036 @smallexample
9037 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
9038 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
9039
9040 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
9041 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
9042 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9043 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
9044 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
9045 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
9046 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
9047 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
9048 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
9049 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
9050 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
9051 @end smallexample
9052 @end table
9053
9054 @node Tracepoint Actions
9055 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
9056
9057 @table @code
9058 @kindex actions
9059 @cindex tracepoint actions
9060 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9061 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
9062 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
9063 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
9064 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
9065 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
9066 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
9067 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
9068 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
9069 @code{while-stepping}.
9070
9071 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
9072 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
9073 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
9074
9075 @smallexample
9076 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
9077
9078 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
9079
9080 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
9081 @end smallexample
9082
9083 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
9084 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
9085 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
9086 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
9087 followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
9088 @code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
9089 @code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
9090 @code{end} command.
9091
9092 @smallexample
9093 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9094 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9095 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
9096 > collect bar,baz
9097 > collect $regs
9098 > while-stepping 12
9099 > collect $fp, $sp
9100 > end
9101 end
9102 @end smallexample
9103
9104 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
9105 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9106 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
9107 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
9108 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
9109 special arguments are supported:
9110
9111 @table @code
9112 @item $regs
9113 collect all registers
9114
9115 @item $args
9116 collect all function arguments
9117
9118 @item $locals
9119 collect all local variables.
9120 @end table
9121
9122 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
9123 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
9124 arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
9125
9126 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
9127 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
9128
9129 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
9130 @item while-stepping @var{n}
9131 Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
9132 new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
9133 followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
9134 its own @code{end} command):
9135
9136 @smallexample
9137 > while-stepping 12
9138 > collect $regs, myglobal
9139 > end
9140 >
9141 @end smallexample
9142
9143 @noindent
9144 You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
9145 @code{stepping}.
9146 @end table
9147
9148 @node Listing Tracepoints
9149 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
9150
9151 @table @code
9152 @kindex info tracepoints
9153 @kindex info tp
9154 @cindex information about tracepoints
9155 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9156 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
9157 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
9158 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
9159 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
9160 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
9161
9162 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
9163 tracing:
9164
9165 @itemize @bullet
9166 @item
9167 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
9168 @item
9169 its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
9170 @item
9171 its action list as given by the @code{actions} command. The actions
9172 are prefixed with an @samp{A} so as to distinguish them from commands.
9173 @end itemize
9174
9175 @smallexample
9176 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
9177 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
9178 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
9179 pass count 1200
9180 step count 20
9181 A while-stepping 20
9182 A collect globfoo, $regs
9183 A end
9184 A collect globfoo2
9185 A end
9186 (@value{GDBP})
9187 @end smallexample
9188
9189 @noindent
9190 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
9191 @end table
9192
9193 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9194 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9195
9196 @table @code
9197 @kindex tstart
9198 @cindex start a new trace experiment
9199 @cindex collected data discarded
9200 @item tstart
9201 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
9202 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
9203 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
9204 experiment.
9205
9206 @kindex tstop
9207 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
9208 @item tstop
9209 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
9210 stops collecting data.
9211
9212 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
9213 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
9214 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
9215
9216 @kindex tstatus
9217 @cindex status of trace data collection
9218 @cindex trace experiment, status of
9219 @item tstatus
9220 This command displays the status of the current trace data
9221 collection.
9222 @end table
9223
9224 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
9225
9226 @smallexample
9227 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
9228 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9229 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
9230 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
9231 > while-stepping 11
9232 > collect $regs
9233 > end
9234 > end
9235 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9236 [time passes @dots{}]
9237 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
9238 @end smallexample
9239
9240
9241 @node Analyze Collected Data
9242 @section Using the Collected Data
9243
9244 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
9245 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
9246 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
9247 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
9248 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
9249 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
9250 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
9251 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
9252 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
9253 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
9254 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
9255 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
9256 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
9257 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
9258 the buffer will fail.
9259
9260 @menu
9261 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
9262 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
9263 * save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
9264 @end menu
9265
9266 @node tfind
9267 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
9268
9269 @kindex tfind
9270 @cindex select trace snapshot
9271 @cindex find trace snapshot
9272 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
9273 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
9274 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
9275 snapshot is selected.
9276
9277 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
9278
9279 @table @code
9280 @item tfind start
9281 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
9282 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
9283
9284 @item tfind none
9285 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
9286
9287 @item tfind end
9288 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
9289
9290 @item tfind
9291 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
9292
9293 @item tfind -
9294 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
9295 retracing earlier steps.
9296
9297 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
9298 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
9299 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
9300 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
9301 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
9302
9303 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
9304 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
9305 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
9306 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
9307 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
9308
9309 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9310 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
9311 addresses.
9312
9313 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9314 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
9315 @var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
9316
9317 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
9318 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
9319 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
9320 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
9321 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
9322 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
9323 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
9324 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
9325 @end table
9326
9327 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
9328 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
9329 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
9330 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
9331 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
9332 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
9333 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
9334 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
9335 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
9336 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
9337 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
9338 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
9339 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
9340 tracepoint as the current one.
9341
9342 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
9343 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
9344 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
9345 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
9346 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
9347
9348 @smallexample
9349 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9350 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9351 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
9352 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
9353 > tfind
9354 > end
9355
9356 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
9357 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
9358 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
9359 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
9360 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
9361 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
9362 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
9363 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
9364 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
9365 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
9366 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
9367 @end smallexample
9368
9369 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
9370 the buffer:
9371
9372 @smallexample
9373 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9374 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9375 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
9376 > tfind line
9377 > end
9378
9379 Frame 0, X = 1
9380 Frame 7, X = 2
9381 Frame 13, X = 255
9382 @end smallexample
9383
9384 @node tdump
9385 @subsection @code{tdump}
9386 @kindex tdump
9387 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
9388 @cindex tracepoint data, display
9389
9390 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
9391 the current trace snapshot.
9392
9393 @smallexample
9394 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
9395 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9396 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
9397 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
9398 > end
9399
9400 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9401
9402 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
9403 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
9404 at gdb_test.c:444
9405 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
9406
9407 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
9408 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
9409 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
9410 d1 0x18 24
9411 d2 0x80 128
9412 d3 0x33 51
9413 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
9414 d5 0x22 34
9415 d6 0xe0 224
9416 d7 0x380035 3670069
9417 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
9418 a1 0x3000668 50333288
9419 a2 0x100 256
9420 a3 0x322000 3284992
9421 a4 0x3000698 50333336
9422 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
9423 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
9424 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
9425 ps 0x0 0
9426 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
9427 fpcontrol 0x0 0
9428 fpstatus 0x0 0
9429 fpiaddr 0x0 0
9430 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
9431 p1 = (void *) 0x11
9432 p2 = (void *) 0x22
9433 p3 = (void *) 0x33
9434 p4 = (void *) 0x44
9435 p5 = (void *) 0x55
9436 p6 = (void *) 0x66
9437 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
9438
9439 (@value{GDBP})
9440 @end smallexample
9441
9442 @node save-tracepoints
9443 @subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
9444 @kindex save-tracepoints
9445 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
9446
9447 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
9448 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
9449 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
9450 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
9451 Files}).
9452
9453 @node Tracepoint Variables
9454 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
9455 @cindex tracepoint variables
9456 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
9457
9458 @table @code
9459 @vindex $trace_frame
9460 @item (int) $trace_frame
9461 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
9462 snapshot is selected.
9463
9464 @vindex $tracepoint
9465 @item (int) $tracepoint
9466 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
9467
9468 @vindex $trace_line
9469 @item (int) $trace_line
9470 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
9471
9472 @vindex $trace_file
9473 @item (char []) $trace_file
9474 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
9475
9476 @vindex $trace_func
9477 @item (char []) $trace_func
9478 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
9479 @end table
9480
9481 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
9482 use @code{output} instead.
9483
9484 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
9485 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
9486 data.
9487
9488 @smallexample
9489 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9490
9491 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
9492 > output $trace_file
9493 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
9494 > tfind
9495 > end
9496 @end smallexample
9497
9498 @node Overlays
9499 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
9500 @cindex overlays
9501
9502 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
9503 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
9504 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
9505 use overlays.
9506
9507 @menu
9508 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
9509 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
9510 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
9511 mapped by asking the inferior.
9512 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
9513 @end menu
9514
9515 @node How Overlays Work
9516 @section How Overlays Work
9517 @cindex mapped overlays
9518 @cindex unmapped overlays
9519 @cindex load address, overlay's
9520 @cindex mapped address
9521 @cindex overlay area
9522
9523 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
9524 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
9525 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
9526 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
9527 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
9528
9529 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
9530 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
9531 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
9532 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
9533 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
9534 largest overlay as well.
9535
9536 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
9537 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
9538 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
9539 there.
9540
9541 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
9542 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
9543 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
9544
9545 @smallexample
9546 @group
9547 Data Instruction Larger
9548 Address Space Address Space Address Space
9549 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
9550 | | | | | |
9551 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
9552 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
9553 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
9554 | and heap | | | | | |
9555 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
9556 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
9557 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
9558 | | | | | |
9559 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
9560 address | | | | | |
9561 | overlay | <-' | | |
9562 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
9563 | | <---. | | load address
9564 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
9565 | | | |
9566 +-----------+ | |
9567 +-----------+
9568 | |
9569 +-----------+
9570
9571 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
9572 @end group
9573 @end smallexample
9574
9575 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
9576 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
9577 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
9578 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9579 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9580 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9581 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9582 program and the overlay area.
9583
9584 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9585 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9586 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9587 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9588 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9589 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9590 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9591
9592 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9593 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9594 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9595
9596 @itemize @bullet
9597
9598 @item
9599 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9600 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9601 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9602 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9603
9604 @item
9605 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9606 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9607 your program's performance.
9608
9609 @item
9610 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9611 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9612 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9613 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9614 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9615 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9616 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9617
9618 @item
9619 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9620 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9621 instruction and data spaces.
9622
9623 @end itemize
9624
9625 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9626 improved in many ways:
9627
9628 @itemize @bullet
9629
9630 @item
9631 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9632 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9633 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9634 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9635 area in the usual way.
9636
9637 @item
9638 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9639 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9640
9641 @item
9642 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9643 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9644 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9645 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9646 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9647 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9648 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9649
9650 @end itemize
9651
9652
9653 @node Overlay Commands
9654 @section Overlay Commands
9655
9656 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9657 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9658 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9659 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9660 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9661 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9662
9663 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9664 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9665
9666 @table @code
9667 @item overlay off
9668 @kindex overlay
9669 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9670 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9671 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9672 overlay support is disabled.
9673
9674 @item overlay manual
9675 @cindex manual overlay debugging
9676 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9677 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9678 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9679 commands described below.
9680
9681 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9682 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9683 @cindex map an overlay
9684 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9685 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9686 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9687 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9688 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9689 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9690
9691 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9692 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9693 @cindex unmap an overlay
9694 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9695 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9696 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9697 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9698
9699 @item overlay auto
9700 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9701 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9702 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9703 Overlay Debugging}.
9704
9705 @item overlay load-target
9706 @itemx overlay load
9707 @cindex reloading the overlay table
9708 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9709 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9710 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9711 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9712 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9713
9714 @item overlay list-overlays
9715 @itemx overlay list
9716 @cindex listing mapped overlays
9717 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9718 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9719
9720 @end table
9721
9722 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9723 of the function the address falls in:
9724
9725 @smallexample
9726 (@value{GDBP}) print main
9727 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9728 @end smallexample
9729 @noindent
9730 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9731 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9732 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9733 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9734
9735 @smallexample
9736 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9737 No sections are mapped.
9738 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9739 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9740 @end smallexample
9741 @noindent
9742 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9743 name normally:
9744
9745 @smallexample
9746 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9747 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9748 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9749 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9750 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9751 @end smallexample
9752
9753 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9754 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9755 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9756 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9757 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9758
9759 @itemize @bullet
9760 @item
9761 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
9762 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9763 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9764 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9765 @item
9766 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9767 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9768 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9769 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9770 breakpoints properly.
9771 @end itemize
9772
9773
9774 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9775 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9776 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
9777
9778 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9779 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9780 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9781 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9782 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9783 current state of the overlays.
9784
9785 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9786 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9787
9788 @table @asis
9789
9790 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
9791 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9792
9793 @smallexample
9794 struct
9795 @{
9796 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9797 unsigned long vma;
9798
9799 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9800 unsigned long size;
9801
9802 /* The overlay's load address. */
9803 unsigned long lma;
9804
9805 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9806 zero otherwise. */
9807 unsigned long mapped;
9808 @}
9809 @end smallexample
9810
9811 @item @code{_novlys}:
9812 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9813 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9814
9815 @end table
9816
9817 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9818 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9819 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9820 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9821 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9822 currently mapped.
9823
9824 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9825 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9826 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9827 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9828 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9829 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9830 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9831 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9832 are not being executed.
9833
9834 @node Overlay Sample Program
9835 @section Overlay Sample Program
9836 @cindex overlay example program
9837
9838 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9839 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9840 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9841 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9842 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9843 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9844 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9845
9846 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9847 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9848 suite. The program consists of the following files from
9849 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9850
9851 @table @file
9852 @item overlays.c
9853 The main program file.
9854 @item ovlymgr.c
9855 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9856 @item foo.c
9857 @itemx bar.c
9858 @itemx baz.c
9859 @itemx grbx.c
9860 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9861 @item d10v.ld
9862 @itemx m32r.ld
9863 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9864 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9865 @end table
9866
9867 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9868 cross-compiler like this:
9869
9870 @smallexample
9871 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9872 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9873 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9874 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9875 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9876 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9877 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9878 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9879 @end smallexample
9880
9881 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9882 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9883 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9884
9885
9886 @node Languages
9887 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9888 @cindex languages
9889
9890 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9891 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9892 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9893 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9894 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9895 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9896
9897 @cindex working language
9898 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9899 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9900 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9901 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9902 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9903 language}.
9904
9905 @menu
9906 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
9907 * Show:: Displaying the language
9908 * Checks:: Type and range checks
9909 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9910 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9911 @end menu
9912
9913 @node Setting
9914 @section Switching Between Source Languages
9915
9916 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9917 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9918 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9919 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9920 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9921 are printed, etc.
9922
9923 In addition to the working language, every source file that
9924 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9925 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9926 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9927 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
9928 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
9929 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
9930 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
9931 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
9932 Displaying the Language}.
9933
9934 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
9935 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
9936 another language. In that case, make the
9937 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
9938 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
9939 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
9940
9941 @menu
9942 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
9943 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
9944 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
9945 @end menu
9946
9947 @node Filenames
9948 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
9949
9950 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
9951 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
9952
9953 @table @file
9954 @item .ada
9955 @itemx .ads
9956 @itemx .adb
9957 @itemx .a
9958 Ada source file.
9959
9960 @item .c
9961 C source file
9962
9963 @item .C
9964 @itemx .cc
9965 @itemx .cp
9966 @itemx .cpp
9967 @itemx .cxx
9968 @itemx .c++
9969 C@t{++} source file
9970
9971 @item .m
9972 Objective-C source file
9973
9974 @item .f
9975 @itemx .F
9976 Fortran source file
9977
9978 @item .mod
9979 Modula-2 source file
9980
9981 @item .s
9982 @itemx .S
9983 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
9984 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
9985 @end table
9986
9987 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
9988 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
9989
9990 @node Manually
9991 @subsection Setting the Working Language
9992
9993 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
9994 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
9995 your program.
9996
9997 @kindex set language
9998 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
9999 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
10000 a language, such as
10001 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
10002 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
10003
10004 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
10005 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
10006 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
10007 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
10008 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
10009 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
10010 command such as:
10011
10012 @smallexample
10013 print a = b + c
10014 @end smallexample
10015
10016 @noindent
10017 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
10018 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
10019 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
10020 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
10021
10022 @node Automatically
10023 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
10024
10025 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
10026 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
10027 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
10028 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
10029 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
10030 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
10031 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
10032 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
10033 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
10034
10035 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
10036 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
10037 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
10038 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
10039 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
10040
10041 @node Show
10042 @section Displaying the Language
10043
10044 The following commands help you find out which language is the
10045 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
10046
10047 @table @code
10048 @item show language
10049 @kindex show language
10050 Display the current working language. This is the
10051 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
10052 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
10053
10054 @item info frame
10055 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
10056 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
10057 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
10058 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
10059 information listed here.
10060
10061 @item info source
10062 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
10063 Display the source language of this source file.
10064 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
10065 information listed here.
10066 @end table
10067
10068 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
10069 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
10070 with a language explicitly:
10071
10072 @table @code
10073 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
10074 @kindex set extension-language
10075 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
10076 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
10077
10078 @item info extensions
10079 @kindex info extensions
10080 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
10081 @end table
10082
10083 @node Checks
10084 @section Type and Range Checking
10085
10086 @quotation
10087 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
10088 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
10089 section documents the intended facilities.
10090 @end quotation
10091 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
10092
10093 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
10094 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
10095 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
10096 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
10097 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
10098 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
10099 errors when your program is running.
10100
10101 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
10102 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
10103 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
10104 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
10105 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
10106 automatically based on your program's source language.
10107 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
10108 settings of supported languages.
10109
10110 @menu
10111 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
10112 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
10113 @end menu
10114
10115 @cindex type checking
10116 @cindex checks, type
10117 @node Type Checking
10118 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
10119
10120 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
10121 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
10122 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
10123 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
10124
10125 @smallexample
10126 1 + 2 @result{} 3
10127 @exdent but
10128 @error{} 1 + 2.3
10129 @end smallexample
10130
10131 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
10132 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
10133
10134 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
10135 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
10136 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
10137 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
10138 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
10139 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
10140 also issues a warning.
10141
10142 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
10143 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
10144 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
10145 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
10146 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
10147 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
10148
10149 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
10150 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
10151 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
10152 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
10153 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
10154 details on specific languages.
10155
10156 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
10157
10158 @kindex set check type
10159 @kindex show check type
10160 @table @code
10161 @item set check type auto
10162 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
10163 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10164 each language.
10165
10166 @item set check type on
10167 @itemx set check type off
10168 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10169 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
10170 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
10171 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
10172 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
10173
10174 @item set check type warn
10175 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
10176 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
10177 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
10178 numbers and structures.
10179
10180 @item show type
10181 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
10182 is setting it automatically.
10183 @end table
10184
10185 @cindex range checking
10186 @cindex checks, range
10187 @node Range Checking
10188 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
10189
10190 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
10191 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
10192 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
10193 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
10194 not exceed the bounds of the array.
10195
10196 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
10197 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
10198 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
10199 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
10200
10201 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
10202 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
10203 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
10204 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
10205 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
10206 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
10207
10208 @smallexample
10209 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
10210 @end smallexample
10211
10212 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
10213 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
10214 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
10215
10216 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
10217
10218 @kindex set check range
10219 @kindex show check range
10220 @table @code
10221 @item set check range auto
10222 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
10223 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10224 each language.
10225
10226 @item set check range on
10227 @itemx set check range off
10228 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10229 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
10230 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
10231 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
10232
10233 @item set check range warn
10234 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
10235 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
10236 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
10237 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
10238 systems).
10239
10240 @item show range
10241 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
10242 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
10243 @end table
10244
10245 @node Supported Languages
10246 @section Supported Languages
10247
10248 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
10249 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
10250 @c This is false ...
10251 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
10252 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
10253 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
10254 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
10255 language.
10256
10257 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
10258 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
10259 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
10260 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
10261 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
10262 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
10263 language reference or tutorial.
10264
10265 @menu
10266 * C:: C and C@t{++}
10267 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
10268 * Fortran:: Fortran
10269 * Pascal:: Pascal
10270 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
10271 * Ada:: Ada
10272 @end menu
10273
10274 @node C
10275 @subsection C and C@t{++}
10276
10277 @cindex C and C@t{++}
10278 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
10279
10280 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
10281 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
10282 together.
10283
10284 @cindex C@t{++}
10285 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
10286 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
10287 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
10288 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
10289 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
10290 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
10291 compiler (@code{aCC}).
10292
10293 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
10294 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
10295 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
10296 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
10297 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
10298 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
10299
10300 @menu
10301 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
10302 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
10303 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
10304 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
10305 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
10306 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
10307 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
10308 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
10309 @end menu
10310
10311 @node C Operators
10312 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
10313
10314 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
10315
10316 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10317 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10318 often defined on groups of types.
10319
10320 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
10321
10322 @itemize @bullet
10323
10324 @item
10325 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
10326 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
10327
10328 @item
10329 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
10330 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
10331
10332 @item
10333 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
10334
10335 @item
10336 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
10337
10338 @end itemize
10339
10340 @noindent
10341 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
10342 in order of increasing precedence:
10343
10344 @table @code
10345 @item ,
10346 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
10347 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
10348 expression being the last expression evaluated.
10349
10350 @item =
10351 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
10352 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
10353
10354 @item @var{op}=
10355 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
10356 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
10357 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
10358 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
10359 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
10360
10361 @item ?:
10362 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
10363 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
10364 integral type.
10365
10366 @item ||
10367 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10368
10369 @item &&
10370 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10371
10372 @item |
10373 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10374
10375 @item ^
10376 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10377
10378 @item &
10379 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10380
10381 @item ==@r{, }!=
10382 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
10383 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
10384
10385 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
10386 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
10387 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
10388 and non-zero for true.
10389
10390 @item <<@r{, }>>
10391 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
10392
10393 @item @@
10394 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10395
10396 @item +@r{, }-
10397 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
10398 pointer types.
10399
10400 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
10401 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
10402 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
10403 integral types.
10404
10405 @item ++@r{, }--
10406 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
10407 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
10408 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
10409 operation takes place.
10410
10411 @item *
10412 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
10413 @code{++}.
10414
10415 @item &
10416 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
10417
10418 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
10419 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
10420 to examine the address
10421 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
10422 stored.
10423
10424 @item -
10425 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
10426 precedence as @code{++}.
10427
10428 @item !
10429 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10430 @code{++}.
10431
10432 @item ~
10433 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10434 @code{++}.
10435
10436
10437 @item .@r{, }->
10438 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
10439 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
10440 pointer based on the stored type information.
10441 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
10442
10443 @item .*@r{, }->*
10444 Dereferences of pointers to members.
10445
10446 @item []
10447 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
10448 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10449
10450 @item ()
10451 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10452
10453 @item ::
10454 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
10455 and @code{class} types.
10456
10457 @item ::
10458 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
10459 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
10460 above.
10461 @end table
10462
10463 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
10464 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
10465 predefined meaning.
10466
10467 @node C Constants
10468 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
10469
10470 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
10471
10472 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
10473 following ways:
10474
10475 @itemize @bullet
10476 @item
10477 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
10478 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
10479 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
10480 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
10481 @code{long} value.
10482
10483 @item
10484 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
10485 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
10486 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
10487 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
10488 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
10489 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
10490 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
10491 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
10492 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
10493 constant.
10494
10495 @item
10496 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
10497 integral equivalents.
10498
10499 @item
10500 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
10501 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
10502 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
10503 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
10504 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
10505 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
10506 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
10507 @samp{\n} for newline.
10508
10509 @item
10510 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
10511 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
10512 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
10513 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
10514 characters.
10515
10516 @item
10517 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
10518 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
10519
10520 @item
10521 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
10522 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
10523 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
10524 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
10525 @end itemize
10526
10527 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
10528 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
10529
10530 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
10531 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
10532
10533 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
10534 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
10535 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
10536 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
10537 @quotation
10538 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
10539 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
10540 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
10541 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
10542 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
10543 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
10544 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
10545 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
10546 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
10547 C@t{++} code.
10548 @end quotation
10549
10550 @enumerate
10551
10552 @cindex member functions
10553 @item
10554 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
10555
10556 @smallexample
10557 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
10558 @end smallexample
10559
10560 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
10561 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
10562 @item
10563 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
10564 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
10565 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
10566 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
10567
10568 @cindex call overloaded functions
10569 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
10570 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
10571 @item
10572 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
10573 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
10574 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
10575 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
10576 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
10577 default arguments.
10578
10579 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10580 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10581 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10582 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10583 number of function arguments.
10584
10585 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10586 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10587 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10588
10589 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10590 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10591 @smallexample
10592 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10593 @end smallexample
10594
10595 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10596 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10597
10598 @cindex reference declarations
10599 @item
10600 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10601 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10602 dereferenced.
10603
10604 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10605 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10606 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10607 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10608 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10609
10610 @item
10611 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10612 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10613 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10614 necessary, for example in an expression like
10615 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10616 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10617 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10618 @end enumerate
10619
10620 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10621 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10622 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10623 invoking user-defined operators.
10624
10625 @node C Defaults
10626 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10627
10628 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10629
10630 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10631 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10632 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10633 selects the working language.
10634
10635 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10636 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10637 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10638 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10639 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10640 for further details.
10641
10642 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10643 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10644 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10645
10646 @node C Checks
10647 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10648
10649 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10650
10651 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10652 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10653 considers two variables type equivalent if:
10654
10655 @itemize @bullet
10656 @item
10657 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10658 enumerated tag.
10659
10660 @item
10661 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10662 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10663
10664 @ignore
10665 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10666 @c FIXME--beers?
10667 @item
10668 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10669 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10670 compilers.)
10671 @end ignore
10672 @end itemize
10673
10674 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10675 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10676 that is not itself an array.
10677
10678 @node Debugging C
10679 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10680
10681 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10682 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10683 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10684 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10685
10686 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10687 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10688 ,Expressions}.
10689
10690 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
10691 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10692
10693 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
10694
10695 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10696 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10697
10698 @table @code
10699 @cindex break in overloaded functions
10700 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
10701 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10702 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10703 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10704 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10705
10706 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10707 @item rbreak @var{regex}
10708 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10709 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10710 classes.
10711 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10712
10713 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10714 @item catch throw
10715 @itemx catch catch
10716 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10717 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10718
10719 @cindex inheritance
10720 @item ptype @var{typename}
10721 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10722 @var{typename}.
10723 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10724
10725 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10726 @item set print demangle
10727 @itemx show print demangle
10728 @itemx set print asm-demangle
10729 @itemx show print asm-demangle
10730 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10731 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10732 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10733
10734 @item set print object
10735 @itemx show print object
10736 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10737 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10738
10739 @item set print vtbl
10740 @itemx show print vtbl
10741 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10742 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10743 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10744 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10745
10746 @kindex set overload-resolution
10747 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10748 @item set overload-resolution on
10749 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10750 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10751 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10752 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10753 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10754 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10755
10756 @item set overload-resolution off
10757 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10758 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10759 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10760 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10761 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10762 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10763 argument types.
10764
10765 @kindex show overload-resolution
10766 @item show overload-resolution
10767 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10768
10769 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10770 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10771 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10772 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10773 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10774 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10775 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10776 @end table
10777
10778 @node Decimal Floating Point
10779 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10780 @cindex decimal floating point format
10781
10782 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10783 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10784 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10785 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10786
10787 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10788 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10789 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10790 target.
10791
10792 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10793 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10794 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10795
10796 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10797 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10798 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10799
10800 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10801 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers. See
10802 @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10803
10804 @node Objective-C
10805 @subsection Objective-C
10806
10807 @cindex Objective-C
10808 This section provides information about some commands and command
10809 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10810 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10811 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10812
10813 @menu
10814 * Method Names in Commands::
10815 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
10816 @end menu
10817
10818 @node Method Names in Commands
10819 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10820
10821 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10822 names as line specifications:
10823
10824 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10825 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10826 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10827 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10828 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10829 @itemize
10830 @item @code{clear}
10831 @item @code{break}
10832 @item @code{info line}
10833 @item @code{jump}
10834 @item @code{list}
10835 @end itemize
10836
10837 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10838
10839 @smallexample
10840 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10841 @end smallexample
10842
10843 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10844 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10845 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10846 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10847 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10848 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10849 debugged, enter:
10850
10851 @smallexample
10852 break -[Fruit create]
10853 @end smallexample
10854
10855 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10856 enter:
10857
10858 @smallexample
10859 list +[NSText initialize]
10860 @end smallexample
10861
10862 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10863 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10864 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10865 is also possible to specify just a method name:
10866
10867 @smallexample
10868 break create
10869 @end smallexample
10870
10871 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10872 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10873 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10874 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10875 none apply.
10876
10877 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10878 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10879
10880 @smallexample
10881 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10882 @end smallexample
10883
10884 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
10885 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10886 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
10887 @kindex print-object
10888 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10889
10890 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10891
10892 @smallexample
10893 print -[@var{object} hash]
10894 @end smallexample
10895
10896 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
10897 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10898 @noindent
10899 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10900 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10901 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10902 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10903 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10904 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10905
10906 @node Fortran
10907 @subsection Fortran
10908 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10909
10910 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10911 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10912
10913 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10914 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10915 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10916 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10917 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10918 underscore.
10919
10920 @menu
10921 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10922 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10923 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10924 @end menu
10925
10926 @node Fortran Operators
10927 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
10928
10929 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
10930
10931 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10932 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
10933 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
10934
10935 @table @code
10936 @item **
10937 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
10938 of the second one.
10939
10940 @item :
10941 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
10942 represent a section of array.
10943
10944 @item %
10945 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
10946 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
10947 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
10948 union type.
10949 @end table
10950
10951 @node Fortran Defaults
10952 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
10953
10954 @cindex Fortran Defaults
10955
10956 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
10957 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
10958 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
10959 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
10960
10961 @node Special Fortran Commands
10962 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
10963
10964 @cindex Special Fortran commands
10965
10966 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
10967 such as displaying common blocks.
10968
10969 @table @code
10970 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
10971 @kindex info common
10972 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
10973 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
10974 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
10975 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
10976 printed.
10977 @end table
10978
10979 @node Pascal
10980 @subsection Pascal
10981
10982 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
10983 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
10984 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
10985 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
10986 syntax.
10987
10988 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
10989 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
10990 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
10991
10992 @node Modula-2
10993 @subsection Modula-2
10994
10995 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
10996
10997 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
10998 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
10999 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
11000 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11001 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
11002 table.
11003
11004 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
11005 @menu
11006 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
11007 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
11008 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
11009 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
11010 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
11011 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
11012 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
11013 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11014 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11015 @end menu
11016
11017 @node M2 Operators
11018 @subsubsection Operators
11019 @cindex Modula-2 operators
11020
11021 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11022 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11023 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
11024 following definitions hold:
11025
11026 @itemize @bullet
11027
11028 @item
11029 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
11030 their subranges.
11031
11032 @item
11033 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
11034
11035 @item
11036 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
11037
11038 @item
11039 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
11040 @var{type}}.
11041
11042 @item
11043 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
11044
11045 @item
11046 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
11047
11048 @item
11049 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
11050 @end itemize
11051
11052 @noindent
11053 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
11054 increasing precedence:
11055
11056 @table @code
11057 @item ,
11058 Function argument or array index separator.
11059
11060 @item :=
11061 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
11062 @var{value}.
11063
11064 @item <@r{, }>
11065 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
11066 types.
11067
11068 @item <=@r{, }>=
11069 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
11070 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
11071 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
11072
11073 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
11074 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
11075 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
11076 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
11077 comment character.
11078
11079 @item IN
11080 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
11081 Same precedence as @code{<}.
11082
11083 @item OR
11084 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11085
11086 @item AND@r{, }&
11087 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11088
11089 @item @@
11090 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11091
11092 @item +@r{, }-
11093 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
11094 and difference on set types.
11095
11096 @item *
11097 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
11098 on set types.
11099
11100 @item /
11101 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
11102 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
11103
11104 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
11105 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
11106 precedence as @code{*}.
11107
11108 @item -
11109 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
11110
11111 @item ^
11112 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
11113
11114 @item NOT
11115 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
11116 @code{^}.
11117
11118 @item .
11119 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
11120 precedence as @code{^}.
11121
11122 @item []
11123 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
11124
11125 @item ()
11126 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
11127 as @code{^}.
11128
11129 @item ::@r{, }.
11130 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
11131 @end table
11132
11133 @quotation
11134 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
11135 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
11136 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
11137 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
11138 @end quotation
11139
11140
11141 @node Built-In Func/Proc
11142 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
11143 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
11144
11145 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
11146 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
11147
11148 @table @var
11149
11150 @item a
11151 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
11152
11153 @item c
11154 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
11155
11156 @item i
11157 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
11158
11159 @item m
11160 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
11161 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
11162 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
11163
11164 @item n
11165 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
11166
11167 @item r
11168 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
11169
11170 @item t
11171 represents a type.
11172
11173 @item v
11174 represents a variable.
11175
11176 @item x
11177 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
11178 explanation of the function for details.
11179 @end table
11180
11181 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
11182
11183 @table @code
11184 @item ABS(@var{n})
11185 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
11186
11187 @item CAP(@var{c})
11188 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
11189 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
11190
11191 @item CHR(@var{i})
11192 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11193
11194 @item DEC(@var{v})
11195 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11196
11197 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
11198 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11199 new value.
11200
11201 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11202 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
11203 set.
11204
11205 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
11206 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
11207
11208 @item HIGH(@var{a})
11209 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
11210
11211 @item INC(@var{v})
11212 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11213
11214 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
11215 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11216 new value.
11217
11218 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11219 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
11220 there. Returns the new set.
11221
11222 @item MAX(@var{t})
11223 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
11224
11225 @item MIN(@var{t})
11226 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
11227
11228 @item ODD(@var{i})
11229 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
11230
11231 @item ORD(@var{x})
11232 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
11233 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
11234 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
11235 integral, character and enumerated types.
11236
11237 @item SIZE(@var{x})
11238 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11239
11240 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
11241 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
11242
11243 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
11244 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11245
11246 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
11247 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11248 @end table
11249
11250 @quotation
11251 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
11252 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
11253 an error.
11254 @end quotation
11255
11256 @cindex Modula-2 constants
11257 @node M2 Constants
11258 @subsubsection Constants
11259
11260 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
11261 ways:
11262
11263 @itemize @bullet
11264
11265 @item
11266 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
11267 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
11268 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
11269 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
11270
11271 @item
11272 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
11273 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
11274 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
11275 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
11276 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
11277 digits.
11278
11279 @item
11280 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
11281 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
11282 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
11283 followed by a @samp{C}.
11284
11285 @item
11286 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
11287 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
11288 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
11289 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
11290 sequences.
11291
11292 @item
11293 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
11294
11295 @item
11296 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
11297 @code{FALSE}.
11298
11299 @item
11300 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
11301
11302 @item
11303 Set constants are not yet supported.
11304 @end itemize
11305
11306 @node M2 Types
11307 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
11308 @cindex Modula-2 types
11309
11310 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
11311 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
11312 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
11313 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
11314 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
11315 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
11316
11317 The first example contains the following section of code:
11318
11319 @smallexample
11320 VAR
11321 s: SET OF CHAR ;
11322 r: [20..40] ;
11323 @end smallexample
11324
11325 @noindent
11326 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
11327 @code{r} and @code{s}.
11328
11329 @smallexample
11330 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11331 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
11332 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11333 SET OF CHAR
11334 (@value{GDBP}) print r
11335 21
11336 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
11337 [20..40]
11338 @end smallexample
11339
11340 @noindent
11341 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
11342
11343 @smallexample
11344 VAR
11345 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
11346 @end smallexample
11347
11348 @noindent
11349 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
11350
11351 @smallexample
11352 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11353 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
11354 @end smallexample
11355
11356 @noindent
11357 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
11358 expressions using the debugger.
11359
11360 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
11361 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
11362
11363 @smallexample
11364 VAR
11365 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
11366 @end smallexample
11367
11368 @smallexample
11369 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11370 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
11371 @end smallexample
11372
11373 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
11374 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
11375 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
11376 above.
11377
11378 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
11379
11380 @smallexample
11381 TYPE
11382 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
11383 t = [blue..yellow] ;
11384 VAR
11385 s: t ;
11386 BEGIN
11387 s := blue ;
11388 @end smallexample
11389
11390 @noindent
11391 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
11392 and value of a variable.
11393
11394 @smallexample
11395 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11396 $1 = blue
11397 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
11398 type = [blue..yellow]
11399 @end smallexample
11400
11401 @noindent
11402 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
11403 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
11404 their @code{C} counterparts.
11405
11406 @smallexample
11407 VAR
11408 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11409 BEGIN
11410 s[1] := 1 ;
11411 @end smallexample
11412
11413 @smallexample
11414 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11415 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
11416 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11417 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11418 @end smallexample
11419
11420 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
11421 pointer types as shown in this example:
11422
11423 @smallexample
11424 VAR
11425 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11426 BEGIN
11427 NEW(s) ;
11428 s^[1] := 1 ;
11429 @end smallexample
11430
11431 @noindent
11432 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
11433
11434 @smallexample
11435 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11436 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11437 @end smallexample
11438
11439 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
11440 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
11441 types:
11442
11443 @smallexample
11444 TYPE
11445 foo = RECORD
11446 f1: CARDINAL ;
11447 f2: CHAR ;
11448 f3: myarray ;
11449 END ;
11450
11451 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
11452 myrange = [-2..2] ;
11453 VAR
11454 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
11455 @end smallexample
11456
11457 @noindent
11458 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
11459 below.
11460
11461 @smallexample
11462 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11463 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
11464 f1 : CARDINAL;
11465 f2 : CHAR;
11466 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
11467 END
11468 @end smallexample
11469
11470 @node M2 Defaults
11471 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
11472 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
11473
11474 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
11475 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
11476 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11477 selected the working language.
11478
11479 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
11480 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
11481 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
11482 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
11483
11484 @node Deviations
11485 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
11486 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
11487
11488 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
11489 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
11490
11491 @itemize @bullet
11492 @item
11493 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
11494 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
11495 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
11496 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
11497 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
11498 returned a pointer.)
11499
11500 @item
11501 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
11502 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
11503 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
11504 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
11505
11506 @item
11507 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
11508 argument.
11509
11510 @item
11511 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
11512 @end itemize
11513
11514 @node M2 Checks
11515 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
11516 @cindex Modula-2 checks
11517
11518 @quotation
11519 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
11520 range checking.
11521 @end quotation
11522 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
11523
11524 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
11525
11526 @itemize @bullet
11527 @item
11528 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
11529 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
11530
11531 @item
11532 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
11533 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
11534 @end itemize
11535
11536 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
11537 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
11538
11539 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
11540 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
11541
11542 @node M2 Scope
11543 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11544 @cindex scope
11545 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
11546 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
11547 @ifinfo
11548 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
11549 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
11550 @end ifinfo
11551 @ifnotinfo
11552 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
11553 @end ifnotinfo
11554
11555 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
11556 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
11557 similar syntax:
11558
11559 @smallexample
11560
11561 @var{module} . @var{id}
11562 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
11563 @end smallexample
11564
11565 @noindent
11566 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
11567 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
11568 identifier within your program, except another module.
11569
11570 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
11571 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
11572 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
11573 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
11574
11575 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
11576 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
11577 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
11578 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11579 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11580 @var{module}.
11581
11582 @node GDB/M2
11583 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11584
11585 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11586 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11587 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11588 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11589 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11590 analogue in Modula-2.
11591
11592 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11593 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11594 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11595 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11596 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11597 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11598
11599 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11600 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11601 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11602
11603 @node Ada
11604 @subsection Ada
11605 @cindex Ada
11606
11607 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11608 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11609 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11610 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11611 to be difficult.
11612
11613
11614 @cindex expressions in Ada
11615 @menu
11616 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11617 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11618 in @value{GDBN}.
11619 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11620 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11621 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11622 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
11623 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11624 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11625 @end menu
11626
11627 @node Ada Mode Intro
11628 @subsubsection Introduction
11629 @cindex Ada mode, general
11630
11631 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11632 syntax, with some extensions.
11633 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11634
11635 @itemize @bullet
11636 @item
11637 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11638 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11639 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11640 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11641
11642 @item
11643 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11644 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11645
11646 @item
11647 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11648 @end itemize
11649
11650 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
11651 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
11652 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
11653 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
11654 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11655
11656 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11657 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11658 was translated from an Ada source file.
11659
11660 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11661 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11662 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11663 middle (to allow based literals).
11664
11665 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11666 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11667 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11668 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11669 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11670 functions to procedures elsewhere.
11671
11672 @node Omissions from Ada
11673 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11674 @cindex Ada, omissions from
11675
11676 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11677
11678 @itemize @bullet
11679 @item
11680 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11681
11682 @itemize @minus
11683 @item
11684 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11685 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11686
11687 @item
11688 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11689
11690 @item
11691 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11692
11693 @item
11694 @t{'Tag}.
11695
11696 @item
11697 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11698 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11699
11700 @item
11701 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11702 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11703
11704 @item
11705 @t{'Address}.
11706 @end itemize
11707
11708 @item
11709 The names in
11710 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11711 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11712 not currently available.
11713
11714 @item
11715 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11716 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11717 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11718 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11719 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11720 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11721 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11722 indeterminate values.
11723
11724 @item
11725 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11726 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11727 are not implemented.
11728
11729 @item
11730 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11731 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11732 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
11733 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11734 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11735
11736 @smallexample
11737 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11738 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11739 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11740 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11741 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11742 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11743 @end smallexample
11744
11745 Changing a
11746 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11747 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11748 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11749 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11750 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11751 declared to have a type such as:
11752
11753 @smallexample
11754 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11755 Id : Integer;
11756 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11757 end record;
11758 @end smallexample
11759
11760 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11761 assignments:
11762
11763 @smallexample
11764 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
11765 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11766 @end smallexample
11767
11768 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11769 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11770 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11771 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11772 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11773 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11774 redundant component associations, although which component values are
11775 assigned in such cases is not defined.
11776
11777 @item
11778 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11779
11780 @item
11781 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11782 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11783 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11784 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11785 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11786 the proper resolution.
11787
11788 @item
11789 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11790
11791 @item
11792 Entry calls are not implemented.
11793
11794 @item
11795 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11796 formats are not supported.
11797
11798 @item
11799 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11800
11801 @item
11802 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
11803 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
11804 context.
11805 Should your program
11806 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
11807 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
11808 @end itemize
11809
11810 @node Additions to Ada
11811 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
11812 @cindex Ada, deviations from
11813
11814 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11815 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11816
11817 @itemize @bullet
11818 @item
11819 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11820 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11821 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11822 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11823 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11824 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11825 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11826 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11827
11828 @item
11829 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11830 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11831 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11832
11833 @item
11834 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11835 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11836
11837 @item
11838 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11839 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11840 @end itemize
11841
11842 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11843 additions specific to Ada:
11844
11845 @itemize @bullet
11846 @item
11847 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11848 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11849
11850 @smallexample
11851 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
11852 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
11853 @end smallexample
11854
11855 @item
11856 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11857 the value of its right-hand operand.
11858 This allows, for example,
11859 complex conditional breaks:
11860
11861 @smallexample
11862 (@value{GDBP}) break f
11863 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11864 @end smallexample
11865
11866 @item
11867 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11868 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11869 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11870 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11871 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11872 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11873 in strings. For example,
11874 @smallexample
11875 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11876 @end smallexample
11877 @noindent
11878 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11879 after each period.
11880
11881 @item
11882 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11883 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11884 to write
11885
11886 @smallexample
11887 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
11888 @end smallexample
11889
11890 @item
11891 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11892 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11893 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11894 of 3 might print as
11895
11896 @smallexample
11897 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
11898 @end smallexample
11899
11900 @noindent
11901 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11902 clause.
11903
11904 @item
11905 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11906 multi-character subsequence of
11907 their names (an exact match gets preference).
11908 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11909 in place of @t{a'length}.
11910
11911 @item
11912 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11913 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11914 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11915 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11916 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11917 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11918 For example,
11919 @smallexample
11920 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11921 @end smallexample
11922
11923 @item
11924 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11925 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11926 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11927 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
11928 object.
11929
11930 @end itemize
11931
11932 @node Stopping Before Main Program
11933 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
11934
11935 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
11936 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
11937 before reaching the main procedure.
11938 As defined in the Ada Reference
11939 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
11940 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
11941 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
11942 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
11943
11944 @node Ada Tasks
11945 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
11946 @cindex Ada, tasking
11947
11948 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
11949 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
11950
11951 @table @code
11952 @kindex info tasks
11953 @item info tasks
11954 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
11955
11956
11957 @smallexample
11958 @iftex
11959 @leftskip=0.5cm
11960 @end iftex
11961 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11962 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11963 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11964 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
11965 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
11966 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
11967
11968 @end smallexample
11969
11970 @noindent
11971 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
11972 task currently being inspected.
11973
11974 @table @asis
11975 @item ID
11976 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
11977
11978 @item TID
11979 The Ada task ID.
11980
11981 @item P-ID
11982 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
11983
11984 @item Pri
11985 The base priority of the task.
11986
11987 @item State
11988 Current state of the task.
11989
11990 @table @code
11991 @item Unactivated
11992 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
11993 executing.
11994
11995 @item Runnable
11996 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
11997 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
11998
11999 @item Terminated
12000 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
12001 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
12002 terminated themselves.
12003
12004 @item Child Activation Wait
12005 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
12006
12007 @item Accept Statement
12008 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
12009
12010 @item Waiting on entry call
12011 The task is waiting on an entry call.
12012
12013 @item Async Select Wait
12014 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
12015 select statement.
12016
12017 @item Delay Sleep
12018 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
12019 alternative open.
12020
12021 @item Child Termination Wait
12022 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
12023 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
12024 waiting on a terminate Phase.
12025
12026 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
12027 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
12028 finish terminating.
12029
12030 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
12031 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
12032 @end table
12033
12034 @item Name
12035 Name of the task in the program.
12036
12037 @end table
12038
12039 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
12040 @item info task @var{taskno}
12041 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
12042 the following example:
12043 @smallexample
12044 @iftex
12045 @leftskip=0.5cm
12046 @end iftex
12047 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12048 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12049 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12050 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
12051 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
12052 Ada Task: 0x807c468
12053 Name: task_1
12054 Thread: 0x807f378
12055 Parent: 1 (main_task)
12056 Base Priority: 15
12057 State: Runnable
12058 @end smallexample
12059
12060 @item task
12061 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
12062 @cindex current Ada task ID
12063 This command prints the ID of the current task.
12064
12065 @smallexample
12066 @iftex
12067 @leftskip=0.5cm
12068 @end iftex
12069 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12070 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12071 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12072 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12073 (@value{GDBP}) task
12074 [Current task is 2]
12075 @end smallexample
12076
12077 @item task @var{taskno}
12078 @cindex Ada task switching
12079 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
12080 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
12081 from the current task to the given task.
12082
12083 @smallexample
12084 @iftex
12085 @leftskip=0.5cm
12086 @end iftex
12087 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12088 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12089 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12090 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12091 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
12092 [Switching to task 1]
12093 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12094 (@value{GDBP}) bt
12095 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12096 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
12097 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
12098 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
12099 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
12100 @end smallexample
12101
12102 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
12103 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
12104 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
12105 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
12106 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
12107 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
12108 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
12109 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
12110 in @ref{Specify Location}.
12111
12112 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
12113 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
12114 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
12115 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
12116 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
12117
12118 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
12119 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
12120 program.
12121
12122 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
12123 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
12124 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
12125
12126 For example,
12127
12128 @smallexample
12129 @iftex
12130 @leftskip=0.5cm
12131 @end iftex
12132 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12133 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12134 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12135 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
12136 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12137 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
12138 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
12139 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
12140 (@value{GDBP}) cont
12141 Continuing.
12142 task # 1 running
12143 task # 2 running
12144
12145 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
12146 15 flush;
12147 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12148 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12149 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12150 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
12151 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12152 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
12153 @end smallexample
12154 @end table
12155
12156 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
12157 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
12158 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
12159
12160 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
12161 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
12162 the platform being used.
12163 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
12164 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
12165 as usual.
12166
12167 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
12168 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
12169 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
12170 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
12171 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
12172 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
12173
12174 @node Ada Glitches
12175 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
12176 @cindex Ada, problems
12177
12178 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
12179 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
12180 @value{GDBN},
12181 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
12182 and the GNU Ada compiler.
12183
12184 @itemize @bullet
12185 @item
12186 Currently, the debugger
12187 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
12188 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
12189 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
12190 to get it printed properly.
12191
12192 @item
12193 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
12194 storage are invisible to the debugger.
12195
12196 @item
12197 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
12198 argument lists are treated as positional).
12199
12200 @item
12201 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
12202
12203 @item
12204 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
12205 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
12206 the host machine.
12207
12208 @item
12209 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
12210 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
12211 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
12212 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
12213 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
12214 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
12215 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
12216 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
12217 you can usually resolve the confusion
12218 by qualifying the problematic names with package
12219 @code{Standard} explicitly.
12220 @end itemize
12221
12222 @node Unsupported Languages
12223 @section Unsupported Languages
12224
12225 @cindex unsupported languages
12226 @cindex minimal language
12227 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
12228 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
12229 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
12230 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
12231 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
12232 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
12233
12234 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
12235 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
12236 language.
12237
12238 @node Symbols
12239 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
12240
12241 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
12242 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
12243 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
12244 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
12245 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
12246 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
12247 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
12248
12249 @cindex symbol names
12250 @cindex names of symbols
12251 @cindex quoting names
12252 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
12253 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
12254 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
12255 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
12256 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
12257 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
12258 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
12259 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
12260
12261 @smallexample
12262 p 'foo.c'::x
12263 @end smallexample
12264
12265 @noindent
12266 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
12267
12268 @table @code
12269 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
12270 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
12271 @kindex set case-sensitive
12272 @item set case-sensitive on
12273 @itemx set case-sensitive off
12274 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
12275 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
12276 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
12277 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
12278 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
12279 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
12280 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
12281 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
12282 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
12283 case-insensitive matches.
12284
12285 @kindex show case-sensitive
12286 @item show case-sensitive
12287 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
12288 lookups.
12289
12290 @kindex info address
12291 @cindex address of a symbol
12292 @item info address @var{symbol}
12293 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
12294 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
12295 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
12296 is always stored.
12297
12298 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
12299 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
12300 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
12301
12302 @kindex info symbol
12303 @cindex symbol from address
12304 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
12305 @item info symbol @var{addr}
12306 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
12307 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
12308 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
12309
12310 @smallexample
12311 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
12312 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
12313 @end smallexample
12314
12315 @noindent
12316 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
12317 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
12318
12319 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
12320 library containing the symbol is also printed:
12321
12322 @smallexample
12323 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
12324 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
12325 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
12326 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
12327 @end smallexample
12328
12329 @kindex whatis
12330 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
12331 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
12332 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
12333 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
12334 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
12335 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
12336 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
12337 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
12338 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
12339 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
12340 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
12341
12342 @kindex ptype
12343 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
12344 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
12345 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
12346 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
12347
12348 For example, for this variable declaration:
12349
12350 @smallexample
12351 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
12352 @end smallexample
12353
12354 @noindent
12355 the two commands give this output:
12356
12357 @smallexample
12358 @group
12359 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
12360 type = struct complex
12361 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
12362 type = struct complex @{
12363 double real;
12364 double imag;
12365 @}
12366 @end group
12367 @end smallexample
12368
12369 @noindent
12370 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
12371 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
12372
12373 @cindex incomplete type
12374 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
12375 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
12376 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
12377 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
12378 given these declarations:
12379
12380 @smallexample
12381 struct foo;
12382 struct foo *fooptr;
12383 @end smallexample
12384
12385 @noindent
12386 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
12387
12388 @smallexample
12389 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
12390 $1 = <incomplete type>
12391 @end smallexample
12392
12393 @noindent
12394 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
12395 completely specified.
12396
12397 @kindex info types
12398 @item info types @var{regexp}
12399 @itemx info types
12400 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
12401 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
12402 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
12403 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
12404 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
12405 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
12406 name is @code{value}.
12407
12408 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
12409 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
12410 lists all source files where a type is defined.
12411
12412 @kindex info scope
12413 @cindex local variables
12414 @item info scope @var{location}
12415 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
12416 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
12417 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
12418 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
12419 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
12420
12421 @smallexample
12422 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
12423 Scope for command_line_handler:
12424 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
12425 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
12426 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
12427 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
12428 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
12429 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
12430 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
12431 @end smallexample
12432
12433 @noindent
12434 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
12435 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
12436 collect}.
12437
12438 @kindex info source
12439 @item info source
12440 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
12441 the function containing the current point of execution:
12442 @itemize @bullet
12443 @item
12444 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
12445 @item
12446 the directory it was compiled in,
12447 @item
12448 its length, in lines,
12449 @item
12450 which programming language it is written in,
12451 @item
12452 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
12453 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
12454 @item
12455 whether the debugging information includes information about
12456 preprocessor macros.
12457 @end itemize
12458
12459
12460 @kindex info sources
12461 @item info sources
12462 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
12463 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
12464 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
12465
12466 @kindex info functions
12467 @item info functions
12468 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
12469
12470 @item info functions @var{regexp}
12471 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
12472 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
12473 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
12474 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
12475 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
12476 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
12477 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
12478
12479 @kindex info variables
12480 @item info variables
12481 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
12482 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
12483
12484 @item info variables @var{regexp}
12485 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
12486 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
12487 @var{regexp}.
12488
12489 @kindex info classes
12490 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
12491 @item info classes
12492 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
12493 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
12494 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12495 expression.
12496
12497 @kindex info selectors
12498 @item info selectors
12499 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
12500 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
12501 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12502 expression.
12503
12504 @ignore
12505 This was never implemented.
12506 @kindex info methods
12507 @item info methods
12508 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
12509 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
12510 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
12511 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
12512 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
12513 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
12514 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
12515 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
12516 @end ignore
12517
12518 @cindex reloading symbols
12519 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
12520 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
12521 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
12522 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
12523 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
12524
12525 @table @code
12526 @kindex set symbol-reloading
12527 @item set symbol-reloading on
12528 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
12529 object file with a particular name is seen again.
12530
12531 @item set symbol-reloading off
12532 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
12533 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
12534 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
12535 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
12536 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
12537 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
12538 name.
12539
12540 @kindex show symbol-reloading
12541 @item show symbol-reloading
12542 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
12543 @end table
12544
12545 @cindex opaque data types
12546 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
12547 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
12548 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
12549 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
12550 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
12551 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
12552 another source file. The default is on.
12553
12554 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
12555 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
12556
12557 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
12558 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
12559 is printed as follows:
12560 @smallexample
12561 @{<no data fields>@}
12562 @end smallexample
12563
12564 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
12565 @item show opaque-type-resolution
12566 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
12567
12568 @kindex set print symbol-loading
12569 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
12570 @item set print symbol-loading
12571 @itemx set print symbol-loading on
12572 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
12573 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
12574 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12575 By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
12576 you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
12577 with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
12578 annoying than useful.
12579
12580 @kindex show print symbol-loading
12581 @item show print symbol-loading
12582 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12583
12584 @kindex maint print symbols
12585 @cindex symbol dump
12586 @kindex maint print psymbols
12587 @cindex partial symbol dump
12588 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
12589 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
12590 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
12591 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
12592 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
12593 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
12594 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
12595 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
12596 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
12597 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
12598 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
12599 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
12600 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
12601 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
12602 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
12603 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
12604 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
12605
12606 @kindex maint info symtabs
12607 @kindex maint info psymtabs
12608 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
12609 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12610 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12611 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12612 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12613 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12614
12615 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
12616 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
12617 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
12618 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
12619 structure in more detail. For example:
12620
12621 @smallexample
12622 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
12623 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12624 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12625 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12626 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
12627 readin no
12628 fullname (null)
12629 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
12630 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
12631 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
12632 dependencies (none)
12633 @}
12634 @}
12635 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12636 (@value{GDBP})
12637 @end smallexample
12638 @noindent
12639 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
12640 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
12641 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
12642 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
12643 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
12644
12645 @smallexample
12646 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
12647 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
12648 line 1574.
12649 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12650 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12651 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12652 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12653 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
12654 dirname (null)
12655 fullname (null)
12656 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
12657 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
12658 debugformat DWARF 2
12659 @}
12660 @}
12661 (@value{GDBP})
12662 @end smallexample
12663 @end table
12664
12665
12666 @node Altering
12667 @chapter Altering Execution
12668
12669 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
12670 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
12671 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
12672 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
12673 program.
12674
12675 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
12676 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
12677 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
12678
12679 @menu
12680 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
12681 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
12682 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
12683 * Returning:: Returning from a function
12684 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
12685 * Patching:: Patching your program
12686 @end menu
12687
12688 @node Assignment
12689 @section Assignment to Variables
12690
12691 @cindex assignment
12692 @cindex setting variables
12693 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
12694 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
12695
12696 @smallexample
12697 print x=4
12698 @end smallexample
12699
12700 @noindent
12701 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
12702 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
12703 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
12704 information on operators in supported languages.
12705
12706 @kindex set variable
12707 @cindex variables, setting
12708 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
12709 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
12710 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
12711 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
12712 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
12713
12714 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
12715 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
12716 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
12717 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
12718 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
12719 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
12720 command @code{set width}:
12721
12722 @smallexample
12723 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
12724 type = double
12725 (@value{GDBP}) p width
12726 $4 = 13
12727 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
12728 Invalid syntax in expression.
12729 @end smallexample
12730
12731 @noindent
12732 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
12733 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
12734
12735 @smallexample
12736 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
12737 @end smallexample
12738
12739 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
12740 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
12741 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
12742 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
12743 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
12744 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
12745
12746 @smallexample
12747 @group
12748 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
12749 type = double
12750 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12751 $1 = 1
12752 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
12753 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12754 $2 = 1
12755 (@value{GDBP}) r
12756 The program being debugged has been started already.
12757 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
12758 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
12759 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
12760 Invalid bfd target.
12761 (@value{GDBP}) show g
12762 The current BFD target is "=4".
12763 @end group
12764 @end smallexample
12765
12766 @noindent
12767 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
12768 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
12769 @code{g}, use
12770
12771 @smallexample
12772 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
12773 @end smallexample
12774
12775 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
12776 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
12777 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
12778 same length or shorter.
12779 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
12780 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
12781
12782 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
12783 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
12784 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
12785 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
12786 and representation in memory), and
12787
12788 @smallexample
12789 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
12790 @end smallexample
12791
12792 @noindent
12793 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
12794
12795 @node Jumping
12796 @section Continuing at a Different Address
12797
12798 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
12799 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
12800 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
12801
12802 @table @code
12803 @kindex jump
12804 @item jump @var{linespec}
12805 @itemx jump @var{location}
12806 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
12807 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
12808 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
12809 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
12810 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
12811 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12812
12813 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
12814 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
12815 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
12816 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
12817 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
12818 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
12819 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
12820 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
12821 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
12822 @end table
12823
12824 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
12825 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12826 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12827 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12828 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12829 example,
12830
12831 @smallexample
12832 set $pc = 0x485
12833 @end smallexample
12834
12835 @noindent
12836 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12837 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12838 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12839
12840 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12841 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12842 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12843 detail.
12844
12845 @c @group
12846 @node Signaling
12847 @section Giving your Program a Signal
12848 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
12849
12850 @table @code
12851 @kindex signal
12852 @item signal @var{signal}
12853 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12854 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12855 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12856 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12857
12858 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12859 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12860 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12861 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12862 signal.
12863
12864 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12865 after executing the command.
12866 @end table
12867 @c @end group
12868
12869 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12870 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12871 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12872 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12873 passes the signal directly to your program.
12874
12875
12876 @node Returning
12877 @section Returning from a Function
12878
12879 @table @code
12880 @cindex returning from a function
12881 @kindex return
12882 @item return
12883 @itemx return @var{expression}
12884 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12885 command. If you give an
12886 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12887 value.
12888 @end table
12889
12890 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12891 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12892 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12893 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12894
12895 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12896 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12897 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12898 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12899 of functions.
12900
12901 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12902 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12903 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12904 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12905 selected stack frame returns naturally.
12906
12907 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
12908 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
12909 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
12910 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
12911 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
12912 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
12913 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
12914 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
12915 assignment into the right register(s).
12916
12917 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
12918 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
12919 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
12920 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
12921 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
12922 into a @code{long long int}:
12923
12924 @smallexample
12925 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
12926 29 return 31;
12927 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
12928 Make func return now? (y or n) y
12929 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
12930 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
12931 (@value{GDBP})
12932 @end smallexample
12933
12934 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
12935 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
12936 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
12937 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
12938 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
12939 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
12940 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
12941 an appropriate cast explicitly:
12942
12943 @smallexample
12944 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
12945 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
12946 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
12947 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
12948 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
12949 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
12950 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
12951 (@value{GDBP})
12952 @end smallexample
12953
12954 @node Calling
12955 @section Calling Program Functions
12956
12957 @table @code
12958 @cindex calling functions
12959 @cindex inferior functions, calling
12960 @item print @var{expr}
12961 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
12962 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
12963 debugged.
12964
12965 @kindex call
12966 @item call @var{expr}
12967 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
12968 returned values.
12969
12970 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
12971 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
12972 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
12973 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
12974 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
12975 value history.
12976 @end table
12977
12978 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
12979 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
12980 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
12981 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
12982
12983 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
12984 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
12985 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
12986 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
12987 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
12988 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
12989 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
12990 in that case is controlled by the
12991 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
12992
12993 @table @code
12994 @item set unwindonsignal
12995 @kindex set unwindonsignal
12996 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
12997 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
12998 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
12999 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
13000 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
13001 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
13002 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
13003 received.
13004
13005 @item show unwindonsignal
13006 @kindex show unwindonsignal
13007 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13008 @value{GDBN}.
13009
13010 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13011 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13012 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
13013 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
13014 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
13015 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
13016 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
13017 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
13018 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
13019 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
13020
13021 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13022 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13023 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13024 @value{GDBN}.
13025
13026 @end table
13027
13028 @cindex weak alias functions
13029 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
13030 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
13031 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
13032 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
13033 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
13034 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
13035 function instead.
13036
13037 @node Patching
13038 @section Patching Programs
13039
13040 @cindex patching binaries
13041 @cindex writing into executables
13042 @cindex writing into corefiles
13043
13044 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
13045 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
13046 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
13047 patching your program's binary.
13048
13049 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
13050 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
13051 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
13052 repairs.
13053
13054 @table @code
13055 @kindex set write
13056 @item set write on
13057 @itemx set write off
13058 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
13059 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
13060 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
13061
13062 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
13063 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
13064 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
13065
13066 @item show write
13067 @kindex show write
13068 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
13069 as well as reading.
13070 @end table
13071
13072 @node GDB Files
13073 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
13074
13075 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
13076 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
13077 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
13078 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
13079
13080 @menu
13081 * Files:: Commands to specify files
13082 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
13083 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
13084 * Data Files:: GDB data files
13085 @end menu
13086
13087 @node Files
13088 @section Commands to Specify Files
13089
13090 @cindex symbol table
13091 @cindex core dump file
13092
13093 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
13094 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
13095 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
13096 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
13097
13098 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
13099 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
13100 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
13101 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
13102 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
13103 new files are useful.
13104
13105 @table @code
13106 @cindex executable file
13107 @kindex file
13108 @item file @var{filename}
13109 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
13110 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
13111 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
13112 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
13113 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
13114 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
13115 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
13116 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
13117
13118 @cindex unlinked object files
13119 @cindex patching object files
13120 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
13121 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
13122 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
13123 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
13124 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
13125 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
13126 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
13127 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
13128
13129 @item file
13130 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
13131 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
13132
13133 @kindex exec-file
13134 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13135 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
13136 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
13137 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
13138 discard information on the executable file.
13139
13140 @kindex symbol-file
13141 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13142 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
13143 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
13144 table and program to run from the same file.
13145
13146 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
13147 program's symbol table.
13148
13149 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
13150 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
13151 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
13152 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
13153 @value{GDBN}.
13154
13155 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
13156 executing it once.
13157
13158 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
13159 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
13160 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
13161 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
13162 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
13163 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
13164 optimized code.
13165
13166 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
13167 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
13168 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
13169 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
13170 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
13171
13172 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
13173 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
13174 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
13175 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
13176 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
13177 Warnings and Messages}.)
13178
13179 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
13180 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
13181 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
13182 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
13183 in stabs format.
13184
13185 @kindex readnow
13186 @cindex reading symbols immediately
13187 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
13188 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13189 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13190 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
13191 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
13192 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
13193 entire symbol table available.
13194
13195 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
13196 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
13197 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
13198 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
13199 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
13200 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
13201 @c files.
13202
13203 @kindex core-file
13204 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
13205 @itemx core
13206 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
13207 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
13208 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
13209 executable file itself for other parts.
13210
13211 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
13212 to be used.
13213
13214 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
13215 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
13216 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
13217 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
13218 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
13219
13220 @kindex add-symbol-file
13221 @cindex dynamic linking
13222 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
13223 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13224 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
13225 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
13226 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
13227 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
13228 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
13229 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
13230 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
13231 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
13232 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
13233 @var{address} as an expression.
13234
13235 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
13236 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
13237 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
13238 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
13239 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
13240
13241 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
13242 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
13243 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
13244 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
13245 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
13246 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
13247 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
13248 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
13249 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
13250
13251 @itemize @bullet
13252 @item
13253 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
13254 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
13255 @item
13256 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
13257 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
13258 @item
13259 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
13260 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13261 @end itemize
13262
13263 @noindent
13264 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
13265 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
13266 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
13267 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
13268 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
13269 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
13270 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
13271 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
13272 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
13273 way.
13274
13275 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
13276
13277 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
13278 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
13279 @cindex load symbols from memory
13280 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
13281 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
13282 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
13283 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
13284 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
13285 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
13286 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
13287 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
13288 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
13289
13290 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
13291 @kindex assf
13292 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
13293 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
13294 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
13295 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
13296 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
13297 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
13298 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
13299 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
13300 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
13301 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
13302
13303 @kindex section
13304 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
13305 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
13306 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
13307 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
13308 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
13309 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
13310 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
13311 their addresses.
13312
13313 @kindex info files
13314 @kindex info target
13315 @item info files
13316 @itemx info target
13317 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
13318 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
13319 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
13320 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
13321 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
13322 current ones.
13323
13324 @kindex maint info sections
13325 @item maint info sections
13326 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
13327 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
13328 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
13329 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
13330 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
13331 may be arbitrarily combined):
13332
13333 @table @code
13334 @item ALLOBJ
13335 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
13336 @item @var{sections}
13337 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
13338 @item @var{section-flags}
13339 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
13340 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
13341 @table @code
13342 @item ALLOC
13343 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
13344 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
13345 @item LOAD
13346 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
13347 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
13348 @item RELOC
13349 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
13350 @item READONLY
13351 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
13352 @item CODE
13353 Section contains executable code only.
13354 @item DATA
13355 Section contains data only (no executable code).
13356 @item ROM
13357 Section will reside in ROM.
13358 @item CONSTRUCTOR
13359 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
13360 @item HAS_CONTENTS
13361 Section is not empty.
13362 @item NEVER_LOAD
13363 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
13364 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
13365 A notification to the linker that the section contains
13366 COFF shared library information.
13367 @item IS_COMMON
13368 Section contains common symbols.
13369 @end table
13370 @end table
13371 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
13372 @cindex read-only sections
13373 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
13374 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
13375 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
13376 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
13377 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
13378 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
13379 enhancement to debugging performance.
13380
13381 The default is off.
13382
13383 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
13384 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
13385 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
13386 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
13387
13388 @item show trust-readonly-sections
13389 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
13390 @end table
13391
13392 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
13393 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
13394 name and remembers it that way.
13395
13396 @cindex shared libraries
13397 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
13398 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
13399 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
13400
13401 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
13402 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
13403
13404 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
13405 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
13406 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
13407 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
13408 debugging a core file).
13409
13410 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
13411 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
13412
13413 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
13414 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
13415 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
13416
13417 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
13418 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
13419 particularly large or there are many of them.
13420
13421 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
13422 commands:
13423
13424 @table @code
13425 @kindex set auto-solib-add
13426 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
13427 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
13428 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
13429 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
13430 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
13431 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
13432 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
13433
13434 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
13435 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
13436 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
13437 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
13438 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
13439 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
13440 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
13441 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
13442 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
13443
13444 @kindex show auto-solib-add
13445 @item show auto-solib-add
13446 Display the current autoloading mode.
13447 @end table
13448
13449 @cindex load shared library
13450 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
13451 command:
13452
13453 @table @code
13454 @kindex info sharedlibrary
13455 @kindex info share
13456 @item info share
13457 @itemx info sharedlibrary
13458 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
13459
13460 @kindex sharedlibrary
13461 @kindex share
13462 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
13463 @itemx share @var{regex}
13464 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
13465 Unix regular expression.
13466 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
13467 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
13468 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
13469 loaded.
13470
13471 @item nosharedlibrary
13472 @kindex nosharedlibrary
13473 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
13474 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
13475 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
13476 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
13477 discarded.
13478 @end table
13479
13480 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
13481 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
13482 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
13483
13484 @table @code
13485 @item set stop-on-solib-events
13486 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
13487 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
13488 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
13489 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
13490 shared library.
13491
13492 @item show stop-on-solib-events
13493 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
13494 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
13495 library events happen.
13496 @end table
13497
13498 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
13499 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
13500 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
13501 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
13502 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
13503 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
13504 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
13505 not.
13506
13507 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
13508 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
13509 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
13510 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
13511 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
13512
13513 @table @code
13514 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
13515 @cindex system root, alternate
13516 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
13517 @kindex set sysroot
13518 @item set sysroot @var{path}
13519 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
13520 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
13521 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
13522 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
13523 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
13524 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
13525 under @var{path}.
13526
13527 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
13528 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
13529 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
13530 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
13531 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
13532 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
13533 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
13534 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
13535 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
13536
13537 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
13538 sysroot}.
13539
13540 @cindex default system root
13541 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
13542 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
13543 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
13544 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
13545 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
13546 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
13547 location.
13548
13549 @kindex show sysroot
13550 @item show sysroot
13551 Display the current shared library prefix.
13552
13553 @kindex set solib-search-path
13554 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
13555 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
13556 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
13557 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
13558 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
13559 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
13560 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
13561 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
13562 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
13563 of shared library symbols.
13564
13565 @kindex show solib-search-path
13566 @item show solib-search-path
13567 Display the current shared library search path.
13568 @end table
13569
13570
13571 @node Separate Debug Files
13572 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
13573 @cindex separate debugging information files
13574 @cindex debugging information in separate files
13575 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
13576 @cindex debugging information directory, global
13577 @cindex global debugging information directory
13578 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
13579 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
13580
13581 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
13582 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
13583 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
13584 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
13585 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
13586 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
13587 install only when they need to debug a problem.
13588
13589 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
13590 file:
13591
13592 @itemize @bullet
13593 @item
13594 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
13595 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
13596 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
13597 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
13598 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
13599 debug link specifies a CRC32 checksum for the debug file, which
13600 @value{GDBN} uses to validate that the executable and the debug file
13601 came from the same build.
13602
13603 @item
13604 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
13605 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
13606 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
13607 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
13608 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
13609 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
13610 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
13611 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
13612 below.
13613 @end itemize
13614
13615 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
13616 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
13617
13618 @itemize @bullet
13619 @item
13620 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
13621 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
13622 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
13623 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
13624 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
13625
13626 @item
13627 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
13628 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
13629 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
13630 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
13631 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
13632 hex characters, not 10.)
13633 @end itemize
13634
13635 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
13636 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
13637 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
13638 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
13639 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
13640 debug information files, in the indicated order:
13641
13642 @itemize @minus
13643 @item
13644 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
13645 @item
13646 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
13647 @item
13648 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
13649 @item
13650 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
13651 @end itemize
13652
13653 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
13654 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
13655
13656 @table @code
13657
13658 @kindex set debug-file-directory
13659 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
13660 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13661 information files to @var{directory}.
13662
13663 @kindex show debug-file-directory
13664 @item show debug-file-directory
13665 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13666 information files.
13667
13668 @end table
13669
13670 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
13671 @cindex debug link sections
13672 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
13673 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
13674
13675 @itemize
13676 @item
13677 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
13678 a zero byte,
13679 @item
13680 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
13681 boundary within the section, and
13682 @item
13683 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
13684 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
13685 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
13686 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
13687 @end itemize
13688
13689 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
13690 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
13691 described above.
13692
13693 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
13694 @cindex build ID sections
13695 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
13696 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
13697 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
13698 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
13699 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
13700 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
13701 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
13702 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
13703 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
13704
13705 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
13706 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
13707 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
13708 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
13709 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
13710 in an ordinary executable.
13711
13712 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
13713 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
13714 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
13715 following commands:
13716
13717 @smallexample
13718 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
13719 @kbd{strip -g foo}
13720 @end smallexample
13721
13722 @noindent
13723 These commands remove the debugging
13724 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
13725 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
13726 two files:
13727
13728 @itemize @bullet
13729 @item
13730 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
13731 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
13732
13733 @smallexample
13734 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
13735 @end smallexample
13736
13737 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
13738 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
13739 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
13740 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
13741
13742 @item
13743 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
13744 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
13745 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
13746 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
13747 @end itemize
13748
13749 @noindent
13750
13751 Since there are many different ways to compute CRC's for the debug
13752 link (different polynomials, reversals, byte ordering, etc.), the
13753 simplest way to describe the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}
13754 sections is to give the complete code for a function that computes it:
13755
13756 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
13757 @smallexample
13758 unsigned long
13759 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
13760 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
13761 @{
13762 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
13763 @{
13764 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
13765 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
13766 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
13767 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
13768 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
13769 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
13770 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
13771 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
13772 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
13773 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
13774 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
13775 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
13776 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
13777 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
13778 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
13779 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
13780 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
13781 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
13782 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
13783 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
13784 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
13785 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
13786 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
13787 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
13788 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
13789 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
13790 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
13791 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
13792 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
13793 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
13794 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
13795 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
13796 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
13797 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
13798 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
13799 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
13800 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
13801 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
13802 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
13803 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
13804 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
13805 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
13806 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
13807 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
13808 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
13809 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
13810 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
13811 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
13812 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
13813 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
13814 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
13815 0x2d02ef8d
13816 @};
13817 unsigned char *end;
13818
13819 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13820 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
13821 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
13822 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13823 @}
13824 @end smallexample
13825
13826 @noindent
13827 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
13828
13829
13830 @node Symbol Errors
13831 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
13832
13833 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
13834 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
13835 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
13836 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
13837 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
13838 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
13839 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
13840 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
13841 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
13842 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13843 Messages}).
13844
13845 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
13846
13847 @table @code
13848 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
13849
13850 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
13851 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
13852 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
13853 in its outer scope blocks.
13854
13855 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
13856 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
13857 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
13858 function.
13859
13860 @item block at @var{address} out of order
13861
13862 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
13863 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
13864 do so.
13865
13866 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
13867 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
13868 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
13869 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13870 Messages}.)
13871
13872 @item bad block start address patched
13873
13874 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
13875 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
13876 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
13877
13878 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
13879 starting on the previous source line.
13880
13881 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
13882
13883 @cindex foo
13884 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
13885 larger than the size of the string table.
13886
13887 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
13888 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
13889 with this name.
13890
13891 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
13892
13893 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
13894 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
13895 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
13896
13897 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
13898 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
13899 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
13900 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
13901 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
13902 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
13903
13904 @item stub type has NULL name
13905
13906 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
13907
13908 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
13909 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
13910 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
13911 it.
13912
13913 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
13914
13915 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
13916
13917 @end table
13918
13919 @node Data Files
13920 @section GDB Data Files
13921
13922 @cindex prefix for data files
13923 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
13924 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
13925
13926 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
13927 is currently using.
13928
13929 @table @code
13930 @kindex set data-directory
13931 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
13932 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
13933 to @var{directory}.
13934
13935 @kindex show data-directory
13936 @item show data-directory
13937 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
13938 @end table
13939
13940 @cindex default data directory
13941 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
13942 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
13943 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
13944 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
13945 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
13946 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
13947 location.
13948
13949 @node Targets
13950 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
13951
13952 @cindex debugging target
13953 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
13954
13955 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
13956 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
13957 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
13958 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
13959 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
13960 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
13961 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
13962 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
13963
13964 @cindex target architecture
13965 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
13966 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
13967 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
13968 command.
13969
13970 @table @code
13971 @kindex set architecture
13972 @kindex show architecture
13973 @item set architecture @var{arch}
13974 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
13975 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
13976 supported architectures.
13977
13978 @item show architecture
13979 Show the current target architecture.
13980
13981 @item set processor
13982 @itemx processor
13983 @kindex set processor
13984 @kindex show processor
13985 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
13986 and @code{show architecture}.
13987 @end table
13988
13989 @menu
13990 * Active Targets:: Active targets
13991 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
13992 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
13993 @end menu
13994
13995 @node Active Targets
13996 @section Active Targets
13997
13998 @cindex stacking targets
13999 @cindex active targets
14000 @cindex multiple targets
14001
14002 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
14003 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
14004 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
14005 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
14006 a core file.
14007
14008 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
14009 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
14010 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
14011 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
14012 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
14013 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
14014 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
14015 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
14016 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
14017
14018 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
14019 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
14020 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
14021 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
14022 process target is active.
14023
14024 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
14025 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
14026 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
14027 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
14028 Process}).
14029
14030 @node Target Commands
14031 @section Commands for Managing Targets
14032
14033 @table @code
14034 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
14035 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
14036 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
14037 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
14038 protocol of the target machine.
14039
14040 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
14041 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
14042 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
14043
14044 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
14045 after executing the command.
14046
14047 @kindex help target
14048 @item help target
14049 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
14050 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
14051 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14052
14053 @item help target @var{name}
14054 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
14055 select it.
14056
14057 @kindex set gnutarget
14058 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
14059 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
14060 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
14061 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
14062 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
14063 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
14064
14065 @quotation
14066 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
14067 you must know the actual BFD name.
14068 @end quotation
14069
14070 @noindent
14071 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
14072
14073 @kindex show gnutarget
14074 @item show gnutarget
14075 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
14076 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
14077 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
14078 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
14079 @end table
14080
14081 @cindex common targets
14082 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
14083 configuration):
14084
14085 @table @code
14086 @kindex target
14087 @item target exec @var{program}
14088 @cindex executable file target
14089 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
14090 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
14091
14092 @item target core @var{filename}
14093 @cindex core dump file target
14094 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
14095 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
14096
14097 @item target remote @var{medium}
14098 @cindex remote target
14099 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
14100 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
14101 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
14102
14103 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
14104 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
14105
14106 @smallexample
14107 target remote /dev/ttya
14108 @end smallexample
14109
14110 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
14111 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
14112 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
14113 clobbered by the download.
14114
14115 @item target sim
14116 @cindex built-in simulator target
14117 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
14118 In general,
14119 @smallexample
14120 target sim
14121 load
14122 run
14123 @end smallexample
14124 @noindent
14125 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
14126 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
14127 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
14128 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
14129 Processors}.
14130
14131 @end table
14132
14133 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
14134
14135 @table @code
14136
14137 @item target nrom @var{dev}
14138 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
14139 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
14140
14141 @end table
14142
14143 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
14144 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
14145
14146 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
14147 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
14148 various aspects of this process.
14149
14150 @table @code
14151
14152 @item set hash
14153 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14154 @cindex hash mark while downloading
14155 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
14156 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
14157 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
14158 monitor.
14159
14160 @item show hash
14161 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14162 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
14163
14164 @item set debug monitor
14165 @kindex set debug monitor
14166 @cindex display remote monitor communications
14167 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
14168 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14169
14170 @item show debug monitor
14171 @kindex show debug monitor
14172 Show the current status of displaying communications between
14173 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14174 @end table
14175
14176 @table @code
14177
14178 @kindex load @var{filename}
14179 @item load @var{filename}
14180 @anchor{load}
14181 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
14182 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
14183 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
14184 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
14185 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
14186 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14187
14188 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
14189 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
14190 target is @dots{}}''
14191
14192 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
14193 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
14194 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
14195 specifies a fixed address.
14196 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
14197
14198 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
14199 load programs into flash memory.
14200
14201 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
14202 @end table
14203
14204 @node Byte Order
14205 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
14206
14207 @cindex choosing target byte order
14208 @cindex target byte order
14209
14210 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
14211 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
14212 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
14213 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
14214 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
14215 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
14216
14217 @table @code
14218 @kindex set endian
14219 @item set endian big
14220 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
14221
14222 @item set endian little
14223 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
14224
14225 @item set endian auto
14226 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
14227 executable.
14228
14229 @item show endian
14230 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
14231
14232 @end table
14233
14234 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
14235 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
14236 target system.
14237
14238
14239 @node Remote Debugging
14240 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
14241 @cindex remote debugging
14242
14243 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
14244 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
14245 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
14246 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
14247 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
14248
14249 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
14250 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
14251 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
14252 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
14253 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
14254 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
14255
14256 Other remote targets may be available in your
14257 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
14258
14259 @menu
14260 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
14261 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
14262 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
14263 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
14264 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
14265 @end menu
14266
14267 @node Connecting
14268 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
14269
14270 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
14271 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
14272 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
14273 program as the first argument.
14274
14275 @cindex @code{target remote}
14276 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
14277 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
14278 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
14279 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
14280 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
14281 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
14282
14283 @table @code
14284
14285 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
14286 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
14287 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
14288 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
14289
14290 @smallexample
14291 target remote /dev/ttyb
14292 @end smallexample
14293
14294 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
14295 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
14296 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
14297 @code{target} command.
14298
14299 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
14300 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
14301 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
14302 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
14303 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
14304 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
14305 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
14306 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
14307 target.
14308
14309 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
14310 @code{manyfarms}:
14311
14312 @smallexample
14313 target remote manyfarms:2828
14314 @end smallexample
14315
14316 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
14317 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
14318 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
14319 port 1234 on your local machine:
14320
14321 @smallexample
14322 target remote :1234
14323 @end smallexample
14324 @noindent
14325
14326 Note that the colon is still required here.
14327
14328 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
14329 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
14330 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
14331 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
14332
14333 @smallexample
14334 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
14335 @end smallexample
14336
14337 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
14338 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
14339 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
14340 cause havoc with your debugging session.
14341
14342 @item target remote | @var{command}
14343 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
14344 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
14345 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
14346 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
14347 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
14348 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
14349 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
14350 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
14351
14352 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
14353 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
14354 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
14355
14356 @end table
14357
14358 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
14359 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
14360 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
14361 need to use @kbd{run}.
14362
14363 @cindex interrupting remote programs
14364 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
14365 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
14366 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
14367 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
14368 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
14369 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
14370
14371 @smallexample
14372 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
14373 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
14374 @end smallexample
14375
14376 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
14377 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
14378 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
14379 goes back to waiting.
14380
14381 @table @code
14382 @kindex detach (remote)
14383 @item detach
14384 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
14385 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
14386 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
14387 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
14388 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
14389
14390 @kindex disconnect
14391 @item disconnect
14392 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
14393 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
14394 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
14395 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
14396 another target.
14397
14398 @cindex send command to remote monitor
14399 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
14400 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
14401 @kindex monitor
14402 @item monitor @var{cmd}
14403 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
14404 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
14405 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
14406 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
14407 and implement.
14408 @end table
14409
14410 @node File Transfer
14411 @section Sending files to a remote system
14412 @cindex remote target, file transfer
14413 @cindex file transfer
14414 @cindex sending files to remote systems
14415
14416 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
14417 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
14418 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
14419 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
14420 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
14421 the only way to upload or download files.
14422
14423 Not all remote targets support these commands.
14424
14425 @table @code
14426 @kindex remote put
14427 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
14428 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
14429 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
14430
14431 @kindex remote get
14432 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
14433 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
14434 on the host system.
14435
14436 @kindex remote delete
14437 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
14438 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
14439
14440 @end table
14441
14442 @node Server
14443 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
14444
14445 @kindex gdbserver
14446 @cindex remote connection without stubs
14447 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
14448 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
14449 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
14450
14451 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
14452 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
14453 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
14454 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
14455 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
14456 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
14457 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
14458 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
14459 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
14460 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
14461 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
14462 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
14463 choice for debugging.
14464
14465 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
14466 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
14467 protocol.
14468
14469 @quotation
14470 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
14471 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
14472 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
14473 target system with the same privileges as the user running
14474 @code{gdbserver}.
14475 @end quotation
14476
14477 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
14478 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
14479
14480 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
14481 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
14482 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
14483 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
14484 system does all the symbol handling.
14485
14486 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
14487 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
14488 syntax is:
14489
14490 @smallexample
14491 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
14492 @end smallexample
14493
14494 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
14495 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
14496 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
14497 @file{/dev/com1}:
14498
14499 @smallexample
14500 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
14501 @end smallexample
14502
14503 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
14504 with it.
14505
14506 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
14507
14508 @smallexample
14509 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
14510 @end smallexample
14511
14512 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
14513 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
14514 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
14515 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
14516 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
14517 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
14518 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
14519 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
14520 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
14521 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
14522 @code{target remote} command.
14523
14524 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
14525
14526 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
14527 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
14528
14529 @smallexample
14530 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
14531 @end smallexample
14532
14533 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
14534 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
14535
14536 @pindex pidof
14537 @cindex attach to a program by name
14538 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
14539 @code{pidof} utility:
14540
14541 @smallexample
14542 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
14543 @end smallexample
14544
14545 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
14546 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
14547 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
14548
14549 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
14550 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
14551 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
14552
14553 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
14554 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
14555 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
14556 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
14557
14558 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
14559 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
14560 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
14561 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
14562 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
14563 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
14564 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
14565 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
14566 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
14567
14568 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
14569 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
14570 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
14571 the program you want to debug.
14572
14573 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
14574 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
14575 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
14576
14577 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
14578
14579 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
14580 status information about the debugging process. The
14581 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
14582 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
14583 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
14584
14585 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
14586 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
14587 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
14588 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
14589
14590 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
14591 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
14592 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
14593 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
14594
14595 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
14596 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
14597 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
14598 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
14599
14600 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
14601 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
14602 environment:
14603
14604 @smallexample
14605 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
14606 @end smallexample
14607
14608 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
14609
14610 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
14611
14612 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
14613 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
14614 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
14615 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
14616
14617 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
14618 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
14619 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
14620 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
14621 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
14622 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
14623 programs.
14624
14625 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14626 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
14627 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
14628 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
14629 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
14630 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
14631 already on the target.
14632
14633 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
14634 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
14635 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
14636
14637 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
14638 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
14639 Here are the available commands.
14640
14641 @table @code
14642 @item monitor help
14643 List the available monitor commands.
14644
14645 @item monitor set debug 0
14646 @itemx monitor set debug 1
14647 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
14648
14649 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
14650 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
14651 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
14652 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
14653
14654 @item monitor exit
14655 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
14656 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
14657 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
14658 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
14659 of a multi-process mode debug session.
14660
14661 @end table
14662
14663 @node Remote Configuration
14664 @section Remote Configuration
14665
14666 @kindex set remote
14667 @kindex show remote
14668 This section documents the configuration options available when
14669 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
14670 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
14671 system-call-allowed}.
14672
14673 @table @code
14674 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
14675 @cindex address size for remote targets
14676 @cindex bits in remote address
14677 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
14678 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
14679 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
14680 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
14681
14682 @item show remoteaddresssize
14683 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
14684
14685 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
14686 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
14687 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
14688 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
14689 remote targets.
14690
14691 @item show remotebaud
14692 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
14693
14694 @item set remotebreak
14695 @cindex interrupt remote programs
14696 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
14697 @anchor{set remotebreak}
14698 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
14699 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
14700 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
14701 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
14702 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
14703
14704 @item show remotebreak
14705 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
14706 interrupt the remote program.
14707
14708 @item set remoteflow on
14709 @itemx set remoteflow off
14710 @kindex set remoteflow
14711 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
14712 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
14713
14714 @item show remoteflow
14715 @kindex show remoteflow
14716 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
14717
14718 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
14719 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
14720 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
14721 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
14722 @code{ascii}.
14723
14724 @item show remotelogbase
14725 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
14726 protocol.
14727
14728 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
14729 @cindex record serial communications on file
14730 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
14731 default is not to record at all.
14732
14733 @item show remotelogfile.
14734 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
14735 serial communications.
14736
14737 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
14738 @cindex timeout for serial communications
14739 @cindex remote timeout
14740 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
14741 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
14742
14743 @item show remotetimeout
14744 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
14745 responses.
14746
14747 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
14748 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
14749 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
14750 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
14751 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
14752 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
14753 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
14754 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
14755
14756 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
14757 @itemx show remote exec-file
14758 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
14759 @cindex executable file, for remote target
14760 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
14761 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
14762 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
14763 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
14764
14765 @kindex set tcp
14766 @kindex show tcp
14767 @item set tcp auto-retry on
14768 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
14769 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
14770 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
14771 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
14772 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
14773 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
14774 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
14775 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
14776
14777 @item set tcp auto-retry off
14778 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
14779
14780 @item show tcp auto-retry
14781 Show the current auto-retry setting.
14782
14783 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
14784 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
14785 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
14786 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
14787 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
14788 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
14789 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
14790 value.
14791
14792 @item show tcp connect-timeout
14793 Show the current connection timeout setting.
14794 @end table
14795
14796 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
14797 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
14798 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
14799 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
14800 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
14801 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
14802 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
14803 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
14804 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
14805
14806 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
14807 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
14808 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
14809 @value{GDBN} developers.
14810
14811 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
14812 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
14813 are:
14814
14815 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
14816 @item Command Name
14817 @tab Remote Packet
14818 @tab Related Features
14819
14820 @item @code{fetch-register}
14821 @tab @code{p}
14822 @tab @code{info registers}
14823
14824 @item @code{set-register}
14825 @tab @code{P}
14826 @tab @code{set}
14827
14828 @item @code{binary-download}
14829 @tab @code{X}
14830 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
14831
14832 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
14833 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
14834 @tab @code{info auxv}
14835
14836 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
14837 @tab @code{qSymbol}
14838 @tab Detecting multiple threads
14839
14840 @item @code{attach}
14841 @tab @code{vAttach}
14842 @tab @code{attach}
14843
14844 @item @code{verbose-resume}
14845 @tab @code{vCont}
14846 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
14847
14848 @item @code{run}
14849 @tab @code{vRun}
14850 @tab @code{run}
14851
14852 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
14853 @tab @code{Z0}
14854 @tab @code{break}
14855
14856 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
14857 @tab @code{Z1}
14858 @tab @code{hbreak}
14859
14860 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
14861 @tab @code{Z2}
14862 @tab @code{watch}
14863
14864 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
14865 @tab @code{Z3}
14866 @tab @code{rwatch}
14867
14868 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
14869 @tab @code{Z4}
14870 @tab @code{awatch}
14871
14872 @item @code{target-features}
14873 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
14874 @tab @code{set architecture}
14875
14876 @item @code{library-info}
14877 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
14878 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
14879
14880 @item @code{memory-map}
14881 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
14882 @tab @code{info mem}
14883
14884 @item @code{read-spu-object}
14885 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
14886 @tab @code{info spu}
14887
14888 @item @code{write-spu-object}
14889 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
14890 @tab @code{info spu}
14891
14892 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
14893 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
14894 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
14895
14896 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
14897 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
14898 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
14899
14900 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
14901 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
14902 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
14903
14904 @item @code{search-memory}
14905 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
14906 @tab @code{find}
14907
14908 @item @code{supported-packets}
14909 @tab @code{qSupported}
14910 @tab Remote communications parameters
14911
14912 @item @code{pass-signals}
14913 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
14914 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
14915
14916 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
14917 @tab @code{vFile:close}
14918 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14919
14920 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
14921 @tab @code{vFile:open}
14922 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14923
14924 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
14925 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
14926 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14927
14928 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
14929 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
14930 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14931
14932 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
14933 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
14934 @tab @code{remote delete}
14935
14936 @item @code{noack-packet}
14937 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
14938 @tab Packet acknowledgment
14939
14940 @item @code{osdata}
14941 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
14942 @tab @code{info os}
14943
14944 @item @code{query-attached}
14945 @tab @code{qAttached}
14946 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
14947 @end multitable
14948
14949 @node Remote Stub
14950 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
14951
14952 @cindex debugging stub, example
14953 @cindex remote stub, example
14954 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
14955 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
14956 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
14957 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
14958 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
14959 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
14960 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
14961 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
14962
14963 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
14964 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
14965 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
14966 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
14967 program, you need:
14968
14969 @enumerate
14970 @item
14971 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
14972 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
14973 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
14974
14975 @item
14976 A C subroutine library to support your program's
14977 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
14978
14979 @item
14980 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
14981 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
14982 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
14983 documentation.
14984 @end enumerate
14985
14986 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
14987 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
14988 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
14989
14990 @table @emph
14991 @item On the host,
14992 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
14993 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
14994 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
14995
14996 @item On the target,
14997 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
14998 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
14999 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
15000
15001 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
15002 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
15003 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
15004 @end table
15005
15006 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
15007 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
15008 @sc{sparc} boards.
15009
15010 @cindex remote serial stub list
15011 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
15012
15013 @table @code
15014
15015 @item i386-stub.c
15016 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
15017 @cindex Intel
15018 @cindex i386
15019 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
15020
15021 @item m68k-stub.c
15022 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
15023 @cindex Motorola 680x0
15024 @cindex m680x0
15025 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
15026
15027 @item sh-stub.c
15028 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
15029 @cindex Renesas
15030 @cindex SH
15031 For Renesas SH architectures.
15032
15033 @item sparc-stub.c
15034 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
15035 @cindex Sparc
15036 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
15037
15038 @item sparcl-stub.c
15039 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
15040 @cindex Fujitsu
15041 @cindex SparcLite
15042 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
15043
15044 @end table
15045
15046 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
15047 recently added stubs.
15048
15049 @menu
15050 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
15051 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
15052 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
15053 @end menu
15054
15055 @node Stub Contents
15056 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
15057
15058 @cindex remote serial stub
15059 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
15060 subroutines:
15061
15062 @table @code
15063 @item set_debug_traps
15064 @findex set_debug_traps
15065 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
15066 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
15067 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
15068 beginning of your program.
15069
15070 @item handle_exception
15071 @findex handle_exception
15072 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
15073 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
15074 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
15075 run when a trap is triggered.
15076
15077 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
15078 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
15079 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
15080 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
15081 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
15082 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
15083 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
15084 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
15085 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
15086 machine.
15087
15088 @item breakpoint
15089 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
15090 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
15091 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
15092 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
15093 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
15094 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
15095 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
15096 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
15097 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
15098 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
15099 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
15100
15101 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
15102 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
15103 start of your debugging session.
15104 @end table
15105
15106 @node Bootstrapping
15107 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
15108
15109 @cindex remote stub, support routines
15110 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
15111 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
15112 debugging target machine.
15113
15114 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
15115 serial port.
15116
15117 @table @code
15118 @item int getDebugChar()
15119 @findex getDebugChar
15120 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
15121 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
15122 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15123
15124 @item void putDebugChar(int)
15125 @findex putDebugChar
15126 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
15127 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
15128 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15129 @end table
15130
15131 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
15132 @cindex interrupting remote targets
15133 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
15134 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
15135 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
15136 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
15137 remote system to stop.
15138
15139 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
15140 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
15141 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
15142 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
15143
15144 Other routines you need to supply are:
15145
15146 @table @code
15147 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
15148 @findex exceptionHandler
15149 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
15150 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
15151 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
15152 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
15153 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
15154 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
15155 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
15156 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
15157 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
15158 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
15159 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
15160 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
15161 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
15162
15163 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
15164 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
15165 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
15166 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
15167 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
15168
15169 @item void flush_i_cache()
15170 @findex flush_i_cache
15171 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
15172 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
15173 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
15174
15175 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
15176 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
15177 @end table
15178
15179 @noindent
15180 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
15181
15182 @table @code
15183 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
15184 @findex memset
15185 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
15186 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
15187 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
15188 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
15189 @end table
15190
15191 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
15192 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
15193 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
15194 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
15195
15196
15197 @node Debug Session
15198 @subsection Putting it All Together
15199
15200 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
15201 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
15202 steps.
15203
15204 @enumerate
15205 @item
15206 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
15207 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
15208 @display
15209 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
15210 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
15211 @end display
15212
15213 @item
15214 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
15215
15216 @smallexample
15217 set_debug_traps();
15218 breakpoint();
15219 @end smallexample
15220
15221 @item
15222 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
15223 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
15224
15225 @smallexample
15226 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
15227 @end smallexample
15228
15229 @noindent
15230 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
15231 function in your program, that function is called when
15232 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
15233 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
15234 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
15235
15236 @item
15237 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
15238 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
15239
15240 @item
15241 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
15242 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
15243
15244 @item
15245 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
15246 @c document that. FIXME.
15247 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
15248 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
15249
15250 @item
15251 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
15252 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
15253
15254 @end enumerate
15255
15256 @node Configurations
15257 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
15258
15259 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
15260 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
15261 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
15262
15263 There are three major categories of configurations: native
15264 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
15265 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
15266 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
15267 are quite different from each other.
15268
15269 @menu
15270 * Native::
15271 * Embedded OS::
15272 * Embedded Processors::
15273 * Architectures::
15274 @end menu
15275
15276 @node Native
15277 @section Native
15278
15279 This section describes details specific to particular native
15280 configurations.
15281
15282 @menu
15283 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
15284 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
15285 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
15286 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
15287 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
15288 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
15289 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
15290 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
15291 @end menu
15292
15293 @node HP-UX
15294 @subsection HP-UX
15295
15296 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
15297 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
15298 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
15299
15300
15301 @node BSD libkvm Interface
15302 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
15303
15304 @cindex libkvm
15305 @cindex kernel memory image
15306 @cindex kernel crash dump
15307
15308 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
15309 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
15310 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
15311 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
15312 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
15313 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
15314 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
15315 @code{kvm} target:
15316
15317 @smallexample
15318 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
15319 @end smallexample
15320
15321 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
15322 argument:
15323
15324 @smallexample
15325 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
15326 @end smallexample
15327
15328 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
15329 available:
15330
15331 @table @code
15332 @kindex kvm
15333 @item kvm pcb
15334 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
15335
15336 @item kvm proc
15337 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
15338 modern FreeBSD systems.
15339 @end table
15340
15341 @node SVR4 Process Information
15342 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
15343 @cindex /proc
15344 @cindex examine process image
15345 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
15346
15347 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
15348 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
15349 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
15350 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
15351 proc} is available to report information about the process running
15352 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
15353 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
15354 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
15355 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
15356
15357 @table @code
15358 @kindex info proc
15359 @cindex process ID
15360 @item info proc
15361 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
15362 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
15363 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
15364 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
15365 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
15366 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
15367 executable file's absolute file name.
15368
15369 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
15370 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
15371 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
15372 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
15373 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
15374 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
15375
15376 @item info proc mappings
15377 @cindex memory address space mappings
15378 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
15379 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
15380 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
15381 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
15382 memory access rights to that range.
15383
15384 @item info proc stat
15385 @itemx info proc status
15386 @cindex process detailed status information
15387 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
15388 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
15389 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
15390 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
15391 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
15392 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
15393 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
15394
15395 @item info proc all
15396 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
15397 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
15398
15399 @ignore
15400 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
15401 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
15402 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
15403 @kindex info proc times
15404 @item info proc times
15405 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
15406 its children.
15407
15408 @kindex info proc id
15409 @item info proc id
15410 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
15411 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
15412 @end ignore
15413
15414 @item set procfs-trace
15415 @kindex set procfs-trace
15416 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
15417 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
15418
15419 @item show procfs-trace
15420 @kindex show procfs-trace
15421 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
15422
15423 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
15424 @kindex set procfs-file
15425 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
15426 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
15427 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
15428 standard output.
15429
15430 @item show procfs-file
15431 @kindex show procfs-file
15432 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
15433
15434 @item proc-trace-entry
15435 @itemx proc-trace-exit
15436 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
15437 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
15438 @kindex proc-trace-entry
15439 @kindex proc-trace-exit
15440 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
15441 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
15442 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
15443 from the @code{syscall} interface.
15444
15445 @item info pidlist
15446 @kindex info pidlist
15447 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
15448 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
15449 processes and all the threads within each process.
15450
15451 @item info meminfo
15452 @kindex info meminfo
15453 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
15454 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
15455 @end table
15456
15457 @node DJGPP Native
15458 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
15459 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
15460 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
15461 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
15462
15463 @cindex DPMI
15464 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
15465 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
15466 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
15467 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
15468
15469 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
15470 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
15471 subsection describes those commands.
15472
15473 @table @code
15474 @kindex info dos
15475 @item info dos
15476 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
15477 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15478
15479 @kindex sysinfo
15480 @cindex MS-DOS system info
15481 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
15482 @item info dos sysinfo
15483 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
15484 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
15485 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
15486
15487 @cindex GDT
15488 @cindex LDT
15489 @cindex IDT
15490 @cindex segment descriptor tables
15491 @cindex descriptor tables display
15492 @item info dos gdt
15493 @itemx info dos ldt
15494 @itemx info dos idt
15495 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
15496 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
15497 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
15498 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
15499 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
15500 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
15501 rights.
15502
15503 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
15504 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
15505 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
15506 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
15507 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
15508
15509 @cindex garbled pointers
15510 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
15511 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
15512 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
15513 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
15514 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
15515 debugged program's data segment:
15516
15517 @smallexample
15518 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
15519 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
15520 @end smallexample
15521
15522 @noindent
15523 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
15524 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
15525
15526 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
15527 @item info dos pde
15528 @itemx info dos pte
15529 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
15530 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
15531 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
15532 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
15533 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
15534 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
15535 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
15536 that is currently in use.
15537
15538 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
15539 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
15540 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
15541 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
15542 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
15543 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
15544 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
15545
15546 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
15547 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
15548 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
15549 controller.
15550
15551 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
15552
15553 @cindex physical address from linear address
15554 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
15555 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
15556 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
15557 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
15558 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
15559 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
15560 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
15561
15562 @smallexample
15563 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
15564 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
15565 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
15566 @end smallexample
15567
15568 @noindent
15569 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
15570 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
15571 attributes of that page.
15572
15573 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
15574 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
15575 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
15576 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
15577 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
15578 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
15579
15580 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
15581 transfer buffer:
15582
15583 @smallexample
15584 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
15585 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
15586 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
15587 @end smallexample
15588
15589 @noindent
15590 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
15591 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
15592 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
15593 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
15594 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
15595
15596 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
15597 @end table
15598
15599 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
15600 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
15601 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
15602 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
15603
15604 @table @code
15605 @kindex set com1base
15606 @kindex set com1irq
15607 @kindex set com2base
15608 @kindex set com2irq
15609 @kindex set com3base
15610 @kindex set com3irq
15611 @kindex set com4base
15612 @kindex set com4irq
15613 @item set com1base @var{addr}
15614 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
15615 port.
15616
15617 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
15618 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
15619 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
15620
15621 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
15622 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
15623 other 3 COM ports.
15624
15625 @kindex show com1base
15626 @kindex show com1irq
15627 @kindex show com2base
15628 @kindex show com2irq
15629 @kindex show com3base
15630 @kindex show com3irq
15631 @kindex show com4base
15632 @kindex show com4irq
15633 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
15634 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
15635 lines used by the COM ports.
15636
15637 @item info serial
15638 @kindex info serial
15639 @cindex DOS serial port status
15640 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
15641 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
15642 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
15643 counts of various errors encountered so far.
15644 @end table
15645
15646
15647 @node Cygwin Native
15648 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
15649 @cindex MS Windows debugging
15650 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
15651 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
15652
15653 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
15654 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
15655 additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
15656 Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
15657 @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
15658
15659 @table @code
15660 @kindex info w32
15661 @item info w32
15662 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
15663 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15664
15665 @item info w32 selector
15666 This command displays information returned by
15667 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
15668 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
15669 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
15670 Without argument, this command displays information
15671 about the six segment registers.
15672
15673 @kindex info dll
15674 @item info dll
15675 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
15676
15677 @kindex dll-symbols
15678 @item dll-symbols
15679 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
15680 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
15681
15682 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
15683 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
15684 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
15685 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
15686 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
15687 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
15688 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
15689 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
15690 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
15691 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
15692 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
15693
15694 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
15695 @item show cygwin-exceptions
15696 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
15697 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
15698
15699 @kindex set new-console
15700 @item set new-console @var{mode}
15701 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
15702 be started in a new console on next start.
15703 If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
15704 be started in the same console as the debugger.
15705
15706 @kindex show new-console
15707 @item show new-console
15708 Displays whether a new console is used
15709 when the debuggee is started.
15710
15711 @kindex set new-group
15712 @item set new-group @var{mode}
15713 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
15714 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
15715 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
15716 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
15717
15718 @kindex show new-group
15719 @item show new-group
15720 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
15721
15722 @kindex set debugevents
15723 @item set debugevents
15724 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
15725 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
15726 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
15727 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
15728 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
15729
15730 @kindex set debugexec
15731 @item set debugexec
15732 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
15733 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
15734
15735 @kindex set debugexceptions
15736 @item set debugexceptions
15737 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
15738 debuggee seen by the debugger.
15739
15740 @kindex set debugmemory
15741 @item set debugmemory
15742 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
15743 and writes by the debugger.
15744
15745 @kindex set shell
15746 @item set shell
15747 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
15748 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
15749
15750 @kindex show shell
15751 @item show shell
15752 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
15753
15754 @end table
15755
15756 @menu
15757 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
15758 @end menu
15759
15760 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
15761 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
15762 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
15763 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
15764
15765 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
15766 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
15767 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
15768 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
15769 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
15770 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
15771 ``minimal symbols''.
15772
15773 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
15774 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
15775 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
15776 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
15777 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
15778 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
15779 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
15780 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
15781 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
15782 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
15783
15784 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
15785
15786 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
15787 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
15788 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
15789 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
15790 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
15791 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
15792 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
15793 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
15794 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
15795
15796 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
15797 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
15798 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
15799 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
15800 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
15801 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
15802
15803 @smallexample
15804 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
15805 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
15806
15807 Non-debugging symbols:
15808 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
15809 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
15810 @end smallexample
15811
15812 @smallexample
15813 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
15814 All functions matching regular expression "!":
15815
15816 Non-debugging symbols:
15817 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
15818 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
15819 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
15820 [etc...]
15821 @end smallexample
15822
15823 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
15824
15825 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
15826 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
15827 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
15828 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
15829 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
15830 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
15831 a function within a DLL without a running program.
15832
15833 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
15834 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
15835 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
15836 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
15837 problem:
15838
15839 @smallexample
15840 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
15841 $1 = 268572168
15842 @end smallexample
15843
15844 @smallexample
15845 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
15846 0x10021610: "\230y\""
15847 @end smallexample
15848
15849 And two possible solutions:
15850
15851 @smallexample
15852 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
15853 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15854 @end smallexample
15855
15856 @smallexample
15857 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
15858 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
15859 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
15860 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
15861 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
15862 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15863 @end smallexample
15864
15865 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
15866 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
15867 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
15868 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
15869 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
15870
15871 @smallexample
15872 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
15873 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
15874 @end smallexample
15875
15876 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
15877 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
15878 safe.
15879
15880 @node Hurd Native
15881 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
15882 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
15883
15884 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
15885 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
15886
15887 @table @code
15888 @item set signals
15889 @itemx set sigs
15890 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
15891 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15892 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
15893 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
15894 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
15895 @code{signals}.
15896
15897 @item show signals
15898 @itemx show sigs
15899 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
15900 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15901 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
15902
15903 @item set signal-thread
15904 @itemx set sigthread
15905 @kindex set signal-thread
15906 @kindex set sigthread
15907 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
15908 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
15909 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
15910 signal-thread}.
15911
15912 @item show signal-thread
15913 @itemx show sigthread
15914 @kindex show signal-thread
15915 @kindex show sigthread
15916 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
15917 delivered a signal.
15918
15919 @item set stopped
15920 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15921 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
15922 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
15923 continued by delivering a signal to it.
15924
15925 @item show stopped
15926 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15927 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
15928 stopped.
15929
15930 @item set exceptions
15931 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15932 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
15933 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
15934 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
15935 trapping on.
15936
15937 @item show exceptions
15938 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15939 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
15940
15941 @item set task pause
15942 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
15943 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15944 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15945 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
15946 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
15947 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
15948 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
15949 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
15950 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
15951
15952 @item show task pause
15953 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
15954 Show the current state of task suspension.
15955
15956 @item set task detach-suspend-count
15957 @cindex task suspend count
15958 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15959 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
15960 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
15961
15962 @item show task detach-suspend-count
15963 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
15964
15965 @item set task exception-port
15966 @itemx set task excp
15967 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15968 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
15969 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
15970 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
15971
15972 @item set noninvasive
15973 @cindex noninvasive task options
15974 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
15975 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
15976 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
15977 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
15978
15979 @item info send-rights
15980 @itemx info receive-rights
15981 @itemx info port-rights
15982 @itemx info port-sets
15983 @itemx info dead-names
15984 @itemx info ports
15985 @itemx info psets
15986 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15987 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15988 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15989 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15990 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15991 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
15992 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
15993 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
15994 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
15995
15996 @item set thread pause
15997 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
15998 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15999 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16000 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
16001 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
16002 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
16003 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
16004 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
16005 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
16006 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
16007 only the current thread.
16008
16009 @item show thread pause
16010 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
16011 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
16012
16013 @item set thread run
16014 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16015
16016 @item show thread run
16017 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16018
16019 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
16020 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16021 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16022 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
16023 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
16024 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
16025 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
16026
16027 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
16028 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
16029 detaching.
16030
16031 @item set thread exception-port
16032 @itemx set thread excp
16033 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
16034 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
16035 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
16036
16037 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
16038 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
16039 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
16040 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
16041
16042 @item set thread default
16043 @itemx show thread default
16044 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16045 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
16046 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
16047 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
16048 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
16049 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
16050 the non-default commands.
16051 @end table
16052
16053
16054 @node Neutrino
16055 @subsection QNX Neutrino
16056 @cindex QNX Neutrino
16057
16058 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
16059 Neutrino target:
16060
16061 @table @code
16062 @item set debug nto-debug
16063 @kindex set debug nto-debug
16064 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
16065 Neutrino support.
16066
16067 @item show debug nto-debug
16068 @kindex show debug nto-debug
16069 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
16070 @end table
16071
16072 @node Darwin
16073 @subsection Darwin
16074 @cindex Darwin
16075
16076 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
16077
16078 @table @code
16079 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
16080 @kindex set debug darwin
16081 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
16082 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
16083
16084 @item show debug darwin
16085 @kindex show debug darwin
16086 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
16087
16088 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
16089 @kindex set debug mach-o
16090 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
16091 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
16092 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
16093 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
16094 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
16095 usage.
16096
16097 @item show debug mach-o
16098 @kindex show debug mach-o
16099 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
16100
16101 @item set mach-exceptions on
16102 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
16103 @kindex set mach-exceptions
16104 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
16105 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
16106 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
16107 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
16108
16109 @item show mach-exceptions
16110 @kindex show mach-exceptions
16111 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
16112 @end table
16113
16114
16115 @node Embedded OS
16116 @section Embedded Operating Systems
16117
16118 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
16119 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
16120 architectures.
16121
16122 @menu
16123 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16124 @end menu
16125
16126 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
16127 various real-time operating systems.
16128
16129 @node VxWorks
16130 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16131
16132 @cindex VxWorks
16133
16134 @table @code
16135
16136 @kindex target vxworks
16137 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
16138 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
16139 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
16140
16141 @end table
16142
16143 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
16144 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
16145
16146 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
16147 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
16148 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16149 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
16150 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
16151 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
16152 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
16153
16154 @table @code
16155 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
16156 @kindex vxworks-timeout
16157 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
16158 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16159 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
16160 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
16161 of a thin network line.
16162 @end table
16163
16164 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
16165 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
16166 procedures.
16167
16168 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
16169 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
16170 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
16171 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
16172 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
16173 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
16174 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
16175 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
16176 manual.
16177 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
16178
16179 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
16180 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16181 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
16182 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
16183
16184 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16185
16186 @smallexample
16187 (vxgdb)
16188 @end smallexample
16189
16190 @menu
16191 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
16192 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
16193 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
16194 @end menu
16195
16196 @node VxWorks Connection
16197 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
16198
16199 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
16200 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
16201
16202 @smallexample
16203 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
16204 @end smallexample
16205
16206 @need 750
16207 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16208
16209 @smallexample
16210 Attaching remote machine across net...
16211 Connected to tt.
16212 @end smallexample
16213
16214 @need 1000
16215 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
16216 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
16217 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
16218 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
16219 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
16220
16221 @smallexample
16222 prog.o: No such file or directory.
16223 @end smallexample
16224
16225 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
16226 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
16227 command again.
16228
16229 @node VxWorks Download
16230 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
16231
16232 @cindex download to VxWorks
16233 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
16234 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
16235 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
16236 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
16237 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
16238 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
16239 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
16240 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
16241 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
16242 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
16243 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
16244 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
16245 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
16246 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
16247 program, type this on VxWorks:
16248
16249 @smallexample
16250 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
16251 @end smallexample
16252
16253 @noindent
16254 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16255
16256 @smallexample
16257 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
16258 (vxgdb) load prog.o
16259 @end smallexample
16260
16261 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
16262
16263 @smallexample
16264 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
16265 @end smallexample
16266
16267 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
16268 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
16269 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
16270 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
16271 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
16272 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
16273 table.)
16274
16275 @node VxWorks Attach
16276 @subsubsection Running Tasks
16277
16278 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
16279 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
16280 follows:
16281
16282 @smallexample
16283 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
16284 @end smallexample
16285
16286 @noindent
16287 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
16288 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
16289 the time of attachment.
16290
16291 @node Embedded Processors
16292 @section Embedded Processors
16293
16294 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
16295 configurations.
16296
16297 @cindex send command to simulator
16298 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
16299 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
16300
16301 @table @code
16302 @item sim @var{command}
16303 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
16304 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
16305 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
16306 acceptable commands.
16307 @end table
16308
16309
16310 @menu
16311 * ARM:: ARM RDI
16312 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
16313 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
16314 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
16315 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
16316 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
16317 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
16318 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
16319 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
16320 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
16321 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
16322 * CRIS:: CRIS
16323 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
16324 @end menu
16325
16326 @node ARM
16327 @subsection ARM
16328 @cindex ARM RDI
16329
16330 @table @code
16331 @kindex target rdi
16332 @item target rdi @var{dev}
16333 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
16334 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
16335 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
16336
16337 @kindex target rdp
16338 @item target rdp @var{dev}
16339 ARM Demon monitor.
16340
16341 @end table
16342
16343 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
16344
16345 @table @code
16346 @item set arm disassembler
16347 @kindex set arm
16348 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
16349 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
16350
16351 @item show arm disassembler
16352 @kindex show arm
16353 Show the current disassembly style.
16354
16355 @item set arm apcs32
16356 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
16357 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
16358
16359 @item show arm apcs32
16360 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
16361
16362 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
16363 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
16364 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
16365
16366 @table @code
16367 @item auto
16368 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
16369 @item softfpa
16370 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
16371 processors.
16372 @item fpa
16373 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
16374 @item softvfp
16375 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
16376 @item vfp
16377 VFP co-processor.
16378 @end table
16379
16380 @item show arm fpu
16381 Show the current type of the FPU.
16382
16383 @item set arm abi
16384 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
16385
16386 @item show arm abi
16387 Show the currently used ABI.
16388
16389 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
16390 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
16391 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
16392 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
16393 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
16394 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
16395 register).
16396
16397 @item show arm fallback-mode
16398 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
16399
16400 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
16401 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
16402 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
16403 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
16404 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
16405
16406 @item show arm force-mode
16407 Show the current forced instruction mode.
16408
16409 @item set debug arm
16410 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
16411 target support subsystem.
16412
16413 @item show debug arm
16414 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
16415 @end table
16416
16417 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
16418 using the RDI interface:
16419
16420 @table @code
16421 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16422 @kindex rdilogfile
16423 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
16424 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
16425 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
16426 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
16427 @file{rdi.log}.
16428
16429 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
16430 @kindex rdilogenable
16431 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
16432 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
16433 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
16434 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
16435 are logged to a file.
16436
16437 @item set rdiromatzero
16438 @kindex set rdiromatzero
16439 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
16440 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
16441 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
16442 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
16443 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
16444
16445 @item show rdiromatzero
16446 @kindex show rdiromatzero
16447 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
16448
16449 @item set rdiheartbeat
16450 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
16451 @cindex RDI heartbeat
16452 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
16453 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
16454 well as the Angel monitor.
16455
16456 @item show rdiheartbeat
16457 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
16458 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
16459 @end table
16460
16461
16462 @node M32R/D
16463 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
16464
16465 @table @code
16466 @kindex target m32r
16467 @item target m32r @var{dev}
16468 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
16469
16470 @kindex target m32rsdi
16471 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
16472 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
16473 @end table
16474
16475 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
16476
16477 @table @code
16478 @item set download-path @var{path}
16479 @kindex set download-path
16480 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
16481 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
16482
16483 @item show download-path
16484 @kindex show download-path
16485 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
16486
16487 @item set board-address @var{addr}
16488 @kindex set board-address
16489 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
16490 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
16491
16492 @item show board-address
16493 @kindex show board-address
16494 Show the current IP address of the target board.
16495
16496 @item set server-address @var{addr}
16497 @kindex set server-address
16498 @cindex download server address (M32R)
16499 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
16500 host machine.
16501
16502 @item show server-address
16503 @kindex show server-address
16504 Display the IP address of the download server.
16505
16506 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16507 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
16508 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
16509 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
16510 executable file is uploaded.
16511
16512 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16513 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
16514 Test the @code{upload} command.
16515 @end table
16516
16517 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
16518
16519 @table @code
16520 @item sdireset
16521 @kindex sdireset
16522 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
16523 This command resets the SDI connection.
16524
16525 @item sdistatus
16526 @kindex sdistatus
16527 This command shows the SDI connection status.
16528
16529 @item debug_chaos
16530 @kindex debug_chaos
16531 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
16532 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
16533
16534 @item use_debug_dma
16535 @kindex use_debug_dma
16536 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
16537
16538 @item use_mon_code
16539 @kindex use_mon_code
16540 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
16541
16542 @item use_ib_break
16543 @kindex use_ib_break
16544 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
16545
16546 @item use_dbt_break
16547 @kindex use_dbt_break
16548 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
16549 @end table
16550
16551 @node M68K
16552 @subsection M68k
16553
16554 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
16555 target command for the following ROM monitor.
16556
16557 @table @code
16558
16559 @kindex target dbug
16560 @item target dbug @var{dev}
16561 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
16562
16563 @end table
16564
16565 @node MIPS Embedded
16566 @subsection MIPS Embedded
16567
16568 @cindex MIPS boards
16569 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
16570 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
16571 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
16572
16573 @need 1000
16574 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
16575
16576 @table @code
16577 @item target mips @var{port}
16578 @kindex target mips @var{port}
16579 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
16580 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
16581 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
16582 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
16583 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
16584 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
16585
16586 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
16587 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
16588 debugger:
16589
16590 @smallexample
16591 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
16592 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
16593 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
16594 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
16595 (@value{GDBP}) run
16596 @end smallexample
16597
16598 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
16599 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
16600 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
16601 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
16602 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
16603
16604 @item target pmon @var{port}
16605 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
16606 PMON ROM monitor.
16607
16608 @item target ddb @var{port}
16609 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
16610 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
16611
16612 @item target lsi @var{port}
16613 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
16614 LSI variant of PMON.
16615
16616 @kindex target r3900
16617 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
16618 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
16619
16620 @kindex target array
16621 @item target array @var{dev}
16622 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
16623
16624 @end table
16625
16626
16627 @noindent
16628 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
16629
16630 @table @code
16631 @item set mipsfpu double
16632 @itemx set mipsfpu single
16633 @itemx set mipsfpu none
16634 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
16635 @itemx show mipsfpu
16636 @kindex set mipsfpu
16637 @kindex show mipsfpu
16638 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
16639 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
16640 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
16641 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
16642 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
16643 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
16644 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
16645 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
16646 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
16647 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
16648 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
16649 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
16650 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
16651
16652 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
16653 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
16654 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
16655
16656 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
16657 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
16658
16659 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
16660 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
16661 @itemx show timeout
16662 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
16663 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
16664 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
16665 @kindex set timeout
16666 @kindex show timeout
16667 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
16668 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
16669 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
16670 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
16671 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
16672 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
16673 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
16674 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
16675 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
16676 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
16677
16678 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
16679 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
16680 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
16681 to run before stopping.
16682
16683 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
16684 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16685 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
16686 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
16687 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
16688 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
16689
16690 @item show syn-garbage-limit
16691 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16692 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
16693 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
16694
16695 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
16696 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16697 @cindex remote monitor prompt
16698 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
16699 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
16700 @table @asis
16701 @item pmon target
16702 @samp{PMON}
16703 @item ddb target
16704 @samp{NEC010}
16705 @item lsi target
16706 @samp{PMON>}
16707 @end table
16708
16709 @item show monitor-prompt
16710 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16711 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
16712 remote monitor.
16713
16714 @item set monitor-warnings
16715 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16716 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
16717 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
16718 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
16719 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
16720
16721 @item show monitor-warnings
16722 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16723 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
16724
16725 @item pmon @var{command}
16726 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
16727 @cindex send PMON command
16728 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
16729 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
16730 @end table
16731
16732 @node OpenRISC 1000
16733 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
16734 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
16735
16736 @cindex or1k boards
16737 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
16738 about platform and commands.
16739
16740 @table @code
16741
16742 @kindex target jtag
16743 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
16744
16745 Connects to remote JTAG server.
16746 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
16747 connected via parallel port to the board.
16748
16749 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
16750
16751 @kindex or1ksim
16752 @item or1ksim @var{command}
16753 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
16754 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
16755
16756 @kindex info or1k spr
16757 @item info or1k spr
16758 Displays spr groups.
16759
16760 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
16761 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
16762 Displays register names in selected group.
16763
16764 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
16765 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
16766 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
16767 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
16768 Shows information about specified spr register.
16769
16770 @kindex spr
16771 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
16772 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
16773 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
16774 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
16775 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
16776 @end table
16777
16778 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
16779 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
16780 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
16781 triggers can be set using:
16782 @table @code
16783 @item $LEA/$LDATA
16784 Load effective address/data
16785 @item $SEA/$SDATA
16786 Store effective address/data
16787 @item $AEA/$ADATA
16788 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
16789 @item $FETCH
16790 Fetch data
16791 @end table
16792
16793 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
16794 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
16795
16796 @code{htrace} commands:
16797 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
16798 @table @code
16799 @kindex hwatch
16800 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
16801 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
16802 or Data. For example:
16803
16804 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16805
16806 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16807
16808 @kindex htrace
16809 @item htrace info
16810 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
16811
16812 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
16813 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
16814
16815 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
16816 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
16817
16818 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
16819 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
16820
16821 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
16822 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
16823 triggered.
16824
16825 @item htrace enable
16826 @itemx htrace disable
16827 Enables/disables the HW trace.
16828
16829 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
16830 Clears currently recorded trace data.
16831
16832 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
16833 will be written there.
16834
16835 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
16836 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
16837
16838 @item htrace mode continuous
16839 Set continuous trace mode.
16840
16841 @item htrace mode suspend
16842 Set suspend trace mode.
16843
16844 @end table
16845
16846 @node PowerPC Embedded
16847 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
16848
16849 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
16850
16851 @table @code
16852 @kindex set powerpc
16853 @item set powerpc soft-float
16854 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
16855 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
16856 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
16857 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16858
16859 @item set powerpc vector-abi
16860 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
16861 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
16862 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
16863 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
16864 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
16865 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
16866 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16867
16868 @kindex target dink32
16869 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
16870 DINK32 ROM monitor.
16871
16872 @kindex target ppcbug
16873 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
16874 @kindex target ppcbug1
16875 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
16876 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
16877
16878 @kindex target sds
16879 @item target sds @var{dev}
16880 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
16881 @end table
16882
16883 @cindex SDS protocol
16884 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
16885 by @value{GDBN}:
16886
16887 @table @code
16888 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
16889 @kindex set sdstimeout
16890 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
16891 default is 2 seconds.
16892
16893 @item show sdstimeout
16894 @kindex show sdstimeout
16895 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
16896
16897 @item sds @var{command}
16898 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
16899 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
16900 @end table
16901
16902
16903 @node PA
16904 @subsection HP PA Embedded
16905
16906 @table @code
16907
16908 @kindex target op50n
16909 @item target op50n @var{dev}
16910 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
16911
16912 @kindex target w89k
16913 @item target w89k @var{dev}
16914 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
16915
16916 @end table
16917
16918 @node Sparclet
16919 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
16920
16921 @cindex Sparclet
16922
16923 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
16924 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
16925 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16926 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
16927 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
16928
16929 @table @code
16930 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
16931 @kindex remotetimeout
16932 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
16933 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16934 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
16935 @end table
16936
16937 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
16938 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
16939 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
16940 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
16941 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
16942
16943 @smallexample
16944 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
16945 @end smallexample
16946
16947 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
16948
16949 @smallexample
16950 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
16951 @end smallexample
16952
16953 @cindex running, on Sparclet
16954 Once you have set
16955 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16956 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
16957 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
16958
16959 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16960
16961 @smallexample
16962 (gdbslet)
16963 @end smallexample
16964
16965 @menu
16966 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
16967 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
16968 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
16969 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
16970 @end menu
16971
16972 @node Sparclet File
16973 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
16974
16975 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
16976
16977 @smallexample
16978 (gdbslet) file prog
16979 @end smallexample
16980
16981 @need 1000
16982 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
16983 @value{GDBN} locates
16984 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
16985 path.
16986 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
16987 files will be searched as well.
16988 @value{GDBN} locates
16989 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
16990 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
16991 If it fails
16992 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
16993
16994 @smallexample
16995 prog: No such file or directory.
16996 @end smallexample
16997
16998 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
16999 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
17000 @code{target} command again.
17001
17002 @node Sparclet Connection
17003 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
17004
17005 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
17006 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
17007
17008 @smallexample
17009 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
17010 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
17011 main () at ../prog.c:3
17012 @end smallexample
17013
17014 @need 750
17015 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
17016
17017 @smallexample
17018 Connected to ttya.
17019 @end smallexample
17020
17021 @node Sparclet Download
17022 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
17023
17024 @cindex download to Sparclet
17025 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
17026 you can use the @value{GDBN}
17027 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
17028 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
17029 command.
17030 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
17031 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
17032 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
17033 of each of the file's sections.
17034 For instance, if the program
17035 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
17036 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
17037
17038 @smallexample
17039 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
17040 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
17041 @end smallexample
17042
17043 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
17044 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
17045 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
17046
17047 @node Sparclet Execution
17048 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
17049
17050 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
17051 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
17052 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
17053 manual for the list of commands.
17054
17055 @smallexample
17056 (gdbslet) b main
17057 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
17058 (gdbslet) run
17059 Starting program: prog
17060 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
17061 3 char *symarg = 0;
17062 (gdbslet) step
17063 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
17064 (gdbslet)
17065 @end smallexample
17066
17067 @node Sparclite
17068 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
17069
17070 @table @code
17071
17072 @kindex target sparclite
17073 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
17074 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
17075 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
17076 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
17077 remote protocol.
17078
17079 @end table
17080
17081 @node Z8000
17082 @subsection Zilog Z8000
17083
17084 @cindex Z8000
17085 @cindex simulator, Z8000
17086 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
17087
17088 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
17089 a Z8000 simulator.
17090
17091 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
17092 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
17093 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
17094 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
17095
17096 @table @code
17097 @item target sim @var{args}
17098 @kindex sim
17099 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
17100 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
17101 options, specify them via @var{args}.
17102 @end table
17103
17104 @noindent
17105 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
17106 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
17107 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
17108 to run your program, and so on.
17109
17110 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
17111 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
17112 additional items of information as specially named registers:
17113
17114 @table @code
17115
17116 @item cycles
17117 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
17118
17119 @item insts
17120 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
17121
17122 @item time
17123 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
17124
17125 @end table
17126
17127 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
17128 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
17129 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
17130 simulated clock ticks.
17131
17132 @node AVR
17133 @subsection Atmel AVR
17134 @cindex AVR
17135
17136 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
17137 following AVR-specific commands:
17138
17139 @table @code
17140 @item info io_registers
17141 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
17142 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
17143 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
17144 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
17145 @end table
17146
17147 @node CRIS
17148 @subsection CRIS
17149 @cindex CRIS
17150
17151 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
17152 following CRIS-specific commands:
17153
17154 @table @code
17155 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
17156 @cindex CRIS version
17157 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
17158 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
17159 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
17160
17161 @item show cris-version
17162 Show the current CRIS version.
17163
17164 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
17165 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
17166 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
17167 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
17168 @code{R59}.
17169
17170 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
17171 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
17172
17173 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
17174 @cindex CRIS mode
17175 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
17176 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
17177 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
17178
17179 @item show cris-mode
17180 Show the current CRIS mode.
17181 @end table
17182
17183 @node Super-H
17184 @subsection Renesas Super-H
17185 @cindex Super-H
17186
17187 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
17188 commands:
17189
17190 @table @code
17191 @item regs
17192 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
17193 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
17194
17195 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
17196 @kindex set sh calling-convention
17197 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
17198 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
17199 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
17200 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
17201 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
17202 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
17203 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
17204 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
17205 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
17206 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
17207
17208 @item show sh calling-convention
17209 @kindex show sh calling-convention
17210 Show the current calling convention setting.
17211
17212 @end table
17213
17214
17215 @node Architectures
17216 @section Architectures
17217
17218 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
17219 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
17220
17221 @menu
17222 * i386::
17223 * A29K::
17224 * Alpha::
17225 * MIPS::
17226 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
17227 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
17228 * PowerPC::
17229 @end menu
17230
17231 @node i386
17232 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
17233
17234 @table @code
17235 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
17236 @kindex set struct-convention
17237 @cindex struct return convention
17238 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
17239 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
17240 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
17241 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
17242 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
17243 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
17244 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
17245 be returned in a register.
17246
17247 @item show struct-convention
17248 @kindex show struct-convention
17249 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
17250 from functions.
17251 @end table
17252
17253 @node A29K
17254 @subsection A29K
17255
17256 @table @code
17257
17258 @kindex set rstack_high_address
17259 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
17260 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
17261 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
17262 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
17263 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
17264 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
17265 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
17266 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
17267 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
17268 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
17269 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
17270 hexadecimal.
17271
17272 @kindex show rstack_high_address
17273 @item show rstack_high_address
17274 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
17275 processors.
17276
17277 @end table
17278
17279 @node Alpha
17280 @subsection Alpha
17281
17282 See the following section.
17283
17284 @node MIPS
17285 @subsection MIPS
17286
17287 @cindex stack on Alpha
17288 @cindex stack on MIPS
17289 @cindex Alpha stack
17290 @cindex MIPS stack
17291 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
17292 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
17293 find the beginning of a function.
17294
17295 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
17296 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
17297 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
17298 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
17299 commands:
17300
17301 @table @code
17302 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
17303 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
17304 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
17305 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
17306 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
17307 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
17308 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
17309 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
17310
17311 @item show heuristic-fence-post
17312 Display the current limit.
17313 @end table
17314
17315 @noindent
17316 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
17317 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
17318
17319 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
17320 programs:
17321
17322 @table @code
17323 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
17324 @kindex set mips abi
17325 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
17326 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
17327 values of @var{arg} are:
17328
17329 @table @samp
17330 @item auto
17331 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
17332 default).
17333 @item o32
17334 @item o64
17335 @item n32
17336 @item n64
17337 @item eabi32
17338 @item eabi64
17339 @item auto
17340 @end table
17341
17342 @item show mips abi
17343 @kindex show mips abi
17344 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
17345
17346 @item set mipsfpu
17347 @itemx show mipsfpu
17348 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
17349
17350 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
17351 @kindex set mips mask-address
17352 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
17353 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
17354 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
17355 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
17356 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
17357
17358 @item show mips mask-address
17359 @kindex show mips mask-address
17360 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
17361 not.
17362
17363 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17364 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17365 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
17366 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
17367 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
17368 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
17369
17370 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17371 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17372 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
17373
17374 @item set debug mips
17375 @kindex set debug mips
17376 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
17377 target code in @value{GDBN}.
17378
17379 @item show debug mips
17380 @kindex show debug mips
17381 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
17382 @end table
17383
17384
17385 @node HPPA
17386 @subsection HPPA
17387 @cindex HPPA support
17388
17389 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
17390 following special commands:
17391
17392 @table @code
17393 @item set debug hppa
17394 @kindex set debug hppa
17395 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
17396 messages are to be displayed.
17397
17398 @item show debug hppa
17399 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
17400
17401 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
17402 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
17403 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
17404 given @var{address}.
17405
17406 @end table
17407
17408
17409 @node SPU
17410 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
17411 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
17412 @cindex SPU
17413
17414 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
17415 it provides the following special commands:
17416
17417 @table @code
17418 @item info spu event
17419 @kindex info spu
17420 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
17421 and pending event status.
17422
17423 @item info spu signal
17424 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
17425 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
17426 notification channels.
17427
17428 @item info spu mailbox
17429 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
17430 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
17431 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
17432
17433 @item info spu dma
17434 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
17435 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
17436 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
17437
17438 @item info spu proxydma
17439 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
17440 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
17441 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
17442
17443 @end table
17444
17445 @node PowerPC
17446 @subsection PowerPC
17447 @cindex PowerPC architecture
17448
17449 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
17450 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
17451 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
17452 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
17453 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
17454
17455 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
17456 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
17457 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
17458
17459 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
17460 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
17461
17462
17463 @node Controlling GDB
17464 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
17465
17466 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
17467 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
17468 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
17469 described here.
17470
17471 @menu
17472 * Prompt:: Prompt
17473 * Editing:: Command editing
17474 * Command History:: Command history
17475 * Screen Size:: Screen size
17476 * Numbers:: Numbers
17477 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
17478 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
17479 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
17480 @end menu
17481
17482 @node Prompt
17483 @section Prompt
17484
17485 @cindex prompt
17486
17487 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
17488 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
17489 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
17490 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
17491 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
17492 which one you are talking to.
17493
17494 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
17495 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
17496 or a prompt that does not.
17497
17498 @table @code
17499 @kindex set prompt
17500 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
17501 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
17502
17503 @kindex show prompt
17504 @item show prompt
17505 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
17506 @end table
17507
17508 @node Editing
17509 @section Command Editing
17510 @cindex readline
17511 @cindex command line editing
17512
17513 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
17514 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
17515 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
17516 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
17517 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
17518 debugging sessions.
17519
17520 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
17521 command @code{set}.
17522
17523 @table @code
17524 @kindex set editing
17525 @cindex editing
17526 @item set editing
17527 @itemx set editing on
17528 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
17529
17530 @item set editing off
17531 Disable command line editing.
17532
17533 @kindex show editing
17534 @item show editing
17535 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
17536 @end table
17537
17538 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
17539 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
17540 encouraged to read that chapter.
17541
17542 @node Command History
17543 @section Command History
17544 @cindex command history
17545
17546 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
17547 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
17548 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
17549 history facility.
17550
17551 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
17552 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
17553 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
17554
17555 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
17556 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
17557 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
17558 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
17559 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
17560 pressed on a line by itself.
17561
17562 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
17563 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
17564 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
17565 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
17566
17567 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
17568 history.
17569
17570 @table @code
17571 @cindex history substitution
17572 @cindex history file
17573 @kindex set history filename
17574 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
17575 @item set history filename @var{fname}
17576 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
17577 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
17578 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
17579 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
17580 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
17581 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
17582 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
17583 is not set.
17584
17585 @cindex save command history
17586 @kindex set history save
17587 @item set history save
17588 @itemx set history save on
17589 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
17590 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
17591
17592 @item set history save off
17593 Stop recording command history in a file.
17594
17595 @cindex history size
17596 @kindex set history size
17597 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
17598 @item set history size @var{size}
17599 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
17600 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
17601 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
17602 @end table
17603
17604 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
17605 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
17606
17607 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
17608 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
17609 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
17610 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
17611 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
17612 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
17613 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
17614 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
17615
17616 The commands to control history expansion are:
17617
17618 @table @code
17619 @item set history expansion on
17620 @itemx set history expansion
17621 @kindex set history expansion
17622 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
17623
17624 @item set history expansion off
17625 Disable history expansion.
17626
17627 @c @group
17628 @kindex show history
17629 @item show history
17630 @itemx show history filename
17631 @itemx show history save
17632 @itemx show history size
17633 @itemx show history expansion
17634 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
17635 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
17636 @c @end group
17637 @end table
17638
17639 @table @code
17640 @kindex show commands
17641 @cindex show last commands
17642 @cindex display command history
17643 @item show commands
17644 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
17645
17646 @item show commands @var{n}
17647 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
17648
17649 @item show commands +
17650 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
17651 @end table
17652
17653 @node Screen Size
17654 @section Screen Size
17655 @cindex size of screen
17656 @cindex pauses in output
17657
17658 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
17659 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
17660 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
17661 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
17662 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
17663 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
17664 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
17665 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
17666
17667 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
17668 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
17669 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
17670 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
17671 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
17672 width} commands:
17673
17674 @table @code
17675 @kindex set height
17676 @kindex set width
17677 @kindex show width
17678 @kindex show height
17679 @item set height @var{lpp}
17680 @itemx show height
17681 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
17682 @itemx show width
17683 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
17684 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
17685 commands display the current settings.
17686
17687 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
17688 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
17689 file or to an editor buffer.
17690
17691 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
17692 from wrapping its output.
17693
17694 @item set pagination on
17695 @itemx set pagination off
17696 @kindex set pagination
17697 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
17698 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
17699
17700 @item show pagination
17701 @kindex show pagination
17702 Show the current pagination mode.
17703 @end table
17704
17705 @node Numbers
17706 @section Numbers
17707 @cindex number representation
17708 @cindex entering numbers
17709
17710 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
17711 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
17712 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
17713 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
17714 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
17715 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
17716 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
17717 both input and output with the commands described below.
17718
17719 @table @code
17720 @kindex set input-radix
17721 @item set input-radix @var{base}
17722 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
17723 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17724 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
17725 example, any of
17726
17727 @smallexample
17728 set input-radix 012
17729 set input-radix 10.
17730 set input-radix 0xa
17731 @end smallexample
17732
17733 @noindent
17734 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
17735 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
17736 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
17737 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
17738 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
17739 change the radix.
17740
17741 @kindex set output-radix
17742 @item set output-radix @var{base}
17743 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
17744 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17745 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
17746
17747 @kindex show input-radix
17748 @item show input-radix
17749 Display the current default base for numeric input.
17750
17751 @kindex show output-radix
17752 @item show output-radix
17753 Display the current default base for numeric display.
17754
17755 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
17756 @itemx show radix
17757 @kindex set radix
17758 @kindex show radix
17759 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
17760 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
17761 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
17762 default value of 10.
17763
17764 @end table
17765
17766 @node ABI
17767 @section Configuring the Current ABI
17768
17769 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
17770 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
17771 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
17772 current ABI.
17773
17774 @cindex OS ABI
17775 @kindex set osabi
17776 @kindex show osabi
17777
17778 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
17779 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
17780 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
17781 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
17782 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
17783 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
17784 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
17785 platform provides.
17786
17787 @table @code
17788 @item show osabi
17789 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
17790
17791 @item set osabi
17792 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
17793
17794 @item set osabi @var{abi}
17795 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
17796 @end table
17797
17798 @cindex float promotion
17799
17800 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
17801 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
17802 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
17803 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
17804 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
17805 @code{double} and then passed.
17806
17807 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
17808 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
17809 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
17810
17811 @table @code
17812 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
17813 @item set coerce-float-to-double
17814 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
17815 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
17816 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
17817
17818 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
17819 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
17820 functions.
17821
17822 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
17823 @item show coerce-float-to-double
17824 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
17825 @end table
17826
17827 @kindex set cp-abi
17828 @kindex show cp-abi
17829 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
17830 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
17831 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
17832 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
17833 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
17834 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
17835 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
17836 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
17837 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
17838 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
17839 ``auto''.
17840
17841 @table @code
17842 @item show cp-abi
17843 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
17844
17845 @item set cp-abi
17846 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
17847
17848 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
17849 @itemx set cp-abi auto
17850 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
17851 @end table
17852
17853 @node Messages/Warnings
17854 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
17855
17856 @cindex verbose operation
17857 @cindex optional warnings
17858 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
17859 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
17860 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
17861 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
17862
17863 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
17864 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
17865 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
17866
17867 @table @code
17868 @kindex set verbose
17869 @item set verbose on
17870 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17871
17872 @item set verbose off
17873 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17874
17875 @kindex show verbose
17876 @item show verbose
17877 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
17878 @end table
17879
17880 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
17881 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
17882 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
17883 Symbol Files}).
17884
17885 @table @code
17886
17887 @kindex set complaints
17888 @item set complaints @var{limit}
17889 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
17890 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
17891 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
17892 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
17893
17894 @kindex show complaints
17895 @item show complaints
17896 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
17897
17898 @end table
17899
17900 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
17901 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
17902 you try to run a program which is already running:
17903
17904 @smallexample
17905 (@value{GDBP}) run
17906 The program being debugged has been started already.
17907 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
17908 @end smallexample
17909
17910 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
17911 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
17912
17913 @table @code
17914
17915 @kindex set confirm
17916 @cindex flinching
17917 @cindex confirmation
17918 @cindex stupid questions
17919 @item set confirm off
17920 Disables confirmation requests.
17921
17922 @item set confirm on
17923 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
17924
17925 @kindex show confirm
17926 @item show confirm
17927 Displays state of confirmation requests.
17928
17929 @end table
17930
17931 @cindex command tracing
17932 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
17933 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
17934 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
17935 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
17936
17937 @table @code
17938 @kindex set trace-commands
17939 @cindex command scripts, debugging
17940 @item set trace-commands on
17941 Enable command tracing.
17942 @item set trace-commands off
17943 Disable command tracing.
17944 @item show trace-commands
17945 Display the current state of command tracing.
17946 @end table
17947
17948 @node Debugging Output
17949 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
17950 @cindex optional debugging messages
17951
17952 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
17953 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
17954 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
17955 section documents those commands.
17956
17957 @table @code
17958 @kindex set exec-done-display
17959 @item set exec-done-display
17960 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
17961 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
17962 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
17963 @kindex show exec-done-display
17964 @item show exec-done-display
17965 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
17966 notification.
17967 @kindex set debug
17968 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
17969 @cindex architecture debugging info
17970 @item set debug arch
17971 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
17972 @kindex show debug
17973 @item show debug arch
17974 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
17975 @item set debug aix-thread
17976 @cindex AIX threads
17977 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
17978 module.
17979 @item show debug aix-thread
17980 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
17981 @item set debug dwarf2-die
17982 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
17983 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
17984 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
17985 A value of zero turns off the display.
17986 @item show debug dwarf2-die
17987 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
17988 @item set debug displaced
17989 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
17990 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
17991 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
17992 @item show debug displaced
17993 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
17994 related to displaced stepping.
17995 @item set debug event
17996 @cindex event debugging info
17997 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
17998 default is off.
17999 @item show debug event
18000 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
18001 info.
18002 @item set debug expression
18003 @cindex expression debugging info
18004 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
18005 expression parsing. The default is off.
18006 @item show debug expression
18007 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
18008 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
18009 @item set debug frame
18010 @cindex frame debugging info
18011 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
18012 default is off.
18013 @item show debug frame
18014 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
18015 info.
18016 @item set debug gnu-nat
18017 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
18018 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
18019 @item show debug gnu-nat
18020 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
18021 @item set debug infrun
18022 @cindex inferior debugging info
18023 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
18024 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
18025 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
18026 @item show debug infrun
18027 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
18028 @item set debug lin-lwp
18029 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
18030 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
18031 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
18032 @item show debug lin-lwp
18033 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
18034 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
18035 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
18036 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
18037 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
18038 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
18039 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
18040 @item set debug observer
18041 @cindex observer debugging info
18042 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
18043 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
18044 @item show debug observer
18045 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
18046 @item set debug overload
18047 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
18048 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
18049 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
18050 is off.
18051 @item show debug overload
18052 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
18053 debugging info.
18054 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
18055 @cindex serial connections, debugging
18056 @cindex debug remote protocol
18057 @cindex remote protocol debugging
18058 @cindex display remote packets
18059 @item set debug remote
18060 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
18061 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
18062 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
18063 @item show debug remote
18064 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
18065 @item set debug serial
18066 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
18067 default is off.
18068 @item show debug serial
18069 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
18070 info.
18071 @item set debug solib-frv
18072 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
18073 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
18074 @item show debug solib-frv
18075 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
18076 messages.
18077 @item set debug target
18078 @cindex target debugging info
18079 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
18080 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
18081 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
18082 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
18083 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
18084 @item show debug target
18085 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
18086 info.
18087 @item set debug timestamp
18088 @cindex timestampping debugging info
18089 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
18090 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
18091 message.
18092 @item show debug timestamp
18093 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
18094 debugging info.
18095 @item set debugvarobj
18096 @cindex variable object debugging info
18097 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
18098 info. The default is off.
18099 @item show debugvarobj
18100 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
18101 debugging info.
18102 @item set debug xml
18103 @cindex XML parser debugging
18104 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
18105 @item show debug xml
18106 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
18107 @end table
18108
18109 @node Extending GDB
18110 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
18111 @cindex extending GDB
18112
18113 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
18114 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
18115 Python scripting language.
18116
18117 @menu
18118 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
18119 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18120 @end menu
18121
18122 @node Sequences
18123 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
18124
18125 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
18126 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
18127 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
18128 files.
18129
18130 @menu
18131 * Define:: How to define your own commands
18132 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
18133 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
18134 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
18135 @end menu
18136
18137 @node Define
18138 @subsection User-defined Commands
18139
18140 @cindex user-defined command
18141 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
18142 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
18143 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
18144 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
18145 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
18146 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
18147
18148 @smallexample
18149 define adder
18150 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
18151 end
18152 @end smallexample
18153
18154 @noindent
18155 To execute the command use:
18156
18157 @smallexample
18158 adder 1 2 3
18159 @end smallexample
18160
18161 @noindent
18162 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
18163 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
18164 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
18165 functions calls.
18166
18167 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
18168 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
18169 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
18170 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
18171
18172 @smallexample
18173 define adder
18174 if $argc == 2
18175 print $arg0 + $arg1
18176 end
18177 if $argc == 3
18178 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
18179 end
18180 end
18181 @end smallexample
18182
18183 @table @code
18184
18185 @kindex define
18186 @item define @var{commandname}
18187 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
18188 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
18189 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
18190 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
18191 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
18192 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
18193
18194 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
18195 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
18196 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
18197
18198 @kindex document
18199 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
18200 @item document @var{commandname}
18201 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
18202 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
18203 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
18204 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
18205 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
18206 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
18207
18208 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
18209 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
18210 does not change the documentation.
18211
18212 @kindex dont-repeat
18213 @cindex don't repeat command
18214 @item dont-repeat
18215 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
18216 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
18217 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
18218
18219 @kindex help user-defined
18220 @item help user-defined
18221 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
18222 (if any) for each.
18223
18224 @kindex show user
18225 @item show user
18226 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
18227 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
18228 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
18229 definitions for all user-defined commands.
18230
18231 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
18232 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
18233 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
18234 @item show max-user-call-depth
18235 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
18236 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
18237 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
18238 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
18239 @end table
18240
18241 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
18242 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
18243
18244 When user-defined commands are executed, the
18245 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
18246 stops execution of the user-defined command.
18247
18248 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
18249 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
18250 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
18251 messages when used in a user-defined command.
18252
18253 @node Hooks
18254 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
18255 @cindex command hooks
18256 @cindex hooks, for commands
18257 @cindex hooks, pre-command
18258
18259 @kindex hook
18260 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
18261 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
18262 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
18263 before that command.
18264
18265 @cindex hooks, post-command
18266 @kindex hookpost
18267 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
18268 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
18269 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
18270 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
18271 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
18272
18273 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
18274 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
18275
18276 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
18277 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
18278
18279 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
18280 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
18281 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
18282 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
18283 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
18284
18285 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
18286 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
18287 you could define:
18288
18289 @smallexample
18290 define hook-stop
18291 handle SIGALRM nopass
18292 end
18293
18294 define hook-run
18295 handle SIGALRM pass
18296 end
18297
18298 define hook-continue
18299 handle SIGALRM pass
18300 end
18301 @end smallexample
18302
18303 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
18304 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
18305 you could define:
18306
18307 @smallexample
18308 define hook-echo
18309 echo <<<---
18310 end
18311
18312 define hookpost-echo
18313 echo --->>>\n
18314 end
18315
18316 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
18317 <<<---Hello World--->>>
18318 (@value{GDBP})
18319
18320 @end smallexample
18321
18322 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
18323 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
18324 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
18325 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
18326 @c or not?
18327 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
18328 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
18329 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
18330
18331 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
18332 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
18333 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
18334
18335 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
18336 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
18337
18338 @node Command Files
18339 @subsection Command Files
18340
18341 @cindex command files
18342 @cindex scripting commands
18343 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
18344 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
18345 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
18346 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
18347 terminal.
18348
18349 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
18350 command:
18351
18352 @table @code
18353 @kindex source
18354 @cindex execute commands from a file
18355 @item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
18356 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
18357 @end table
18358
18359 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
18360 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
18361 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
18362 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
18363 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
18364
18365 @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
18366 on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
18367
18368 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
18369 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
18370 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
18371
18372 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
18373 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
18374 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
18375 when called from command files.
18376
18377 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
18378 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
18379 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
18380 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
18381 the next command.
18382
18383 @smallexample
18384 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
18385 @end smallexample
18386
18387 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
18388 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
18389 would be directed to @file{log}.
18390
18391 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
18392 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
18393 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
18394 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
18395 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
18396 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
18397 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
18398 conditionally, etc.
18399
18400 @table @code
18401 @kindex if
18402 @kindex else
18403 @item if
18404 @itemx else
18405 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
18406 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
18407 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
18408 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
18409 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
18410 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
18411 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
18412
18413 @kindex while
18414 @item while
18415 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
18416 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
18417 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
18418 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
18419 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
18420 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
18421
18422 @kindex loop_break
18423 @item loop_break
18424 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
18425 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
18426 line.
18427
18428 @kindex loop_continue
18429 @item loop_continue
18430 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
18431 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
18432 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
18433 the controlling expression.
18434
18435 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
18436 @item end
18437 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
18438 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
18439 @end table
18440
18441
18442 @node Output
18443 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
18444
18445 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
18446 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
18447 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
18448 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
18449 want.
18450
18451 @table @code
18452 @kindex echo
18453 @item echo @var{text}
18454 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
18455 @c because it is not in ANSI.
18456 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
18457 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
18458 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
18459 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
18460 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
18461 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
18462 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
18463 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
18464 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
18465
18466 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
18467 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
18468
18469 @smallexample
18470 echo This is some text\n\
18471 which is continued\n\
18472 onto several lines.\n
18473 @end smallexample
18474
18475 produces the same output as
18476
18477 @smallexample
18478 echo This is some text\n
18479 echo which is continued\n
18480 echo onto several lines.\n
18481 @end smallexample
18482
18483 @kindex output
18484 @item output @var{expression}
18485 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
18486 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
18487 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
18488 on expressions.
18489
18490 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
18491 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
18492 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
18493 Formats}, for more information.
18494
18495 @kindex printf
18496 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
18497 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
18498 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
18499 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
18500 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
18501 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
18502 executing the code below:
18503
18504 @smallexample
18505 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
18506 @end smallexample
18507
18508 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
18509 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
18510 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
18511 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
18512 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
18513 printed.
18514
18515 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
18516
18517 @smallexample
18518 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
18519 @end smallexample
18520
18521 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
18522 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
18523 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
18524
18525 @itemize @bullet
18526 @item
18527 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
18528
18529 @item
18530 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
18531 width.
18532
18533 @item
18534 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
18535 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
18536
18537 @item
18538 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
18539 supported.
18540
18541 @item
18542 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
18543
18544 @item
18545 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
18546 @end itemize
18547
18548 @noindent
18549 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
18550 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
18551 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
18552 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
18553
18554 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
18555 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
18556 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
18557 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
18558 supported.
18559
18560 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
18561 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
18562 together with a floating point specifier.
18563 letters:
18564
18565 @itemize @bullet
18566 @item
18567 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
18568
18569 @item
18570 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
18571
18572 @item
18573 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
18574 @end itemize
18575
18576 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
18577 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
18578 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
18579
18580 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
18581 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
18582
18583 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
18584 @smallexample
18585 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
18586 @end smallexample
18587
18588 @end table
18589
18590 @node Python
18591 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18592 @cindex python scripting
18593 @cindex scripting with python
18594
18595 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
18596 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
18597 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
18598
18599 @menu
18600 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
18601 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
18602 @end menu
18603
18604 @node Python Commands
18605 @subsection Python Commands
18606 @cindex python commands
18607 @cindex commands to access python
18608
18609 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
18610 and one related setting:
18611
18612 @table @code
18613 @kindex python
18614 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
18615 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
18616
18617 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
18618 argument as a Python command. For example:
18619
18620 @smallexample
18621 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
18622 23
18623 @end smallexample
18624
18625 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
18626 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
18627 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
18628 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
18629 containing @code{end}. For example:
18630
18631 @smallexample
18632 (@value{GDBP}) python
18633 Type python script
18634 End with a line saying just "end".
18635 >print 23
18636 >end
18637 23
18638 @end smallexample
18639
18640 @kindex maint set python print-stack
18641 @item maint set python print-stack
18642 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
18643 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
18644 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
18645 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
18646 disabled.
18647 @end table
18648
18649 @node Python API
18650 @subsection Python API
18651 @cindex python api
18652 @cindex programming in python
18653
18654 @cindex python stdout
18655 @cindex python pagination
18656 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
18657 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
18658 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
18659 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
18660 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
18661
18662 @menu
18663 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
18664 * Exception Handling::
18665 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
18666 * Values From Inferior::
18667 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
18668 * Pretty Printing:: Pretty-printing values.
18669 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
18670 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
18671 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
18672 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
18673 * Frames In Python:: Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
18674 @end menu
18675
18676 @node Basic Python
18677 @subsubsection Basic Python
18678
18679 @cindex python functions
18680 @cindex python module
18681 @cindex gdb module
18682 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
18683 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
18684 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
18685 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
18686
18687 @findex gdb.execute
18688 @defun execute command [from_tty]
18689 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18690 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
18691 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
18692 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
18693
18694 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
18695 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
18696 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
18697 @end defun
18698
18699 @findex gdb.parameter
18700 @defun parameter parameter
18701 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
18702 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
18703 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
18704 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
18705
18706 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
18707 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
18708 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
18709 @end defun
18710
18711 @findex gdb.history
18712 @defun history number
18713 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
18714 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
18715 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
18716 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
18717 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
18718 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
18719 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{RuntimeError} exception will be
18720 raised.
18721
18722 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
18723 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
18724 @end defun
18725
18726 @findex gdb.write
18727 @defun write string
18728 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
18729 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
18730 call this function.
18731 @end defun
18732
18733 @findex gdb.flush
18734 @defun flush
18735 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
18736 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
18737 function.
18738 @end defun
18739
18740 @node Exception Handling
18741 @subsubsection Exception Handling
18742 @cindex python exceptions
18743 @cindex exceptions, python
18744
18745 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
18746 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
18747 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
18748 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
18749 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
18750 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
18751 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
18752
18753 @smallexample
18754 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
18755 Traceback (most recent call last):
18756 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
18757 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
18758 @end smallexample
18759
18760 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
18761 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
18762 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
18763 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
18764 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
18765 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
18766 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
18767 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
18768 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
18769 traceback.
18770
18771 @node Auto-loading
18772 @subsubsection Auto-loading
18773 @cindex auto-loading, Python
18774
18775 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
18776 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
18777 @value{GDBN} will look for a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
18778 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
18779 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
18780 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
18781 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
18782
18783 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
18784 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
18785 then @value{GDBN} will use the file named
18786 @file{@var{debug-file-directory}/@var{real-name}}, where
18787 @var{real-name} is the object file's real name, as described above.
18788
18789 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
18790 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
18791 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
18792 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
18793 is the object file's real name, as described above.
18794
18795 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the ``current
18796 objfile''. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
18797 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
18798 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
18799
18800 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
18801 debugging commands and scripts. You can enable or disable this
18802 feature, and view its current state.
18803
18804 @table @code
18805 @kindex maint set python auto-load
18806 @item maint set python auto-load [yes|no]
18807 Enable or disable the Python auto-loading feature.
18808
18809 @kindex show python auto-load
18810 @item show python auto-load
18811 Show whether Python auto-loading is enabled or disabled.
18812 @end table
18813
18814 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded.
18815 So, your @samp{-gdb.py} file should take care to ensure that it may be
18816 evaluated multiple times without error.
18817
18818 @node Values From Inferior
18819 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
18820 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
18821 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
18822
18823 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
18824 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
18825 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
18826 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
18827 fetching values when necessary.
18828
18829 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
18830 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
18831 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
18832
18833 @smallexample
18834 bar = some_val + 2
18835 @end smallexample
18836
18837 @noindent
18838 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
18839 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
18840
18841 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
18842 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
18843 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
18844 can access its @code{foo} element with:
18845
18846 @smallexample
18847 bar = some_val['foo']
18848 @end smallexample
18849
18850 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
18851
18852 The following attributes are provided:
18853
18854 @table @code
18855 @defivar Value address
18856 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
18857 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
18858 this attribute holds @code{None}.
18859 @end defivar
18860
18861 @cindex optimized out value in Python
18862 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
18863 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
18864 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
18865 @end defivar
18866
18867 @defivar Value type
18868 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
18869 @code{gdb.Type} object.
18870 @end defivar
18871 @end table
18872
18873 The following methods are provided:
18874
18875 @table @code
18876 @defmethod Value dereference
18877 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
18878 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
18879 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
18880
18881 @smallexample
18882 int *foo;
18883 @end smallexample
18884
18885 @noindent
18886 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
18887 @code{foo} points to like this:
18888
18889 @smallexample
18890 bar = foo.dereference ()
18891 @end smallexample
18892
18893 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
18894 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
18895 @end defmethod
18896
18897 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
18898 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
18899 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
18900 throw an exception.
18901
18902 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
18903 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
18904 language.
18905
18906 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
18907 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
18908 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
18909 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
18910 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
18911
18912 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
18913 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
18914 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
18915 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
18916 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
18917 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
18918 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
18919 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
18920 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
18921
18922 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
18923 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
18924
18925 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
18926 fetched and converted to the given length.
18927 @end defmethod
18928 @end table
18929
18930 @node Types In Python
18931 @subsubsection Types In Python
18932 @cindex types in Python
18933 @cindex Python, working with types
18934
18935 @tindex gdb.Type
18936 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
18937 @code{gdb.Type}.
18938
18939 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
18940 module:
18941
18942 @findex gdb.lookup_type
18943 @defun lookup_type name [block]
18944 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
18945 type to look up. It must be a string.
18946
18947 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
18948 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
18949 @end defun
18950
18951 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
18952
18953 @table @code
18954 @defivar Type code
18955 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
18956 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
18957 @end defivar
18958
18959 @defivar Type sizeof
18960 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
18961 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
18962 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
18963 @end defivar
18964
18965 @defivar Type tag
18966 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
18967 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
18968 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
18969 @code{None} is returned.
18970 @end defivar
18971 @end table
18972
18973 The following methods are provided:
18974
18975 @table @code
18976 @defmethod Type fields
18977 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
18978 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
18979 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
18980 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
18981 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
18982 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
18983
18984 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
18985 @table @code
18986 @item bitpos
18987 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
18988 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
18989 position of the field.
18990
18991 @item name
18992 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
18993
18994 @item artificial
18995 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
18996 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
18997 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
18998
18999 @item bitsize
19000 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
19001 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
19002 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
19003
19004 @item type
19005 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
19006 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
19007 @end table
19008 @end defmethod
19009
19010 @defmethod Type const
19011 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19012 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
19013 @end defmethod
19014
19015 @defmethod Type volatile
19016 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19017 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
19018 @end defmethod
19019
19020 @defmethod Type unqualified
19021 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
19022 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
19023 @code{volatile}.
19024 @end defmethod
19025
19026 @defmethod Type reference
19027 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
19028 type.
19029 @end defmethod
19030
19031 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
19032 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
19033 after removing all layers of typedefs.
19034 @end defmethod
19035
19036 @defmethod Type target
19037 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
19038 of this type.
19039
19040 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
19041 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
19042 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
19043 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
19044 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
19045 target type is the aliased type.
19046
19047 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
19048 exception.
19049 @end defmethod
19050
19051 @defmethod Type template_argument n
19052 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
19053 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
19054 @var{n}th template argument.
19055
19056 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
19057 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
19058
19059 @var{name} is searched for globally.
19060 @end defmethod
19061 @end table
19062
19063
19064 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
19065 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
19066 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19067
19068 @table @code
19069 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
19070 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
19071 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
19072 The type is a pointer.
19073
19074 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19075 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19076 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19077 The type is an array.
19078
19079 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19080 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19081 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19082 The type is a structure.
19083
19084 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
19085 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
19086 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
19087 The type is a union.
19088
19089 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19090 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19091 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19092 The type is an enum.
19093
19094 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19095 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19096 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19097 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
19098
19099 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19100 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19101 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19102 The type is a function.
19103
19104 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
19105 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
19106 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
19107 The type is an integer type.
19108
19109 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
19110 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
19111 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
19112 A floating point type.
19113
19114 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
19115 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
19116 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
19117 The special type @code{void}.
19118
19119 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
19120 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
19121 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
19122 A Pascal set type.
19123
19124 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19125 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19126 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19127 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
19128
19129 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
19130 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
19131 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
19132 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
19133 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
19134
19135 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19136 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19137 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19138 A string of bits.
19139
19140 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19141 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19142 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19143 An unknown or erroneous type.
19144
19145 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19146 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19147 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19148 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
19149
19150 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19151 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19152 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19153 A pointer-to-member-function.
19154
19155 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19156 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19157 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19158 A pointer-to-member.
19159
19160 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
19161 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
19162 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
19163 A reference type.
19164
19165 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19166 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19167 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19168 A character type.
19169
19170 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19171 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19172 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19173 A boolean type.
19174
19175 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19176 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19177 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19178 A complex float type.
19179
19180 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19181 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19182 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19183 A typedef to some other type.
19184
19185 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19186 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19187 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19188 A C@t{++} namespace.
19189
19190 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19191 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19192 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19193 A decimal floating point type.
19194
19195 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19196 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19197 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19198 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
19199 convenience functions.
19200 @end table
19201
19202 @node Pretty Printing
19203 @subsubsection Pretty Printing
19204
19205 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values
19206 using Python code. The pretty-printer API allows application-specific
19207 code to greatly simplify the display of complex objects. This
19208 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
19209
19210 For example, here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a
19211 pretty-printer:
19212
19213 @smallexample
19214 (@value{GDBP}) print s
19215 $1 = @{
19216 static npos = 4294967295,
19217 _M_dataplus = @{
19218 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
19219 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{<No data fields>@}, <No data fields>@},
19220 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>, std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
19221 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
19222 @}
19223 @}
19224 @end smallexample
19225
19226 After a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} has been installed, only
19227 the contents are printed:
19228
19229 @smallexample
19230 (@value{GDBP}) print s
19231 $2 = "abcd"
19232 @end smallexample
19233
19234 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
19235 specific interface, defined here.
19236
19237 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
19238 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
19239 children of the pretty-printer's value.
19240
19241 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
19242 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
19243 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
19244 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
19245 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
19246
19247 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
19248 as though the value has no children.
19249 @end defop
19250
19251 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
19252 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
19253 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
19254 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
19255 printed.
19256
19257 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
19258 string.
19259
19260 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
19261
19262 @table @samp
19263 @item array
19264 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
19265 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
19266 @code{set print array}.
19267
19268 @item map
19269 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
19270 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
19271 values.
19272
19273 @item string
19274 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
19275 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
19276 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
19277 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
19278 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
19279 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
19280 @end table
19281 @end defop
19282
19283 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
19284 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
19285 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
19286
19287 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
19288 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
19289 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
19290 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
19291 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
19292 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
19293 the result of @code{children}.
19294
19295 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
19296
19297 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
19298 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
19299 another pretty-printer.
19300
19301 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
19302 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
19303 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
19304 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
19305 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
19306
19307 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
19308 @end defop
19309
19310 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
19311 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
19312
19313 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
19314 functions that have been registered via addition as a pretty-printer.
19315 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
19316 attribute.
19317
19318 A function on one of these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
19319 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
19320 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing}). If a function
19321 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
19322 @code{None}.
19323
19324 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
19325 @code{gdb.Objfile} and iteratively calls each function in the list for
19326 that @code{gdb.Objfile} until it receives a pretty-printer object.
19327 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
19328 @code{gdb.pretty-printers} list, again calling each function until an
19329 object is returned.
19330
19331 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
19332 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
19333 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
19334 object is returned.
19335
19336 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
19337 written:
19338
19339 @smallexample
19340 class StdStringPrinter:
19341 "Print a std::string"
19342
19343 def __init__ (self, val):
19344 self.val = val
19345
19346 def to_string (self):
19347 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
19348
19349 def display_hint (self):
19350 return 'string'
19351 @end smallexample
19352
19353 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
19354 example above might be written.
19355
19356 @smallexample
19357 def str_lookup_function (val):
19358
19359 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
19360 regex = re.compile ("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
19361 if lookup_tag == None:
19362 return None
19363 if regex.match (lookup_tag):
19364 return StdStringPrinter (val)
19365
19366 return None
19367 @end smallexample
19368
19369 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
19370 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
19371 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
19372 returns @code{None}.
19373
19374 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
19375 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
19376 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
19377 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
19378 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
19379 different names.
19380
19381 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
19382 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
19383 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
19384 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
19385 the current objfile.
19386
19387 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
19388 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
19389 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
19390 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
19391 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
19392 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
19393 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
19394 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
19395 inferior.
19396
19397 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
19398 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
19399
19400 @smallexample
19401 def register_printers (objfile):
19402 objfile.pretty_printers.add (str_lookup_function)
19403 @end smallexample
19404
19405 @noindent
19406 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
19407
19408 @smallexample
19409 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
19410 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers (gdb.current_objfile ())
19411 @end smallexample
19412
19413 @node Commands In Python
19414 @subsubsection Commands In Python
19415
19416 @cindex commands in python
19417 @cindex python commands
19418 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
19419 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
19420 class, most commonly using a subclass.
19421
19422 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
19423 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
19424 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
19425 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
19426
19427 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
19428 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
19429 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
19430 an exception is raised.
19431
19432 There is no support for multi-line commands.
19433
19434 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
19435 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
19436 new command in the help system.
19437
19438 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
19439 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
19440 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
19441 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
19442 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
19443 error will occur when completion is attempted.
19444
19445 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
19446 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
19447 registered.
19448
19449 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
19450 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
19451 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
19452 not documented.'' is used.
19453 @end defmethod
19454
19455 @cindex don't repeat Python command
19456 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
19457 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
19458 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
19459 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
19460 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
19461 @end defmethod
19462
19463 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
19464 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
19465
19466 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
19467 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
19468
19469 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
19470 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
19471 that the command came from elsewhere.
19472
19473 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
19474 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
19475 @end defmethod
19476
19477 @cindex completion of Python commands
19478 @defmethod Command complete text word
19479 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
19480 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
19481 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
19482 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
19483 complete}).
19484
19485 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
19486 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
19487 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
19488 using a word-breaking heuristic.
19489
19490 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
19491 @itemize @bullet
19492 @item
19493 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
19494 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
19495 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
19496 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
19497 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
19498 sequence are ignored.
19499
19500 @item
19501 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
19502 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
19503 function is invoked, and its result is used.
19504
19505 @item
19506 All other results are treated as though there were no available
19507 completions.
19508 @end itemize
19509 @end defmethod
19510
19511 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
19512 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
19513 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
19514 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
19515 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
19516 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19517
19518 @table @code
19519 @findex COMMAND_NONE
19520 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
19521 @item COMMAND_NONE
19522 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
19523 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
19524
19525 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
19526 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
19527 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
19528 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
19529 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
19530 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19531 commands in this category.
19532
19533 @findex COMMAND_DATA
19534 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
19535 @item COMMAND_DATA
19536 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
19537 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
19538 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
19539 in this category.
19540
19541 @findex COMMAND_STACK
19542 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
19543 @item COMMAND_STACK
19544 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
19545 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
19546 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
19547 list of commands in this category.
19548
19549 @findex COMMAND_FILES
19550 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
19551 @item COMMAND_FILES
19552 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
19553 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
19554 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19555 commands in this category.
19556
19557 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
19558 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
19559 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
19560 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
19561 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
19562 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
19563 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
19564 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19565 commands in this category.
19566
19567 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
19568 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
19569 @item COMMAND_STATUS
19570 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
19571 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
19572 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
19573 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
19574
19575 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19576 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19577 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19578 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
19579 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
19580 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
19581 this category.
19582
19583 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19584 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19585 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19586 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
19587 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
19588 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19589 commands in this category.
19590
19591 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
19592 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
19593 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
19594 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
19595 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
19596 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
19597 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
19598 category.
19599
19600 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19601 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19602 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19603 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
19604 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
19605 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19606 commands in this category.
19607 @end table
19608
19609 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
19610 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
19611 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
19612 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19613
19614 @table @code
19615 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
19616 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
19617 @item COMPLETE_NONE
19618 This constant means that no completion should be done.
19619
19620 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
19621 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
19622 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
19623 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
19624
19625 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
19626 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
19627 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
19628 This constant means that location completion should be done.
19629 @xref{Specify Location}.
19630
19631 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
19632 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
19633 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
19634 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
19635 command names.
19636
19637 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19638 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19639 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19640 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
19641 as the source.
19642 @end table
19643
19644 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
19645 implemented in Python:
19646
19647 @smallexample
19648 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
19649 """Greet the whole world."""
19650
19651 def __init__ (self):
19652 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
19653
19654 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
19655 print "Hello, World!"
19656
19657 HelloWorld ()
19658 @end smallexample
19659
19660 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
19661 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
19662 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
19663 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
19664
19665 @node Functions In Python
19666 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
19667
19668 @cindex writing convenience functions
19669 @cindex convenience functions in python
19670 @cindex python convenience functions
19671 @tindex gdb.Function
19672 @tindex Function
19673 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
19674 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
19675 class @code{gdb.Function}.
19676
19677 @defmethod Function __init__ name
19678 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
19679 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
19680 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
19681 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
19682 the given @var{name}.
19683
19684 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
19685 string for the new class.
19686 @end defmethod
19687
19688 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
19689 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
19690 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
19691 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
19692 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
19693 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
19694 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
19695 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
19696
19697 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
19698 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
19699 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
19700 @end defmethod
19701
19702 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
19703 be implemented in Python:
19704
19705 @smallexample
19706 class Greet (gdb.Function):
19707 """Return string to greet someone.
19708 Takes a name as argument."""
19709
19710 def __init__ (self):
19711 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
19712
19713 def invoke (self, name):
19714 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
19715
19716 Greet ()
19717 @end smallexample
19718
19719 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
19720 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
19721 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
19722 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
19723
19724 @node Objfiles In Python
19725 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
19726
19727 @cindex objfiles in python
19728 @tindex gdb.Objfile
19729 @tindex Objfile
19730 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
19731 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
19732 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
19733 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
19734 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
19735
19736 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
19737 @code{gdb} module:
19738
19739 @findex gdb.current_objfile
19740 @defun current_objfile
19741 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
19742 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
19743 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
19744 this function returns @code{None}.
19745 @end defun
19746
19747 @findex gdb.objfiles
19748 @defun objfiles
19749 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
19750 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
19751 @end defun
19752
19753 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
19754 class.
19755
19756 @defivar Objfile filename
19757 The file name of the objfile as a string.
19758 @end defivar
19759
19760 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
19761 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
19762 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
19763 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
19764 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
19765 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing}, for more
19766 information.
19767 @end defivar
19768
19769 @node Frames In Python
19770 @subsubsection Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
19771
19772 @cindex frames in python
19773 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
19774 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
19775 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
19776 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
19777 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{RuntimeError}
19778 exception.
19779
19780 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
19781 operator, like:
19782
19783 @smallexample
19784 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
19785 True
19786 @end smallexample
19787
19788 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
19789
19790 @findex gdb.selected_frame
19791 @defun selected_frame
19792 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
19793 @end defun
19794
19795 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
19796 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
19797 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
19798 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
19799 @end defun
19800
19801 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
19802
19803 @table @code
19804 @defmethod Frame is_valid
19805 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
19806 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
19807 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
19808 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
19809 @end defmethod
19810
19811 @defmethod Frame name
19812 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
19813 obtained.
19814 @end defmethod
19815
19816 @defmethod Frame type
19817 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of
19818 @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, @code{gdb.DUMMY_FRAME}, @code{gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME}
19819 or @code{gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME}.
19820 @end defmethod
19821
19822 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
19823 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
19824 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
19825 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
19826 function to a string.
19827 @end defmethod
19828
19829 @defmethod Frame pc
19830 Returns the frame's resume address.
19831 @end defmethod
19832
19833 @defmethod Frame older
19834 Return the frame that called this frame.
19835 @end defmethod
19836
19837 @defmethod Frame newer
19838 Return the frame called by this frame.
19839 @end defmethod
19840
19841 @defmethod Frame read_var variable
19842 Return the value of the given variable in this frame. @var{variable} must
19843 be a string.
19844 @end defmethod
19845 @end table
19846
19847 @node Interpreters
19848 @chapter Command Interpreters
19849 @cindex command interpreters
19850
19851 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
19852 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
19853 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
19854
19855 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
19856 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
19857 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
19858 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
19859
19860 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
19861 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
19862 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
19863 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
19864
19865 @table @code
19866 @item console
19867 @cindex console interpreter
19868 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
19869 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
19870 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
19871
19872 @item mi
19873 @cindex mi interpreter
19874 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
19875 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
19876 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
19877 Interface}.
19878
19879 @item mi2
19880 @cindex mi2 interpreter
19881 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
19882
19883 @item mi1
19884 @cindex mi1 interpreter
19885 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
19886
19887 @end table
19888
19889 @cindex invoke another interpreter
19890 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
19891 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
19892 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
19893 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
19894 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
19895 the IDE inoperable!
19896
19897 @kindex interpreter-exec
19898 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
19899 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
19900 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
19901 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
19902
19903 @smallexample
19904 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
19905 @end smallexample
19906
19907 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
19908 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
19909
19910 @node TUI
19911 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
19912 @cindex TUI
19913 @cindex Text User Interface
19914
19915 @menu
19916 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
19917 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
19918 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
19919 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
19920 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
19921 @end menu
19922
19923 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
19924 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
19925 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
19926 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
19927 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
19928 is available.
19929
19930 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
19931 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
19932 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
19933 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
19934 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
19935 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
19936
19937 @node TUI Overview
19938 @section TUI Overview
19939
19940 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
19941
19942 @table @emph
19943 @item command
19944 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
19945 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
19946 managed using readline.
19947
19948 @item source
19949 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
19950 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
19951
19952 @item assembly
19953 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
19954
19955 @item register
19956 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
19957 when their values change.
19958 @end table
19959
19960 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
19961 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
19962 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
19963 indicates the breakpoint type:
19964
19965 @table @code
19966 @item B
19967 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
19968
19969 @item b
19970 Breakpoint which was never hit.
19971
19972 @item H
19973 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
19974
19975 @item h
19976 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
19977 @end table
19978
19979 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
19980
19981 @table @code
19982 @item +
19983 Breakpoint is enabled.
19984
19985 @item -
19986 Breakpoint is disabled.
19987 @end table
19988
19989 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
19990 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
19991 changes.
19992
19993 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
19994 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
19995 layouts:
19996
19997 @itemize @bullet
19998 @item
19999 source only,
20000
20001 @item
20002 assembly only,
20003
20004 @item
20005 source and assembly,
20006
20007 @item
20008 source and registers, or
20009
20010 @item
20011 assembly and registers.
20012 @end itemize
20013
20014 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
20015
20016 @table @emph
20017 @item target
20018 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
20019 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
20020
20021 @item process
20022 Gives the current process or thread number.
20023 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
20024
20025 @item function
20026 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
20027 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
20028 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
20029 the string @code{??} is displayed.
20030
20031 @item line
20032 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
20033 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
20034
20035 @item pc
20036 Indicates the current program counter address.
20037 @end table
20038
20039 @node TUI Keys
20040 @section TUI Key Bindings
20041 @cindex TUI key bindings
20042
20043 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
20044 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
20045 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
20046
20047 @table @kbd
20048 @kindex C-x C-a
20049 @item C-x C-a
20050 @kindex C-x a
20051 @itemx C-x a
20052 @kindex C-x A
20053 @itemx C-x A
20054 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
20055 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
20056 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
20057 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
20058 The screen is then refreshed.
20059
20060 @kindex C-x 1
20061 @item C-x 1
20062 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
20063 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
20064 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
20065
20066 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
20067
20068 @kindex C-x 2
20069 @item C-x 2
20070 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
20071 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
20072 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
20073 previous layout and the new one.
20074
20075 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
20076
20077 @kindex C-x o
20078 @item C-x o
20079 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
20080 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
20081 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
20082
20083 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
20084
20085 @kindex C-x s
20086 @item C-x s
20087 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
20088 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
20089 @end table
20090
20091 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
20092
20093 @table @asis
20094 @kindex PgUp
20095 @item @key{PgUp}
20096 Scroll the active window one page up.
20097
20098 @kindex PgDn
20099 @item @key{PgDn}
20100 Scroll the active window one page down.
20101
20102 @kindex Up
20103 @item @key{Up}
20104 Scroll the active window one line up.
20105
20106 @kindex Down
20107 @item @key{Down}
20108 Scroll the active window one line down.
20109
20110 @kindex Left
20111 @item @key{Left}
20112 Scroll the active window one column left.
20113
20114 @kindex Right
20115 @item @key{Right}
20116 Scroll the active window one column right.
20117
20118 @kindex C-L
20119 @item @kbd{C-L}
20120 Refresh the screen.
20121 @end table
20122
20123 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
20124 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
20125 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
20126 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
20127 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
20128
20129 @node TUI Single Key Mode
20130 @section TUI Single Key Mode
20131 @cindex TUI single key mode
20132
20133 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
20134 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
20135 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
20136
20137 @table @kbd
20138 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20139 @item c
20140 continue
20141
20142 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20143 @item d
20144 down
20145
20146 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20147 @item f
20148 finish
20149
20150 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20151 @item n
20152 next
20153
20154 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20155 @item q
20156 exit the SingleKey mode.
20157
20158 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20159 @item r
20160 run
20161
20162 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20163 @item s
20164 step
20165
20166 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20167 @item u
20168 up
20169
20170 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20171 @item v
20172 info locals
20173
20174 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20175 @item w
20176 where
20177 @end table
20178
20179 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
20180 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
20181 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
20182 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
20183 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
20184 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
20185
20186
20187 @node TUI Commands
20188 @section TUI-specific Commands
20189 @cindex TUI commands
20190
20191 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
20192 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
20193 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
20194 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
20195
20196 @table @code
20197 @item info win
20198 @kindex info win
20199 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
20200
20201 @item layout next
20202 @kindex layout
20203 Display the next layout.
20204
20205 @item layout prev
20206 Display the previous layout.
20207
20208 @item layout src
20209 Display the source window only.
20210
20211 @item layout asm
20212 Display the assembly window only.
20213
20214 @item layout split
20215 Display the source and assembly window.
20216
20217 @item layout regs
20218 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
20219
20220 @item focus next
20221 @kindex focus
20222 Make the next window active for scrolling.
20223
20224 @item focus prev
20225 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
20226
20227 @item focus src
20228 Make the source window active for scrolling.
20229
20230 @item focus asm
20231 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
20232
20233 @item focus regs
20234 Make the register window active for scrolling.
20235
20236 @item focus cmd
20237 Make the command window active for scrolling.
20238
20239 @item refresh
20240 @kindex refresh
20241 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
20242
20243 @item tui reg float
20244 @kindex tui reg
20245 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
20246
20247 @item tui reg general
20248 Show the general registers in the register window.
20249
20250 @item tui reg next
20251 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
20252 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
20253 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
20254 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
20255
20256 @item tui reg system
20257 Show the system registers in the register window.
20258
20259 @item update
20260 @kindex update
20261 Update the source window and the current execution point.
20262
20263 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
20264 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
20265 @kindex winheight
20266 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
20267 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
20268 decrease it.
20269
20270 @item tabset @var{nchars}
20271 @kindex tabset
20272 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
20273 @end table
20274
20275 @node TUI Configuration
20276 @section TUI Configuration Variables
20277 @cindex TUI configuration variables
20278
20279 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
20280
20281 @table @code
20282 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
20283 @kindex set tui border-kind
20284 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
20285 The possible values are the following:
20286 @table @code
20287 @item space
20288 Use a space character to draw the border.
20289
20290 @item ascii
20291 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
20292
20293 @item acs
20294 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
20295 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
20296 @end table
20297
20298 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
20299 @kindex set tui border-mode
20300 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
20301 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
20302 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
20303 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
20304 @table @code
20305 @item normal
20306 Use normal attributes to display the border.
20307
20308 @item standout
20309 Use standout mode.
20310
20311 @item reverse
20312 Use reverse video mode.
20313
20314 @item half
20315 Use half bright mode.
20316
20317 @item half-standout
20318 Use half bright and standout mode.
20319
20320 @item bold
20321 Use extra bright or bold mode.
20322
20323 @item bold-standout
20324 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
20325 @end table
20326 @end table
20327
20328 @node Emacs
20329 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
20330
20331 @cindex Emacs
20332 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
20333 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
20334 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
20335 @value{GDBN}.
20336
20337 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
20338 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
20339 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
20340 created Emacs buffer.
20341 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
20342
20343 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
20344 things:
20345
20346 @itemize @bullet
20347 @item
20348 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
20349 the GUD buffer.
20350
20351 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
20352 and output done by the program you are debugging.
20353
20354 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
20355 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
20356 in this way.
20357
20358 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
20359 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
20360 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
20361 stop.
20362
20363 @item
20364 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
20365
20366 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
20367 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
20368 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
20369 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
20370 and the source.
20371
20372 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
20373 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
20374 @end itemize
20375
20376 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
20377 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
20378 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
20379 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
20380
20381 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
20382 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
20383 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
20384 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
20385 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
20386 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
20387 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
20388 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
20389 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
20390
20391 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
20392 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
20393 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
20394 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
20395
20396 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
20397 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
20398 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
20399 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
20400 one you want.
20401
20402 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
20403 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
20404
20405 @table @kbd
20406 @item C-h m
20407 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
20408
20409 @item C-c C-s
20410 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
20411 update the display window to show the current file and location.
20412
20413 @item C-c C-n
20414 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
20415 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
20416 to show the current file and location.
20417
20418 @item C-c C-i
20419 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
20420 display window accordingly.
20421
20422 @item C-c C-f
20423 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
20424 @code{finish} command.
20425
20426 @item C-c C-r
20427 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
20428 command.
20429
20430 @item C-c <
20431 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
20432 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
20433 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
20434
20435 @item C-c >
20436 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
20437 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
20438 @end table
20439
20440 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
20441 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
20442
20443 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
20444 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
20445 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
20446 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
20447 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
20448 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
20449 speedbar displays watch expressions.
20450
20451 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
20452 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
20453 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
20454 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
20455 frame.
20456
20457 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
20458 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
20459 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
20460 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
20461 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
20462 to correspond properly with the code.
20463
20464 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
20465 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
20466 Emacs Manual}).
20467
20468 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
20469 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
20470 @ignore
20471 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
20472 @kindex Epoch
20473 @kindex inspect
20474
20475 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
20476 called the @code{epoch}
20477 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
20478 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
20479 each value is printed in its own window.
20480 @end ignore
20481
20482
20483 @node GDB/MI
20484 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
20485
20486 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
20487
20488 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
20489 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
20490 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
20491 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
20492 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
20493 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
20494
20495 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
20496 in the form of a reference manual.
20497
20498 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
20499 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
20500 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
20501
20502 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
20503
20504 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
20505 This chapter uses the following notation:
20506
20507 @itemize @bullet
20508 @item
20509 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
20510
20511 @item
20512 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
20513 it may or may not be given.
20514
20515 @item
20516 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
20517 may repeat zero or more times.
20518
20519 @item
20520 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
20521 may repeat one or more times.
20522
20523 @item
20524 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
20525 @end itemize
20526
20527 @ignore
20528 @heading Dependencies
20529 @end ignore
20530
20531 @menu
20532 * GDB/MI General Design::
20533 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
20534 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
20535 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
20536 * GDB/MI Output Records::
20537 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
20538 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
20539 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
20540 * GDB/MI Program Context::
20541 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
20542 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
20543 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
20544 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
20545 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
20546 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
20547 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
20548 * GDB/MI File Commands::
20549 @ignore
20550 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
20551 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
20552 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
20553 @end ignore
20554 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
20555 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
20556 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
20557 @end menu
20558
20559 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20560 @node GDB/MI General Design
20561 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
20562 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
20563
20564 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
20565 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
20566 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
20567 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
20568 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
20569 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
20570 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
20571 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
20572 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
20573 a command and reported as part of that command response.
20574
20575 The important examples of notifications are:
20576 @itemize @bullet
20577
20578 @item
20579 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
20580 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
20581 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
20582 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
20583 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
20584 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
20585 command itself was successfully executed.
20586
20587 @item
20588 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
20589 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
20590 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
20591 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
20592 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
20593 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
20594
20595 @item
20596 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
20597 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
20598 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
20599 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
20600 orthogonal frontend design.
20601
20602 @end itemize
20603
20604 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
20605 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
20606 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
20607 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
20608 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
20609 the user interface.
20610
20611
20612 @menu
20613 * Context management::
20614 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
20615 * Thread groups::
20616 @end menu
20617
20618 @node Context management
20619 @subsection Context management
20620
20621 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
20622 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
20623 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
20624 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
20625 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
20626 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
20627 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
20628 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
20629 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
20630
20631 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
20632 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
20633 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
20634 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
20635 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
20636 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
20637 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
20638 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
20639 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
20640 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
20641 for thread and frame to operate on.
20642
20643 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
20644 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
20645 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
20646 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
20647 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
20648 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
20649 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
20650 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
20651 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
20652 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
20653
20654 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
20655 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
20656 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
20657 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
20658 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
20659 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
20660 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
20661 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
20662 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
20663 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
20664 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
20665 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
20666 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
20667 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
20668 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
20669 @samp{--frame} options.
20670
20671 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
20672 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
20673
20674 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
20675 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
20676 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
20677 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
20678 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
20679 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
20680 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
20681 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
20682 @code{-list-target-features} command.
20683
20684 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
20685 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
20686 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
20687 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
20688 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
20689 are running.
20690
20691 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
20692 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
20693 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
20694 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
20695 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
20696 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
20697 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
20698 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
20699 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
20700 @samp{--thread} option).
20701
20702 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
20703 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
20704 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
20705 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
20706
20707 @node Thread groups
20708 @subsection Thread groups
20709 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
20710 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
20711 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
20712 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
20713 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
20714
20715 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
20716 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
20717 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
20718 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
20719 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
20720 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
20721 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
20722 into processes.
20723
20724 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
20725 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
20726 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
20727 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
20728 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
20729 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
20730 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
20731 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
20732 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
20733 the members of specific thread group.
20734
20735 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
20736 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
20737 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
20738 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
20739 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
20740 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
20741 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
20742 after attaching to that thread group.
20743
20744 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20745 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
20746 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
20747
20748 @menu
20749 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
20750 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
20751 @end menu
20752
20753 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
20754 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
20755
20756 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
20757 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
20758 @table @code
20759 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
20760 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
20761
20762 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
20763 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
20764 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20765
20766 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
20767 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
20768 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
20769
20770 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
20771 "any sequence of digits"
20772
20773 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
20774 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
20775
20776 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
20777 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
20778
20779 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
20780 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
20781
20782 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
20783 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
20784 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
20785
20786 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
20787 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
20788
20789 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
20790 @code{CR | CR-LF}
20791 @end table
20792
20793 @noindent
20794 Notes:
20795
20796 @itemize @bullet
20797 @item
20798 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
20799 output is described below.
20800
20801 @item
20802 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
20803 finishes.
20804
20805 @item
20806 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
20807 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
20808 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
20809 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
20810 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
20811 @end itemize
20812
20813 Pragmatics:
20814
20815 @itemize @bullet
20816 @item
20817 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
20818
20819 @item
20820 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
20821 @end itemize
20822
20823 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
20824 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
20825
20826 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
20827 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
20828 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
20829 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
20830 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
20831 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
20832
20833 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
20834 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
20835 @var{token}.
20836
20837 @table @code
20838 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
20839 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
20840
20841 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
20842 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
20843
20844 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
20845 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
20846
20847 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
20848 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
20849
20850 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
20851 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
20852
20853 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
20854 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
20855
20856 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
20857 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
20858
20859 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
20860 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
20861
20862 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
20863 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
20864
20865 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
20866 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
20867 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
20868
20869 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
20870 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
20871
20872 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
20873 @code{ @var{string} }
20874
20875 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
20876 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
20877
20878 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
20879 @code{@var{c-string}}
20880
20881 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
20882 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
20883
20884 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
20885 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
20886 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
20887
20888 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
20889 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
20890
20891 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
20892 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
20893
20894 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
20895 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
20896
20897 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
20898 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
20899
20900 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
20901 @code{CR | CR-LF}
20902
20903 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
20904 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
20905 @end table
20906
20907 @noindent
20908 Notes:
20909
20910 @itemize @bullet
20911 @item
20912 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
20913
20914 @item
20915 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
20916 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
20917 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
20918 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
20919 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
20920 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
20921 prior command.
20922
20923 @item
20924 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20925 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
20926 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
20927 prefixed by @samp{+}.
20928
20929 @item
20930 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20931 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
20932 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
20933 @samp{*}.
20934
20935 @item
20936 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20937 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
20938 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
20939 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
20940
20941 @item
20942 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20943 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
20944 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
20945 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
20946
20947 @item
20948 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20949 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
20950 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
20951
20952 @item
20953 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20954 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
20955 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
20956 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
20957
20958 @item
20959 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
20960 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
20961 @var{values}.
20962
20963
20964 @end itemize
20965
20966 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
20967 details about the various output records.
20968
20969 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20970 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
20971 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
20972
20973 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
20974 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
20975
20976 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
20977 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
20978 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
20979 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
20980 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
20981 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
20982
20983 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
20984 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
20985 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
20986
20987 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20988 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
20989 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
20990 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
20991
20992 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
20993 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
20994
20995 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
20996 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
20997 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
20998 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
20999 might change.
21000
21001 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
21002 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
21003 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
21004 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
21005
21006 @itemize @bullet
21007 @item
21008 New MI commands may be added.
21009
21010 @item
21011 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
21012
21013 @item
21014 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
21015 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
21016
21017 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
21018 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
21019
21020 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
21021 @c resolve inconsistencies.
21022 @end itemize
21023
21024 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
21025 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
21026 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
21027 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
21028 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
21029
21030 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
21031 @c version?
21032
21033 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
21034 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
21035 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
21036 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
21037 @cindex mailing lists
21038
21039 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21040 @node GDB/MI Output Records
21041 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
21042
21043 @menu
21044 * GDB/MI Result Records::
21045 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
21046 * GDB/MI Async Records::
21047 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
21048 @end menu
21049
21050 @node GDB/MI Result Records
21051 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
21052
21053 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21054 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
21055 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
21056 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
21057
21058 @table @code
21059 @findex ^done
21060 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
21061 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
21062 values.
21063
21064 @item "^running"
21065 @findex ^running
21066 @c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
21067 The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
21068 running.
21069
21070 @item "^connected"
21071 @findex ^connected
21072 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
21073
21074 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
21075 @findex ^error
21076 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
21077 error message.
21078
21079 @item "^exit"
21080 @findex ^exit
21081 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
21082
21083 @end table
21084
21085 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
21086 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
21087
21088 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
21089 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21090 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
21091 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
21092 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
21093
21094 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
21095 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
21096 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
21097 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
21098 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
21099
21100 @table @code
21101 @item "~" @var{string-output}
21102 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
21103 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
21104
21105 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
21106 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
21107 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
21108 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
21109
21110 @item "&" @var{string-output}
21111 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
21112 internals.
21113 @end table
21114
21115 @node GDB/MI Async Records
21116 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
21117
21118 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21119 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
21120 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
21121 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
21122 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
21123 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
21124
21125 The following is the list of possible async records:
21126
21127 @table @code
21128
21129 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
21130 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
21131 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
21132 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
21133 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
21134 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
21135 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
21136 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
21137 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
21138 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
21139
21140 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}"
21141 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
21142 following values:
21143
21144 @table @code
21145 @item breakpoint-hit
21146 A breakpoint was reached.
21147 @item watchpoint-trigger
21148 A watchpoint was triggered.
21149 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
21150 A read watchpoint was triggered.
21151 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
21152 An access watchpoint was triggered.
21153 @item function-finished
21154 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
21155 @item location-reached
21156 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
21157 @item watchpoint-scope
21158 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
21159 @item end-stepping-range
21160 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
21161 similar CLI command was accomplished.
21162 @item exited-signalled
21163 The inferior exited because of a signal.
21164 @item exited
21165 The inferior exited.
21166 @item exited-normally
21167 The inferior exited normally.
21168 @item signal-received
21169 A signal was received by the inferior.
21170 @end table
21171
21172 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
21173 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
21174 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
21175 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
21176 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
21177 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
21178 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
21179 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
21180 several threads in the list.
21181
21182 @item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
21183 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
21184 A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
21185 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
21186 thread group.
21187
21188 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
21189 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
21190 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
21191 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
21192 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
21193
21194 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
21195 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
21196 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
21197 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
21198 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
21199 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
21200 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
21201
21202 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
21203 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
21204 that thread.
21205
21206 @item =library-loaded,...
21207 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
21208 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
21209 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
21210 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
21211 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
21212 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
21213 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
21214 @var{symbols-loaded} field reports if the debug symbols for this
21215 library are loaded.
21216
21217 @item =library-unloaded,...
21218 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
21219 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
21220 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification
21221
21222 @end table
21223
21224 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
21225 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
21226
21227 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
21228 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
21229 fields:
21230
21231 @table @code
21232 @item level
21233 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
21234 zero. This field is always present.
21235
21236 @item func
21237 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
21238 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
21239
21240 @item addr
21241 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
21242
21243 @item file
21244 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
21245 address. This field may be absent.
21246
21247 @item line
21248 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
21249 may be absent.
21250
21251 @item from
21252 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
21253 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
21254
21255 @end table
21256
21257
21258 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21259 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
21260 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
21261 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
21262
21263 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
21264 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
21265 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
21266 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
21267
21268 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
21269 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
21270
21271 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
21272
21273 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
21274 information of the breakpoint.
21275
21276 @smallexample
21277 -> -break-insert main
21278 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
21279 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
21280 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
21281 <- (gdb)
21282 @end smallexample
21283
21284 @subheading Program Execution
21285
21286 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
21287 reason that execution stopped.
21288
21289 @smallexample
21290 -> -exec-run
21291 <- ^running
21292 <- (gdb)
21293 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
21294 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
21295 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
21296 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
21297 <- (gdb)
21298 -> -exec-continue
21299 <- ^running
21300 <- (gdb)
21301 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
21302 <- (gdb)
21303 @end smallexample
21304
21305 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
21306
21307 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
21308
21309 @smallexample
21310 -> (gdb)
21311 <- -gdb-exit
21312 <- ^exit
21313 @end smallexample
21314
21315 @subheading A Bad Command
21316
21317 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
21318
21319 @smallexample
21320 -> -rubbish
21321 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
21322 <- (gdb)
21323 @end smallexample
21324
21325
21326 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21327 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
21328 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
21329
21330 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
21331 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
21332
21333 @subheading Motivation
21334
21335 The motivation for this collection of commands.
21336
21337 @subheading Introduction
21338
21339 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
21340
21341 @subheading Commands
21342
21343 For each command in the block, the following is described:
21344
21345 @subsubheading Synopsis
21346
21347 @smallexample
21348 -command @var{args}@dots{}
21349 @end smallexample
21350
21351 @subsubheading Result
21352
21353 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21354
21355 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
21356
21357 @subsubheading Example
21358
21359 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
21360 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
21361
21362
21363 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21364 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
21365 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
21366
21367 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
21368 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
21369 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
21370 breakpoints.
21371
21372 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
21373 @findex -break-after
21374
21375 @subsubheading Synopsis
21376
21377 @smallexample
21378 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
21379 @end smallexample
21380
21381 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
21382 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
21383 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
21384 @samp{-break-list} command below.
21385
21386 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21387
21388 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
21389
21390 @subsubheading Example
21391
21392 @smallexample
21393 (gdb)
21394 -break-insert main
21395 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
21396 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
21397 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
21398 (gdb)
21399 -break-after 1 3
21400 ~
21401 ^done
21402 (gdb)
21403 -break-list
21404 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21405 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21406 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21407 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21408 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21409 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21410 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21411 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21412 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21413 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
21414 (gdb)
21415 @end smallexample
21416
21417 @ignore
21418 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
21419 @findex -break-catch
21420
21421 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
21422 @findex -break-commands
21423 @end ignore
21424
21425
21426 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
21427 @findex -break-condition
21428
21429 @subsubheading Synopsis
21430
21431 @smallexample
21432 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
21433 @end smallexample
21434
21435 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
21436 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
21437 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
21438 command below).
21439
21440 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21441
21442 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
21443
21444 @subsubheading Example
21445
21446 @smallexample
21447 (gdb)
21448 -break-condition 1 1
21449 ^done
21450 (gdb)
21451 -break-list
21452 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21453 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21454 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21455 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21456 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21457 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21458 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21459 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21460 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21461 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
21462 (gdb)
21463 @end smallexample
21464
21465 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
21466 @findex -break-delete
21467
21468 @subsubheading Synopsis
21469
21470 @smallexample
21471 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21472 @end smallexample
21473
21474 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
21475 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
21476
21477 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21478
21479 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
21480
21481 @subsubheading Example
21482
21483 @smallexample
21484 (gdb)
21485 -break-delete 1
21486 ^done
21487 (gdb)
21488 -break-list
21489 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
21490 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21491 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21492 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21493 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21494 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21495 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21496 body=[]@}
21497 (gdb)
21498 @end smallexample
21499
21500 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
21501 @findex -break-disable
21502
21503 @subsubheading Synopsis
21504
21505 @smallexample
21506 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21507 @end smallexample
21508
21509 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
21510 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
21511
21512 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21513
21514 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
21515
21516 @subsubheading Example
21517
21518 @smallexample
21519 (gdb)
21520 -break-disable 2
21521 ^done
21522 (gdb)
21523 -break-list
21524 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21525 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21526 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21527 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21528 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21529 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21530 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21531 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
21532 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21533 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
21534 (gdb)
21535 @end smallexample
21536
21537 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
21538 @findex -break-enable
21539
21540 @subsubheading Synopsis
21541
21542 @smallexample
21543 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21544 @end smallexample
21545
21546 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
21547
21548 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21549
21550 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
21551
21552 @subsubheading Example
21553
21554 @smallexample
21555 (gdb)
21556 -break-enable 2
21557 ^done
21558 (gdb)
21559 -break-list
21560 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21561 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21562 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21563 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21564 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21565 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21566 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21567 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21568 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21569 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
21570 (gdb)
21571 @end smallexample
21572
21573 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
21574 @findex -break-info
21575
21576 @subsubheading Synopsis
21577
21578 @smallexample
21579 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
21580 @end smallexample
21581
21582 @c REDUNDANT???
21583 Get information about a single breakpoint.
21584
21585 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21586
21587 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
21588
21589 @subsubheading Example
21590 N.A.
21591
21592 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
21593 @findex -break-insert
21594
21595 @subsubheading Synopsis
21596
21597 @smallexample
21598 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
21599 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
21600 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
21601 @end smallexample
21602
21603 @noindent
21604 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
21605
21606 @itemize @bullet
21607 @item function
21608 @c @item +offset
21609 @c @item -offset
21610 @c @item linenum
21611 @item filename:linenum
21612 @item filename:function
21613 @item *address
21614 @end itemize
21615
21616 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
21617
21618 @table @samp
21619 @item -t
21620 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
21621 @item -h
21622 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
21623 @item -c @var{condition}
21624 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
21625 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
21626 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
21627 @item -f
21628 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
21629 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
21630 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
21631 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
21632 cannot be parsed.
21633 @item -d
21634 Create a disabled breakpoint.
21635 @end table
21636
21637 @subsubheading Result
21638
21639 The result is in the form:
21640
21641 @smallexample
21642 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
21643 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
21644 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
21645 times="@var{times}"@}
21646 @end smallexample
21647
21648 @noindent
21649 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
21650 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
21651 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
21652 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
21653 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
21654 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
21655 which use the same output).
21656
21657 Note: this format is open to change.
21658 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
21659
21660 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21661
21662 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
21663 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
21664
21665 @subsubheading Example
21666
21667 @smallexample
21668 (gdb)
21669 -break-insert main
21670 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
21671 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
21672 (gdb)
21673 -break-insert -t foo
21674 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
21675 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
21676 (gdb)
21677 -break-list
21678 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21679 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21680 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21681 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21682 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21683 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21684 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21685 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21686 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
21687 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
21688 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
21689 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
21690 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
21691 (gdb)
21692 -break-insert -r foo.*
21693 ~int foo(int, int);
21694 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
21695 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
21696 (gdb)
21697 @end smallexample
21698
21699 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
21700 @findex -break-list
21701
21702 @subsubheading Synopsis
21703
21704 @smallexample
21705 -break-list
21706 @end smallexample
21707
21708 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
21709
21710 @table @samp
21711 @item Number
21712 number of the breakpoint
21713 @item Type
21714 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
21715 @item Disposition
21716 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
21717 or @samp{nokeep}
21718 @item Enabled
21719 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
21720 @item Address
21721 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
21722 @item What
21723 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
21724 name, line number
21725 @item Times
21726 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
21727 @end table
21728
21729 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
21730 @code{body} field is an empty list.
21731
21732 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21733
21734 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
21735
21736 @subsubheading Example
21737
21738 @smallexample
21739 (gdb)
21740 -break-list
21741 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21742 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21743 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21744 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21745 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21746 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21747 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21748 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21749 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
21750 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21751 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21752 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
21753 (gdb)
21754 @end smallexample
21755
21756 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
21757
21758 @smallexample
21759 (gdb)
21760 -break-list
21761 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
21762 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21763 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21764 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21765 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21766 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21767 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21768 body=[]@}
21769 (gdb)
21770 @end smallexample
21771
21772 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
21773 @findex -break-watch
21774
21775 @subsubheading Synopsis
21776
21777 @smallexample
21778 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
21779 @end smallexample
21780
21781 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
21782 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
21783 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
21784 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
21785 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
21786 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
21787 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
21788 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
21789
21790 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
21791 breakpoints inserted.
21792
21793 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21794
21795 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
21796 @samp{rwatch}.
21797
21798 @subsubheading Example
21799
21800 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
21801
21802 @smallexample
21803 (gdb)
21804 -break-watch x
21805 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
21806 (gdb)
21807 -exec-continue
21808 ^running
21809 (gdb)
21810 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
21811 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
21812 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
21813 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
21814 (gdb)
21815 @end smallexample
21816
21817 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
21818 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
21819 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
21820
21821 @smallexample
21822 (gdb)
21823 -break-watch C
21824 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
21825 (gdb)
21826 -exec-continue
21827 ^running
21828 (gdb)
21829 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
21830 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
21831 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
21832 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21833 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
21834 (gdb)
21835 -exec-continue
21836 ^running
21837 (gdb)
21838 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
21839 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
21840 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
21841 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21842 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
21843 (gdb)
21844 @end smallexample
21845
21846 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
21847 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
21848 deleted.
21849
21850 @smallexample
21851 (gdb)
21852 -break-watch C
21853 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
21854 (gdb)
21855 -break-list
21856 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21857 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21858 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21859 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21860 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21861 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21862 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21863 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21864 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21865 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21866 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
21867 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
21868 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
21869 (gdb)
21870 -exec-continue
21871 ^running
21872 (gdb)
21873 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
21874 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
21875 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
21876 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21877 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
21878 (gdb)
21879 -break-list
21880 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21881 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21882 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21883 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21884 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21885 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21886 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21887 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21888 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21889 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21890 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
21891 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
21892 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
21893 (gdb)
21894 -exec-continue
21895 ^running
21896 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
21897 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
21898 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
21899 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21900 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
21901 (gdb)
21902 -break-list
21903 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21904 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21905 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21906 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21907 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21908 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21909 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21910 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21911 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21912 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21913 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
21914 times="1"@}]@}
21915 (gdb)
21916 @end smallexample
21917
21918 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21919 @node GDB/MI Program Context
21920 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
21921
21922 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
21923 @findex -exec-arguments
21924
21925
21926 @subsubheading Synopsis
21927
21928 @smallexample
21929 -exec-arguments @var{args}
21930 @end smallexample
21931
21932 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
21933 @samp{-exec-run}.
21934
21935 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21936
21937 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
21938
21939 @subsubheading Example
21940
21941 @smallexample
21942 (gdb)
21943 -exec-arguments -v word
21944 ^done
21945 (gdb)
21946 @end smallexample
21947
21948
21949 @ignore
21950 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
21951 @findex -exec-show-arguments
21952
21953 @subsubheading Synopsis
21954
21955 @smallexample
21956 -exec-show-arguments
21957 @end smallexample
21958
21959 Print the arguments of the program.
21960
21961 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21962
21963 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
21964
21965 @subsubheading Example
21966 N.A.
21967 @end ignore
21968
21969
21970 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
21971 @findex -environment-cd
21972
21973 @subsubheading Synopsis
21974
21975 @smallexample
21976 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
21977 @end smallexample
21978
21979 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
21980
21981 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21982
21983 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
21984
21985 @subsubheading Example
21986
21987 @smallexample
21988 (gdb)
21989 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
21990 ^done
21991 (gdb)
21992 @end smallexample
21993
21994
21995 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
21996 @findex -environment-directory
21997
21998 @subsubheading Synopsis
21999
22000 @smallexample
22001 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
22002 @end smallexample
22003
22004 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
22005 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
22006 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
22007 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
22008 occurs as normal.
22009 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
22010 multiple directories in a single command
22011 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
22012 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
22013 If blanks are needed as
22014 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
22015 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
22016 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
22017 character must not be used
22018 in any directory name.
22019 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
22020
22021 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22022
22023 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
22024
22025 @subsubheading Example
22026
22027 @smallexample
22028 (gdb)
22029 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
22030 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
22031 (gdb)
22032 -environment-directory ""
22033 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
22034 (gdb)
22035 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
22036 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
22037 (gdb)
22038 -environment-directory -r
22039 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
22040 (gdb)
22041 @end smallexample
22042
22043
22044 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
22045 @findex -environment-path
22046
22047 @subsubheading Synopsis
22048
22049 @smallexample
22050 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
22051 @end smallexample
22052
22053 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
22054 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
22055 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
22056 supplied in addition to the
22057 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
22058 occurs as normal.
22059 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
22060 multiple directories in a single command
22061 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
22062 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
22063 If blanks are needed as
22064 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
22065 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
22066 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
22067 character must not be used
22068 in any directory name.
22069 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
22070
22071
22072 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22073
22074 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
22075
22076 @subsubheading Example
22077
22078 @smallexample
22079 (gdb)
22080 -environment-path
22081 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
22082 (gdb)
22083 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
22084 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
22085 (gdb)
22086 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
22087 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
22088 (gdb)
22089 @end smallexample
22090
22091
22092 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
22093 @findex -environment-pwd
22094
22095 @subsubheading Synopsis
22096
22097 @smallexample
22098 -environment-pwd
22099 @end smallexample
22100
22101 Show the current working directory.
22102
22103 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22104
22105 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
22106
22107 @subsubheading Example
22108
22109 @smallexample
22110 (gdb)
22111 -environment-pwd
22112 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
22113 (gdb)
22114 @end smallexample
22115
22116 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22117 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
22118 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
22119
22120
22121 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
22122 @findex -thread-info
22123
22124 @subsubheading Synopsis
22125
22126 @smallexample
22127 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
22128 @end smallexample
22129
22130 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
22131 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
22132 threads. When printing information about all threads,
22133 also reports the current thread.
22134
22135 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22136
22137 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
22138 about all threads.
22139
22140 @subsubheading Example
22141
22142 @smallexample
22143 -thread-info
22144 ^done,threads=[
22145 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
22146 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
22147 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
22148 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
22149 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
22150 current-thread-id="1"
22151 (gdb)
22152 @end smallexample
22153
22154 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
22155
22156 @table @code
22157 @item stopped
22158 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
22159 threads.
22160
22161 @item running
22162 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
22163 threads.
22164
22165 @end table
22166
22167 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
22168 @findex -thread-list-ids
22169
22170 @subsubheading Synopsis
22171
22172 @smallexample
22173 -thread-list-ids
22174 @end smallexample
22175
22176 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
22177 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
22178
22179 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
22180 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
22181
22182 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22183
22184 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
22185
22186 @subsubheading Example
22187
22188 @smallexample
22189 (gdb)
22190 -thread-list-ids
22191 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
22192 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
22193 (gdb)
22194 @end smallexample
22195
22196
22197 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
22198 @findex -thread-select
22199
22200 @subsubheading Synopsis
22201
22202 @smallexample
22203 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
22204 @end smallexample
22205
22206 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
22207 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
22208
22209 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
22210 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
22211
22212 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22213
22214 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
22215
22216 @subsubheading Example
22217
22218 @smallexample
22219 (gdb)
22220 -exec-next
22221 ^running
22222 (gdb)
22223 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
22224 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
22225 (gdb)
22226 -thread-list-ids
22227 ^done,
22228 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
22229 number-of-threads="3"
22230 (gdb)
22231 -thread-select 3
22232 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
22233 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
22234 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
22235 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
22236 (gdb)
22237 @end smallexample
22238
22239 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22240 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
22241 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
22242
22243 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
22244 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
22245 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
22246 other cases.
22247
22248 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
22249 @findex -exec-continue
22250
22251 @subsubheading Synopsis
22252
22253 @smallexample
22254 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
22255 @end smallexample
22256
22257 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
22258 encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
22259 (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
22260 depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
22261 non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
22262 specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
22263 (or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
22264 @samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
22265 @samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
22266 @samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
22267 thread group are resumed.
22268
22269 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22270
22271 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
22272
22273 @subsubheading Example
22274
22275 @smallexample
22276 -exec-continue
22277 ^running
22278 (gdb)
22279 @@Hello world
22280 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
22281 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
22282 line="13"@}
22283 (gdb)
22284 @end smallexample
22285
22286
22287 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
22288 @findex -exec-finish
22289
22290 @subsubheading Synopsis
22291
22292 @smallexample
22293 -exec-finish
22294 @end smallexample
22295
22296 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
22297 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
22298
22299 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22300
22301 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
22302
22303 @subsubheading Example
22304
22305 Function returning @code{void}.
22306
22307 @smallexample
22308 -exec-finish
22309 ^running
22310 (gdb)
22311 @@hello from foo
22312 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
22313 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
22314 (gdb)
22315 @end smallexample
22316
22317 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
22318 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
22319 value itself.
22320
22321 @smallexample
22322 -exec-finish
22323 ^running
22324 (gdb)
22325 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
22326 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
22327 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22328 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
22329 (gdb)
22330 @end smallexample
22331
22332
22333 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
22334 @findex -exec-interrupt
22335
22336 @subsubheading Synopsis
22337
22338 @smallexample
22339 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
22340 @end smallexample
22341
22342 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
22343 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
22344 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
22345 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
22346 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
22347
22348 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
22349 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
22350 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
22351 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
22352
22353 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
22354 All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
22355 specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
22356 threads in that group will be interrupted.
22357
22358 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22359
22360 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
22361
22362 @subsubheading Example
22363
22364 @smallexample
22365 (gdb)
22366 111-exec-continue
22367 111^running
22368
22369 (gdb)
22370 222-exec-interrupt
22371 222^done
22372 (gdb)
22373 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
22374 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22375 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
22376 (gdb)
22377
22378 (gdb)
22379 -exec-interrupt
22380 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
22381 (gdb)
22382 @end smallexample
22383
22384 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
22385 @findex -exec-jump
22386
22387 @subsubheading Synopsis
22388
22389 @smallexample
22390 -exec-jump @var{location}
22391 @end smallexample
22392
22393 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
22394 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
22395 different forms of @var{location}.
22396
22397 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22398
22399 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
22400
22401 @subsubheading Example
22402
22403 @smallexample
22404 -exec-jump foo.c:10
22405 *running,thread-id="all"
22406 ^running
22407 @end smallexample
22408
22409
22410 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
22411 @findex -exec-next
22412
22413 @subsubheading Synopsis
22414
22415 @smallexample
22416 -exec-next
22417 @end smallexample
22418
22419 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
22420 of the next source line is reached.
22421
22422 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22423
22424 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
22425
22426 @subsubheading Example
22427
22428 @smallexample
22429 -exec-next
22430 ^running
22431 (gdb)
22432 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
22433 (gdb)
22434 @end smallexample
22435
22436
22437 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
22438 @findex -exec-next-instruction
22439
22440 @subsubheading Synopsis
22441
22442 @smallexample
22443 -exec-next-instruction
22444 @end smallexample
22445
22446 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
22447 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
22448 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
22449 printed as well.
22450
22451 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22452
22453 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
22454
22455 @subsubheading Example
22456
22457 @smallexample
22458 (gdb)
22459 -exec-next-instruction
22460 ^running
22461
22462 (gdb)
22463 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22464 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
22465 (gdb)
22466 @end smallexample
22467
22468
22469 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
22470 @findex -exec-return
22471
22472 @subsubheading Synopsis
22473
22474 @smallexample
22475 -exec-return
22476 @end smallexample
22477
22478 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
22479 Displays the new current frame.
22480
22481 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22482
22483 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
22484
22485 @subsubheading Example
22486
22487 @smallexample
22488 (gdb)
22489 200-break-insert callee4
22490 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
22491 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
22492 (gdb)
22493 000-exec-run
22494 000^running
22495 (gdb)
22496 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
22497 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
22498 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22499 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
22500 (gdb)
22501 205-break-delete
22502 205^done
22503 (gdb)
22504 111-exec-return
22505 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
22506 args=[@{name="strarg",
22507 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22508 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22509 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22510 (gdb)
22511 @end smallexample
22512
22513
22514 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
22515 @findex -exec-run
22516
22517 @subsubheading Synopsis
22518
22519 @smallexample
22520 -exec-run
22521 @end smallexample
22522
22523 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
22524 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
22525 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
22526 the program has exited exceptionally.
22527
22528 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22529
22530 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
22531
22532 @subsubheading Examples
22533
22534 @smallexample
22535 (gdb)
22536 -break-insert main
22537 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
22538 (gdb)
22539 -exec-run
22540 ^running
22541 (gdb)
22542 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
22543 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
22544 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
22545 (gdb)
22546 @end smallexample
22547
22548 @noindent
22549 Program exited normally:
22550
22551 @smallexample
22552 (gdb)
22553 -exec-run
22554 ^running
22555 (gdb)
22556 x = 55
22557 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
22558 (gdb)
22559 @end smallexample
22560
22561 @noindent
22562 Program exited exceptionally:
22563
22564 @smallexample
22565 (gdb)
22566 -exec-run
22567 ^running
22568 (gdb)
22569 x = 55
22570 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
22571 (gdb)
22572 @end smallexample
22573
22574 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
22575 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
22576
22577 @smallexample
22578 (gdb)
22579 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
22580 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
22581 @end smallexample
22582
22583
22584 @c @subheading -exec-signal
22585
22586
22587 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
22588 @findex -exec-step
22589
22590 @subsubheading Synopsis
22591
22592 @smallexample
22593 -exec-step
22594 @end smallexample
22595
22596 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
22597 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
22598 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
22599 function.
22600
22601 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22602
22603 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
22604
22605 @subsubheading Example
22606
22607 Stepping into a function:
22608
22609 @smallexample
22610 -exec-step
22611 ^running
22612 (gdb)
22613 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22614 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
22615 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
22616 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
22617 (gdb)
22618 @end smallexample
22619
22620 Regular stepping:
22621
22622 @smallexample
22623 -exec-step
22624 ^running
22625 (gdb)
22626 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
22627 (gdb)
22628 @end smallexample
22629
22630
22631 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
22632 @findex -exec-step-instruction
22633
22634 @subsubheading Synopsis
22635
22636 @smallexample
22637 -exec-step-instruction
22638 @end smallexample
22639
22640 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
22641 output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
22642 we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
22643 case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
22644 well.
22645
22646 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22647
22648 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
22649
22650 @subsubheading Example
22651
22652 @smallexample
22653 (gdb)
22654 -exec-step-instruction
22655 ^running
22656
22657 (gdb)
22658 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22659 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22660 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
22661 (gdb)
22662 -exec-step-instruction
22663 ^running
22664
22665 (gdb)
22666 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22667 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22668 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
22669 (gdb)
22670 @end smallexample
22671
22672
22673 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
22674 @findex -exec-until
22675
22676 @subsubheading Synopsis
22677
22678 @smallexample
22679 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
22680 @end smallexample
22681
22682 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
22683 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
22684 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
22685 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
22686
22687 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22688
22689 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
22690
22691 @subsubheading Example
22692
22693 @smallexample
22694 (gdb)
22695 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
22696 ^running
22697 (gdb)
22698 x = 55
22699 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
22700 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
22701 (gdb)
22702 @end smallexample
22703
22704 @ignore
22705 @subheading -file-clear
22706 Is this going away????
22707 @end ignore
22708
22709 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22710 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
22711 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
22712
22713
22714 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
22715 @findex -stack-info-frame
22716
22717 @subsubheading Synopsis
22718
22719 @smallexample
22720 -stack-info-frame
22721 @end smallexample
22722
22723 Get info on the selected frame.
22724
22725 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22726
22727 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
22728 (without arguments).
22729
22730 @subsubheading Example
22731
22732 @smallexample
22733 (gdb)
22734 -stack-info-frame
22735 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
22736 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22737 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
22738 (gdb)
22739 @end smallexample
22740
22741 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
22742 @findex -stack-info-depth
22743
22744 @subsubheading Synopsis
22745
22746 @smallexample
22747 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
22748 @end smallexample
22749
22750 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
22751 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
22752
22753 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22754
22755 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
22756
22757 @subsubheading Example
22758
22759 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
22760
22761 @smallexample
22762 (gdb)
22763 -stack-info-depth
22764 ^done,depth="12"
22765 (gdb)
22766 -stack-info-depth 4
22767 ^done,depth="4"
22768 (gdb)
22769 -stack-info-depth 12
22770 ^done,depth="12"
22771 (gdb)
22772 -stack-info-depth 11
22773 ^done,depth="11"
22774 (gdb)
22775 -stack-info-depth 13
22776 ^done,depth="12"
22777 (gdb)
22778 @end smallexample
22779
22780 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
22781 @findex -stack-list-arguments
22782
22783 @subsubheading Synopsis
22784
22785 @smallexample
22786 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
22787 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
22788 @end smallexample
22789
22790 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
22791 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
22792 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
22793 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
22794 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
22795 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
22796 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
22797 which case only existing frames will be returned.
22798
22799 The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
22800 0 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
22801 means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
22802
22803 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22804
22805 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
22806 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
22807 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
22808
22809 @subsubheading Example
22810
22811 @smallexample
22812 (gdb)
22813 -stack-list-frames
22814 ^done,
22815 stack=[
22816 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22817 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22818 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
22819 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
22820 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22821 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
22822 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
22823 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22824 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
22825 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
22826 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22827 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
22828 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
22829 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22830 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
22831 (gdb)
22832 -stack-list-arguments 0
22833 ^done,
22834 stack-args=[
22835 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
22836 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
22837 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
22838 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
22839 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
22840 (gdb)
22841 -stack-list-arguments 1
22842 ^done,
22843 stack-args=[
22844 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
22845 frame=@{level="1",
22846 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
22847 frame=@{level="2",args=[
22848 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
22849 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
22850 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
22851 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
22852 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
22853 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
22854 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
22855 (gdb)
22856 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
22857 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
22858 (gdb)
22859 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
22860 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
22861 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
22862 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
22863 (gdb)
22864 @end smallexample
22865
22866 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
22867
22868
22869 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
22870 @findex -stack-list-frames
22871
22872 @subsubheading Synopsis
22873
22874 @smallexample
22875 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
22876 @end smallexample
22877
22878 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
22879 following info:
22880
22881 @table @samp
22882 @item @var{level}
22883 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
22884 @item @var{addr}
22885 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
22886 @item @var{func}
22887 Function name.
22888 @item @var{file}
22889 File name of the source file where the function lives.
22890 @item @var{line}
22891 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
22892 @end table
22893
22894 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
22895 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
22896 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
22897 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
22898 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
22899 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
22900 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
22901
22902 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22903
22904 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
22905
22906 @subsubheading Example
22907
22908 Full stack backtrace:
22909
22910 @smallexample
22911 (gdb)
22912 -stack-list-frames
22913 ^done,stack=
22914 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
22915 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
22916 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22917 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22918 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22919 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22920 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22921 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22922 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22923 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22924 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22925 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22926 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22927 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22928 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22929 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22930 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22931 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22932 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22933 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22934 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22935 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22936 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
22937 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
22938 (gdb)
22939 @end smallexample
22940
22941 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
22942
22943 @smallexample
22944 (gdb)
22945 -stack-list-frames 3 5
22946 ^done,stack=
22947 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22948 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22949 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22950 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22951 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22952 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
22953 (gdb)
22954 @end smallexample
22955
22956 Show a single frame:
22957
22958 @smallexample
22959 (gdb)
22960 -stack-list-frames 3 3
22961 ^done,stack=
22962 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
22963 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
22964 (gdb)
22965 @end smallexample
22966
22967
22968 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
22969 @findex -stack-list-locals
22970
22971 @subsubheading Synopsis
22972
22973 @smallexample
22974 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
22975 @end smallexample
22976
22977 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
22978 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
22979 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
22980 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
22981 type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
22982 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
22983 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
22984 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
22985 more detail.
22986
22987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22988
22989 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
22990
22991 @subsubheading Example
22992
22993 @smallexample
22994 (gdb)
22995 -stack-list-locals 0
22996 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
22997 (gdb)
22998 -stack-list-locals --all-values
22999 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
23000 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
23001 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
23002 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
23003 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
23004 (gdb)
23005 @end smallexample
23006
23007
23008 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
23009 @findex -stack-select-frame
23010
23011 @subsubheading Synopsis
23012
23013 @smallexample
23014 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
23015 @end smallexample
23016
23017 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
23018 the stack.
23019
23020 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
23021 option to every command.
23022
23023 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23024
23025 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
23026 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
23027
23028 @subsubheading Example
23029
23030 @smallexample
23031 (gdb)
23032 -stack-select-frame 2
23033 ^done
23034 (gdb)
23035 @end smallexample
23036
23037 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23038 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
23039 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
23040
23041 @ignore
23042
23043 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
23044
23045 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
23046 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
23047 used by @code{Insight}.
23048
23049 The two main reasons for that are:
23050
23051 @enumerate 1
23052 @item
23053 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
23054
23055 @item
23056 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
23057 now).
23058 @end enumerate
23059
23060 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
23061 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
23062 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
23063 hints about their use.
23064
23065 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
23066 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
23067 least, the following operations:
23068
23069 @itemize @bullet
23070 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
23071 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
23072 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
23073 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
23074 @end itemize
23075
23076 @end ignore
23077
23078 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
23079
23080 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
23081
23082 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
23083 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
23084 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
23085 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
23086 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
23087 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
23088 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
23089 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
23090 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
23091 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
23092 object, or to change display format.
23093
23094 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
23095 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
23096 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
23097 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
23098 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
23099 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
23100 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
23101 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
23102 child will be created.
23103
23104 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
23105 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
23106 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
23107 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
23108 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
23109
23110 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
23111 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
23112 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
23113 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
23114 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
23115 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
23116 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
23117 variables that frontend has created.
23118
23119 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
23120 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
23121 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
23122 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
23123 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
23124 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
23125 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
23126 implicitly updated.
23127
23128 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
23129 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
23130 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
23131 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
23132 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
23133 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
23134 frame. Consider this example:
23135
23136 @smallexample
23137 void do_work(...)
23138 @{
23139 struct work_state state;
23140
23141 if (...)
23142 do_work(...);
23143 @}
23144 @end smallexample
23145
23146 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
23147 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
23148 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
23149 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
23150 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
23151
23152 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
23153 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
23154 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
23155 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
23156 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
23157 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
23158
23159 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
23160 access this functionality:
23161
23162 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
23163 @item @strong{Operation}
23164 @tab @strong{Description}
23165
23166 @item @code{-var-create}
23167 @tab create a variable object
23168 @item @code{-var-delete}
23169 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
23170 @item @code{-var-set-format}
23171 @tab set the display format of this variable
23172 @item @code{-var-show-format}
23173 @tab show the display format of this variable
23174 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
23175 @tab tells how many children this object has
23176 @item @code{-var-list-children}
23177 @tab return a list of the object's children
23178 @item @code{-var-info-type}
23179 @tab show the type of this variable object
23180 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
23181 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
23182 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
23183 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
23184 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
23185 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
23186 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
23187 @tab get the value of this variable
23188 @item @code{-var-assign}
23189 @tab set the value of this variable
23190 @item @code{-var-update}
23191 @tab update the variable and its children
23192 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
23193 @tab set frozeness attribute
23194 @end multitable
23195
23196 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
23197 how it can be used.
23198
23199 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
23200
23201 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
23202 @findex -var-create
23203
23204 @subsubheading Synopsis
23205
23206 @smallexample
23207 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
23208 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
23209 @end smallexample
23210
23211 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
23212 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
23213 register.
23214
23215 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
23216 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
23217 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
23218 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
23219 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
23220
23221 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
23222 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
23223 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
23224 object must be created.
23225
23226 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
23227 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
23228
23229 @itemize @bullet
23230 @item
23231 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
23232
23233 @item
23234 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
23235
23236 @item
23237 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
23238 @end itemize
23239
23240 @subsubheading Result
23241
23242 This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
23243 object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
23244 the @value{GDBN} CLI. If a fixed variable object is bound to a
23245 specific thread, the thread is is also printed:
23246
23247 @smallexample
23248 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}"
23249 @end smallexample
23250
23251
23252 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
23253 @findex -var-delete
23254
23255 @subsubheading Synopsis
23256
23257 @smallexample
23258 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
23259 @end smallexample
23260
23261 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
23262 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
23263
23264 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
23265
23266
23267 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
23268 @findex -var-set-format
23269
23270 @subsubheading Synopsis
23271
23272 @smallexample
23273 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
23274 @end smallexample
23275
23276 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
23277 @var{format-spec}.
23278
23279 @anchor{-var-set-format}
23280 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
23281
23282 @smallexample
23283 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
23284 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
23285 @end smallexample
23286
23287 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
23288 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
23289 for pointers, etc.).
23290
23291 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
23292 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
23293
23294 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
23295 @findex -var-show-format
23296
23297 @subsubheading Synopsis
23298
23299 @smallexample
23300 -var-show-format @var{name}
23301 @end smallexample
23302
23303 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
23304
23305 @smallexample
23306 @var{format} @expansion{}
23307 @var{format-spec}
23308 @end smallexample
23309
23310
23311 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
23312 @findex -var-info-num-children
23313
23314 @subsubheading Synopsis
23315
23316 @smallexample
23317 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
23318 @end smallexample
23319
23320 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
23321
23322 @smallexample
23323 numchild=@var{n}
23324 @end smallexample
23325
23326
23327 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
23328 @findex -var-list-children
23329
23330 @subsubheading Synopsis
23331
23332 @smallexample
23333 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
23334 @end smallexample
23335 @anchor{-var-list-children}
23336
23337 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
23338 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
23339 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
23340 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
23341 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
23342 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
23343 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
23344 and unions.
23345
23346 For each child the following results are returned:
23347
23348 @table @var
23349
23350 @item name
23351 Name of the variable object created for this child.
23352
23353 @item exp
23354 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
23355 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
23356
23357 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
23358 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
23359 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
23360 type and value are not present.
23361
23362 @item numchild
23363 Number of children this child has.
23364
23365 @item type
23366 The type of the child.
23367
23368 @item value
23369 If values were requested, this is the value.
23370
23371 @item thread-id
23372 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
23373 Otherwise this result is not present.
23374
23375 @item frozen
23376 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
23377 @end table
23378
23379 @subsubheading Example
23380
23381 @smallexample
23382 (gdb)
23383 -var-list-children n
23384 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
23385 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
23386 (gdb)
23387 -var-list-children --all-values n
23388 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
23389 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
23390 @end smallexample
23391
23392
23393 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
23394 @findex -var-info-type
23395
23396 @subsubheading Synopsis
23397
23398 @smallexample
23399 -var-info-type @var{name}
23400 @end smallexample
23401
23402 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
23403 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
23404 @value{GDBN} CLI:
23405
23406 @smallexample
23407 type=@var{typename}
23408 @end smallexample
23409
23410
23411 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
23412 @findex -var-info-expression
23413
23414 @subsubheading Synopsis
23415
23416 @smallexample
23417 -var-info-expression @var{name}
23418 @end smallexample
23419
23420 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
23421 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
23422 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
23423
23424 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
23425 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
23426
23427 @smallexample
23428 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
23429 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
23430 @end smallexample
23431
23432 @noindent
23433 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
23434
23435 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
23436 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
23437 is of limited use.
23438
23439 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
23440 @findex -var-info-path-expression
23441
23442 @subsubheading Synopsis
23443
23444 @smallexample
23445 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
23446 @end smallexample
23447
23448 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
23449 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
23450 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
23451 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
23452 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
23453 watchpoint from a variable object.
23454
23455 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
23456 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
23457 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
23458 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
23459 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
23460 @smallexample
23461 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
23462 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
23463 @end smallexample
23464
23465 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
23466 @findex -var-show-attributes
23467
23468 @subsubheading Synopsis
23469
23470 @smallexample
23471 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
23472 @end smallexample
23473
23474 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
23475
23476 @smallexample
23477 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
23478 @end smallexample
23479
23480 @noindent
23481 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
23482
23483 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
23484 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
23485
23486 @subsubheading Synopsis
23487
23488 @smallexample
23489 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
23490 @end smallexample
23491
23492 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
23493 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
23494 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
23495 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
23496 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
23497 the current display format will be used. The current display format
23498 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
23499
23500 @smallexample
23501 value=@var{value}
23502 @end smallexample
23503
23504 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
23505 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
23506
23507 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
23508 @findex -var-assign
23509
23510 @subsubheading Synopsis
23511
23512 @smallexample
23513 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
23514 @end smallexample
23515
23516 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
23517 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
23518 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
23519 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
23520
23521 @subsubheading Example
23522
23523 @smallexample
23524 (gdb)
23525 -var-assign var1 3
23526 ^done,value="3"
23527 (gdb)
23528 -var-update *
23529 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
23530 (gdb)
23531 @end smallexample
23532
23533 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
23534 @findex -var-update
23535
23536 @subsubheading Synopsis
23537
23538 @smallexample
23539 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
23540 @end smallexample
23541
23542 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
23543 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
23544 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
23545 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
23546 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
23547 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
23548 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
23549 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
23550 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
23551 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
23552 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
23553 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
23554 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
23555
23556 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
23557 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
23558 diagnostic.
23559
23560 @subsubheading Example
23561
23562 @smallexample
23563 (gdb)
23564 -var-assign var1 3
23565 ^done,value="3"
23566 (gdb)
23567 -var-update --all-values var1
23568 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
23569 type_changed="false"@}]
23570 (gdb)
23571 @end smallexample
23572
23573 @anchor{-var-update}
23574 The field in_scope may take three values:
23575
23576 @table @code
23577 @item "true"
23578 The variable object's current value is valid.
23579
23580 @item "false"
23581 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
23582 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
23583 scope.
23584
23585 @item "invalid"
23586 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
23587 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
23588 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
23589 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
23590 objects.
23591 @end table
23592
23593 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
23594 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
23595
23596 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
23597 @findex -var-set-frozen
23598 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
23599
23600 @subsubheading Synopsis
23601
23602 @smallexample
23603 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
23604 @end smallexample
23605
23606 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
23607 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
23608 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
23609 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
23610 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
23611 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
23612 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
23613 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
23614 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
23615 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
23616 @code{-var-update} does.
23617
23618 @subsubheading Example
23619
23620 @smallexample
23621 (gdb)
23622 -var-set-frozen V 1
23623 ^done
23624 (gdb)
23625 @end smallexample
23626
23627 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
23628 @findex -var-set-visualizer
23629 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
23630
23631 @subsubheading Synopsis
23632
23633 @smallexample
23634 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
23635 @end smallexample
23636
23637 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
23638
23639 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
23640 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
23641
23642 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
23643 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
23644 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
23645 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
23646 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
23647 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
23648 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23649
23650 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
23651 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
23652 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
23653 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
23654
23655 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
23656 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
23657 can be used to check this.
23658
23659 @subsubheading Example
23660
23661 Resetting the visualizer:
23662
23663 @smallexample
23664 (gdb)
23665 -var-set-visualizer V None
23666 ^done
23667 @end smallexample
23668
23669 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
23670
23671 @smallexample
23672 (gdb)
23673 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
23674 ^done
23675 @end smallexample
23676
23677 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
23678 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
23679
23680 @smallexample
23681 (gdb)
23682 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
23683 ^done
23684 @end smallexample
23685
23686 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23687 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
23688 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
23689
23690 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
23691 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
23692 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
23693 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
23694
23695 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
23696 @c @subheading -data-assign
23697 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
23698 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
23699 @c set variable
23700 @c @subsubheading Example
23701 @c N.A.
23702
23703 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
23704 @findex -data-disassemble
23705
23706 @subsubheading Synopsis
23707
23708 @smallexample
23709 -data-disassemble
23710 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
23711 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
23712 -- @var{mode}
23713 @end smallexample
23714
23715 @noindent
23716 Where:
23717
23718 @table @samp
23719 @item @var{start-addr}
23720 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
23721 @item @var{end-addr}
23722 is the end address
23723 @item @var{filename}
23724 is the name of the file to disassemble
23725 @item @var{linenum}
23726 is the line number to disassemble around
23727 @item @var{lines}
23728 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
23729 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
23730 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
23731 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
23732 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
23733 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
23734 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
23735 are displayed.
23736 @item @var{mode}
23737 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
23738 disassembly).
23739 @end table
23740
23741 @subsubheading Result
23742
23743 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
23744
23745 @itemize @bullet
23746 @item Address
23747 @item Func-name
23748 @item Offset
23749 @item Instruction
23750 @end itemize
23751
23752 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
23753 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
23754
23755 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23756
23757 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
23758
23759 @subsubheading Example
23760
23761 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
23762
23763 @smallexample
23764 (gdb)
23765 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
23766 ^done,
23767 asm_insns=[
23768 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23769 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23770 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23771 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23772 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
23773 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
23774 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
23775 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23776 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
23777 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
23778 (gdb)
23779 @end smallexample
23780
23781 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
23782 @code{main}.
23783
23784 @smallexample
23785 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
23786 ^done,asm_insns=[
23787 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23788 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
23789 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23790 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23791 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23792 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23793 [@dots{}]
23794 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
23795 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
23796 (gdb)
23797 @end smallexample
23798
23799 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
23800
23801 @smallexample
23802 (gdb)
23803 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
23804 ^done,asm_insns=[
23805 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23806 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
23807 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23808 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23809 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23810 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
23811 (gdb)
23812 @end smallexample
23813
23814 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
23815
23816 @smallexample
23817 (gdb)
23818 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
23819 ^done,asm_insns=[
23820 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
23821 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
23822 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
23823 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23824 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
23825 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
23826 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
23827 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
23828 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23829 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23830 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23831 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
23832 (gdb)
23833 @end smallexample
23834
23835
23836 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
23837 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
23838
23839 @subsubheading Synopsis
23840
23841 @smallexample
23842 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
23843 @end smallexample
23844
23845 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
23846 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
23847 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
23848
23849 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23850
23851 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
23852 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
23853 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
23854
23855 @subsubheading Example
23856
23857 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
23858 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
23859 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
23860 output.
23861
23862 @smallexample
23863 211-data-evaluate-expression A
23864 211^done,value="1"
23865 (gdb)
23866 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
23867 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
23868 (gdb)
23869 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
23870 411^done,value="4"
23871 (gdb)
23872 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
23873 511^done,value="4"
23874 (gdb)
23875 @end smallexample
23876
23877
23878 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
23879 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
23880
23881 @subsubheading Synopsis
23882
23883 @smallexample
23884 -data-list-changed-registers
23885 @end smallexample
23886
23887 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
23888
23889 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23890
23891 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
23892 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
23893
23894 @subsubheading Example
23895
23896 On a PPC MBX board:
23897
23898 @smallexample
23899 (gdb)
23900 -exec-continue
23901 ^running
23902
23903 (gdb)
23904 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
23905 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
23906 line="5"@}
23907 (gdb)
23908 -data-list-changed-registers
23909 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
23910 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
23911 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
23912 (gdb)
23913 @end smallexample
23914
23915
23916 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
23917 @findex -data-list-register-names
23918
23919 @subsubheading Synopsis
23920
23921 @smallexample
23922 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
23923 @end smallexample
23924
23925 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
23926 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
23927 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
23928 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
23929 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
23930 include empty register names.
23931
23932 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23933
23934 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
23935 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
23936 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
23937
23938 @subsubheading Example
23939
23940 For the PPC MBX board:
23941 @smallexample
23942 (gdb)
23943 -data-list-register-names
23944 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
23945 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
23946 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
23947 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
23948 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
23949 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
23950 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
23951 (gdb)
23952 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
23953 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
23954 (gdb)
23955 @end smallexample
23956
23957 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
23958 @findex -data-list-register-values
23959
23960 @subsubheading Synopsis
23961
23962 @smallexample
23963 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
23964 @end smallexample
23965
23966 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
23967 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
23968 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
23969 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
23970
23971 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
23972
23973 @table @code
23974 @item x
23975 Hexadecimal
23976 @item o
23977 Octal
23978 @item t
23979 Binary
23980 @item d
23981 Decimal
23982 @item r
23983 Raw
23984 @item N
23985 Natural
23986 @end table
23987
23988 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23989
23990 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
23991 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
23992
23993 @subsubheading Example
23994
23995 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
23996 don't appear in the actual output):
23997
23998 @smallexample
23999 (gdb)
24000 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
24001 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
24002 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
24003 (gdb)
24004 -data-list-register-values x
24005 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
24006 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
24007 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
24008 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
24009 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
24010 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
24011 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
24012 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
24013 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
24014 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
24015 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
24016 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
24017 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
24018 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
24019 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
24020 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
24021 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
24022 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
24023 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
24024 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
24025 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
24026 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
24027 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
24028 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
24029 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
24030 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
24031 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
24032 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
24033 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
24034 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
24035 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
24036 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
24037 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
24038 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
24039 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
24040 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
24041 (gdb)
24042 @end smallexample
24043
24044
24045 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
24046 @findex -data-read-memory
24047
24048 @subsubheading Synopsis
24049
24050 @smallexample
24051 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
24052 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
24053 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
24054 @end smallexample
24055
24056 @noindent
24057 where:
24058
24059 @table @samp
24060 @item @var{address}
24061 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
24062 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
24063 quoted using the C convention.
24064
24065 @item @var{word-format}
24066 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
24067 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
24068 ,Output Formats}).
24069
24070 @item @var{word-size}
24071 The size of each memory word in bytes.
24072
24073 @item @var{nr-rows}
24074 The number of rows in the output table.
24075
24076 @item @var{nr-cols}
24077 The number of columns in the output table.
24078
24079 @item @var{aschar}
24080 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
24081 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
24082 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
24083 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
24084
24085 @item @var{byte-offset}
24086 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
24087 @end table
24088
24089 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
24090 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
24091 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
24092 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
24093 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
24094 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
24095 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
24096 @samp{addr}.
24097
24098 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
24099 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
24100 @samp{prev-page}.
24101
24102 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24103
24104 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
24105 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
24106
24107 @subsubheading Example
24108
24109 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
24110 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
24111 word. Display each word in hex.
24112
24113 @smallexample
24114 (gdb)
24115 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
24116 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
24117 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
24118 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
24119 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
24120 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
24121 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
24122 (gdb)
24123 @end smallexample
24124
24125 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
24126 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
24127
24128 @smallexample
24129 (gdb)
24130 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
24131 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
24132 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
24133 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
24134 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
24135 (gdb)
24136 @end smallexample
24137
24138 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
24139 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
24140 used as the non-printable character.
24141
24142 @smallexample
24143 (gdb)
24144 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
24145 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
24146 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
24147 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
24148 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24149 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24150 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24151 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24152 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
24153 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
24154 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
24155 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
24156 (gdb)
24157 @end smallexample
24158
24159 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24160 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
24161 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
24162
24163 The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
24164
24165 @c @subheading -trace-actions
24166
24167 @c @subheading -trace-delete
24168
24169 @c @subheading -trace-disable
24170
24171 @c @subheading -trace-dump
24172
24173 @c @subheading -trace-enable
24174
24175 @c @subheading -trace-exists
24176
24177 @c @subheading -trace-find
24178
24179 @c @subheading -trace-frame-number
24180
24181 @c @subheading -trace-info
24182
24183 @c @subheading -trace-insert
24184
24185 @c @subheading -trace-list
24186
24187 @c @subheading -trace-pass-count
24188
24189 @c @subheading -trace-save
24190
24191 @c @subheading -trace-start
24192
24193 @c @subheading -trace-stop
24194
24195
24196 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24197 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
24198 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
24199
24200
24201 @ignore
24202 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
24203 @findex -symbol-info-address
24204
24205 @subsubheading Synopsis
24206
24207 @smallexample
24208 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
24209 @end smallexample
24210
24211 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
24212
24213 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24214
24215 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
24216
24217 @subsubheading Example
24218 N.A.
24219
24220
24221 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
24222 @findex -symbol-info-file
24223
24224 @subsubheading Synopsis
24225
24226 @smallexample
24227 -symbol-info-file
24228 @end smallexample
24229
24230 Show the file for the symbol.
24231
24232 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24233
24234 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
24235 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
24236
24237 @subsubheading Example
24238 N.A.
24239
24240
24241 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
24242 @findex -symbol-info-function
24243
24244 @subsubheading Synopsis
24245
24246 @smallexample
24247 -symbol-info-function
24248 @end smallexample
24249
24250 Show which function the symbol lives in.
24251
24252 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24253
24254 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
24255
24256 @subsubheading Example
24257 N.A.
24258
24259
24260 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
24261 @findex -symbol-info-line
24262
24263 @subsubheading Synopsis
24264
24265 @smallexample
24266 -symbol-info-line
24267 @end smallexample
24268
24269 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
24270
24271 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24272
24273 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
24274 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
24275
24276 @subsubheading Example
24277 N.A.
24278
24279
24280 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
24281 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
24282
24283 @subsubheading Synopsis
24284
24285 @smallexample
24286 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
24287 @end smallexample
24288
24289 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
24290
24291 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24292
24293 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
24294
24295 @subsubheading Example
24296 N.A.
24297
24298
24299 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
24300 @findex -symbol-list-functions
24301
24302 @subsubheading Synopsis
24303
24304 @smallexample
24305 -symbol-list-functions
24306 @end smallexample
24307
24308 List the functions in the executable.
24309
24310 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24311
24312 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
24313 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24314
24315 @subsubheading Example
24316 N.A.
24317 @end ignore
24318
24319
24320 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
24321 @findex -symbol-list-lines
24322
24323 @subsubheading Synopsis
24324
24325 @smallexample
24326 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
24327 @end smallexample
24328
24329 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
24330 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
24331 ascending PC order.
24332
24333 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24334
24335 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
24336
24337 @subsubheading Example
24338 @smallexample
24339 (gdb)
24340 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
24341 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
24342 (gdb)
24343 @end smallexample
24344
24345
24346 @ignore
24347 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
24348 @findex -symbol-list-types
24349
24350 @subsubheading Synopsis
24351
24352 @smallexample
24353 -symbol-list-types
24354 @end smallexample
24355
24356 List all the type names.
24357
24358 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24359
24360 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
24361 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24362
24363 @subsubheading Example
24364 N.A.
24365
24366
24367 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
24368 @findex -symbol-list-variables
24369
24370 @subsubheading Synopsis
24371
24372 @smallexample
24373 -symbol-list-variables
24374 @end smallexample
24375
24376 List all the global and static variable names.
24377
24378 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24379
24380 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24381
24382 @subsubheading Example
24383 N.A.
24384
24385
24386 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
24387 @findex -symbol-locate
24388
24389 @subsubheading Synopsis
24390
24391 @smallexample
24392 -symbol-locate
24393 @end smallexample
24394
24395 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24396
24397 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
24398
24399 @subsubheading Example
24400 N.A.
24401
24402
24403 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
24404 @findex -symbol-type
24405
24406 @subsubheading Synopsis
24407
24408 @smallexample
24409 -symbol-type @var{variable}
24410 @end smallexample
24411
24412 Show type of @var{variable}.
24413
24414 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24415
24416 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
24417 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
24418
24419 @subsubheading Example
24420 N.A.
24421 @end ignore
24422
24423
24424 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24425 @node GDB/MI File Commands
24426 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
24427
24428 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
24429 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
24430
24431 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
24432 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
24433
24434 @subsubheading Synopsis
24435
24436 @smallexample
24437 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
24438 @end smallexample
24439
24440 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
24441 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
24442 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
24443 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
24444 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
24445 notification.
24446
24447 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24448
24449 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
24450
24451 @subsubheading Example
24452
24453 @smallexample
24454 (gdb)
24455 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24456 ^done
24457 (gdb)
24458 @end smallexample
24459
24460
24461 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
24462 @findex -file-exec-file
24463
24464 @subsubheading Synopsis
24465
24466 @smallexample
24467 -file-exec-file @var{file}
24468 @end smallexample
24469
24470 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
24471 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
24472 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
24473 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
24474 notification.
24475
24476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24477
24478 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
24479
24480 @subsubheading Example
24481
24482 @smallexample
24483 (gdb)
24484 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24485 ^done
24486 (gdb)
24487 @end smallexample
24488
24489
24490 @ignore
24491 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
24492 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
24493
24494 @subsubheading Synopsis
24495
24496 @smallexample
24497 -file-list-exec-sections
24498 @end smallexample
24499
24500 List the sections of the current executable file.
24501
24502 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24503
24504 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
24505 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
24506 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
24507
24508 @subsubheading Example
24509 N.A.
24510 @end ignore
24511
24512
24513 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
24514 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
24515
24516 @subsubheading Synopsis
24517
24518 @smallexample
24519 -file-list-exec-source-file
24520 @end smallexample
24521
24522 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
24523 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
24524 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
24525 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
24526
24527 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24528
24529 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
24530
24531 @subsubheading Example
24532
24533 @smallexample
24534 (gdb)
24535 123-file-list-exec-source-file
24536 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
24537 (gdb)
24538 @end smallexample
24539
24540
24541 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
24542 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
24543
24544 @subsubheading Synopsis
24545
24546 @smallexample
24547 -file-list-exec-source-files
24548 @end smallexample
24549
24550 List the source files for the current executable.
24551
24552 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
24553 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
24554
24555 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24556
24557 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
24558 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
24559
24560 @subsubheading Example
24561 @smallexample
24562 (gdb)
24563 -file-list-exec-source-files
24564 ^done,files=[
24565 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
24566 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
24567 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
24568 (gdb)
24569 @end smallexample
24570
24571 @ignore
24572 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
24573 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
24574
24575 @subsubheading Synopsis
24576
24577 @smallexample
24578 -file-list-shared-libraries
24579 @end smallexample
24580
24581 List the shared libraries in the program.
24582
24583 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24584
24585 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
24586
24587 @subsubheading Example
24588 N.A.
24589
24590
24591 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
24592 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
24593
24594 @subsubheading Synopsis
24595
24596 @smallexample
24597 -file-list-symbol-files
24598 @end smallexample
24599
24600 List symbol files.
24601
24602 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24603
24604 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
24605
24606 @subsubheading Example
24607 N.A.
24608 @end ignore
24609
24610
24611 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
24612 @findex -file-symbol-file
24613
24614 @subsubheading Synopsis
24615
24616 @smallexample
24617 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
24618 @end smallexample
24619
24620 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
24621 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
24622 produced, except for a completion notification.
24623
24624 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24625
24626 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
24627
24628 @subsubheading Example
24629
24630 @smallexample
24631 (gdb)
24632 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24633 ^done
24634 (gdb)
24635 @end smallexample
24636
24637 @ignore
24638 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24639 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
24640 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
24641
24642 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
24643
24644 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
24645
24646 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
24647
24648 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
24649
24650 @c @subheading -overlay-map
24651
24652 @c @subheading -overlay-off
24653
24654 @c @subheading -overlay-on
24655
24656 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
24657
24658 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24659 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
24660 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
24661
24662 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
24663
24664 @c @subheading -signal-handle
24665
24666 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
24667
24668 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
24669 @end ignore
24670
24671
24672 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24673 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
24674 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
24675
24676
24677 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
24678 @findex -target-attach
24679
24680 @subsubheading Synopsis
24681
24682 @smallexample
24683 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
24684 @end smallexample
24685
24686 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
24687 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
24688 group, the id previously returned by
24689 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
24690
24691 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24692
24693 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
24694
24695 @subsubheading Example
24696 @smallexample
24697 (gdb)
24698 -target-attach 34
24699 =thread-created,id="1"
24700 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
24701 ^done
24702 (gdb)
24703 @end smallexample
24704
24705 @ignore
24706 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
24707 @findex -target-compare-sections
24708
24709 @subsubheading Synopsis
24710
24711 @smallexample
24712 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
24713 @end smallexample
24714
24715 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
24716 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
24717
24718 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24719
24720 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
24721
24722 @subsubheading Example
24723 N.A.
24724 @end ignore
24725
24726
24727 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
24728 @findex -target-detach
24729
24730 @subsubheading Synopsis
24731
24732 @smallexample
24733 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
24734 @end smallexample
24735
24736 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
24737 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
24738 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
24739
24740 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24741
24742 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
24743
24744 @subsubheading Example
24745
24746 @smallexample
24747 (gdb)
24748 -target-detach
24749 ^done
24750 (gdb)
24751 @end smallexample
24752
24753
24754 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
24755 @findex -target-disconnect
24756
24757 @subsubheading Synopsis
24758
24759 @smallexample
24760 -target-disconnect
24761 @end smallexample
24762
24763 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
24764 generally not resumed.
24765
24766 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24767
24768 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
24769
24770 @subsubheading Example
24771
24772 @smallexample
24773 (gdb)
24774 -target-disconnect
24775 ^done
24776 (gdb)
24777 @end smallexample
24778
24779
24780 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
24781 @findex -target-download
24782
24783 @subsubheading Synopsis
24784
24785 @smallexample
24786 -target-download
24787 @end smallexample
24788
24789 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
24790 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
24791
24792 @table @samp
24793 @item section
24794 The name of the section.
24795 @item section-sent
24796 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
24797 @item section-size
24798 The size of the section.
24799 @item total-sent
24800 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
24801 @item total-size
24802 The size of the overall executable to download.
24803 @end table
24804
24805 @noindent
24806 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
24807 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
24808
24809 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
24810 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
24811
24812 @table @samp
24813 @item section
24814 The name of the section.
24815 @item section-size
24816 The size of the section.
24817 @item total-size
24818 The size of the overall executable to download.
24819 @end table
24820
24821 @noindent
24822 At the end, a summary is printed.
24823
24824 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24825
24826 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
24827
24828 @subsubheading Example
24829
24830 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
24831 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
24832
24833 @smallexample
24834 (gdb)
24835 -target-download
24836 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
24837 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
24838 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
24839 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
24840 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
24841 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
24842 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
24843 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
24844 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
24845 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
24846 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
24847 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
24848 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
24849 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
24850 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
24851 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
24852 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
24853 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
24854 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
24855 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
24856 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
24857 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
24858 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
24859 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
24860 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
24861 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
24862 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
24863 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
24864 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
24865 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
24866 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
24867 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
24868 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
24869 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
24870 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
24871 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
24872 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
24873 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
24874 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
24875 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
24876 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
24877 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
24878 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
24879 write-rate="429"
24880 (gdb)
24881 @end smallexample
24882
24883
24884 @ignore
24885 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
24886 @findex -target-exec-status
24887
24888 @subsubheading Synopsis
24889
24890 @smallexample
24891 -target-exec-status
24892 @end smallexample
24893
24894 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
24895 not, for instance).
24896
24897 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24898
24899 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
24900
24901 @subsubheading Example
24902 N.A.
24903
24904
24905 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
24906 @findex -target-list-available-targets
24907
24908 @subsubheading Synopsis
24909
24910 @smallexample
24911 -target-list-available-targets
24912 @end smallexample
24913
24914 List the possible targets to connect to.
24915
24916 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24917
24918 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
24919
24920 @subsubheading Example
24921 N.A.
24922
24923
24924 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
24925 @findex -target-list-current-targets
24926
24927 @subsubheading Synopsis
24928
24929 @smallexample
24930 -target-list-current-targets
24931 @end smallexample
24932
24933 Describe the current target.
24934
24935 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24936
24937 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
24938 other things).
24939
24940 @subsubheading Example
24941 N.A.
24942
24943
24944 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
24945 @findex -target-list-parameters
24946
24947 @subsubheading Synopsis
24948
24949 @smallexample
24950 -target-list-parameters
24951 @end smallexample
24952
24953 @c ????
24954 @end ignore
24955
24956 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24957
24958 No equivalent.
24959
24960 @subsubheading Example
24961 N.A.
24962
24963
24964 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
24965 @findex -target-select
24966
24967 @subsubheading Synopsis
24968
24969 @smallexample
24970 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
24971 @end smallexample
24972
24973 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
24974
24975 @table @samp
24976 @item @var{type}
24977 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
24978 @item @var{parameters}
24979 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
24980 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
24981 @end table
24982
24983 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
24984 which the target program is, in the following form:
24985
24986 @smallexample
24987 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
24988 args=[@var{arg list}]
24989 @end smallexample
24990
24991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24992
24993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
24994
24995 @subsubheading Example
24996
24997 @smallexample
24998 (gdb)
24999 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
25000 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
25001 (gdb)
25002 @end smallexample
25003
25004 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25005 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
25006 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
25007
25008
25009 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
25010 @findex -target-file-put
25011
25012 @subsubheading Synopsis
25013
25014 @smallexample
25015 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
25016 @end smallexample
25017
25018 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
25019 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
25020
25021 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25022
25023 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
25024
25025 @subsubheading Example
25026
25027 @smallexample
25028 (gdb)
25029 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
25030 ^done
25031 (gdb)
25032 @end smallexample
25033
25034
25035 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
25036 @findex -target-file-get
25037
25038 @subsubheading Synopsis
25039
25040 @smallexample
25041 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
25042 @end smallexample
25043
25044 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
25045 on the host system.
25046
25047 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25048
25049 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
25050
25051 @subsubheading Example
25052
25053 @smallexample
25054 (gdb)
25055 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
25056 ^done
25057 (gdb)
25058 @end smallexample
25059
25060
25061 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
25062 @findex -target-file-delete
25063
25064 @subsubheading Synopsis
25065
25066 @smallexample
25067 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
25068 @end smallexample
25069
25070 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
25071
25072 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25073
25074 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
25075
25076 @subsubheading Example
25077
25078 @smallexample
25079 (gdb)
25080 -target-file-delete remotefile
25081 ^done
25082 (gdb)
25083 @end smallexample
25084
25085
25086 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25087 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
25088 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
25089
25090 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
25091
25092 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
25093 @findex -gdb-exit
25094
25095 @subsubheading Synopsis
25096
25097 @smallexample
25098 -gdb-exit
25099 @end smallexample
25100
25101 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
25102
25103 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25104
25105 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
25106
25107 @subsubheading Example
25108
25109 @smallexample
25110 (gdb)
25111 -gdb-exit
25112 ^exit
25113 @end smallexample
25114
25115
25116 @ignore
25117 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
25118 @findex -exec-abort
25119
25120 @subsubheading Synopsis
25121
25122 @smallexample
25123 -exec-abort
25124 @end smallexample
25125
25126 Kill the inferior running program.
25127
25128 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25129
25130 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
25131
25132 @subsubheading Example
25133 N.A.
25134 @end ignore
25135
25136
25137 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
25138 @findex -gdb-set
25139
25140 @subsubheading Synopsis
25141
25142 @smallexample
25143 -gdb-set
25144 @end smallexample
25145
25146 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
25147 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
25148
25149 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25150
25151 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
25152
25153 @subsubheading Example
25154
25155 @smallexample
25156 (gdb)
25157 -gdb-set $foo=3
25158 ^done
25159 (gdb)
25160 @end smallexample
25161
25162
25163 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
25164 @findex -gdb-show
25165
25166 @subsubheading Synopsis
25167
25168 @smallexample
25169 -gdb-show
25170 @end smallexample
25171
25172 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
25173
25174 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25175
25176 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
25177
25178 @subsubheading Example
25179
25180 @smallexample
25181 (gdb)
25182 -gdb-show annotate
25183 ^done,value="0"
25184 (gdb)
25185 @end smallexample
25186
25187 @c @subheading -gdb-source
25188
25189
25190 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
25191 @findex -gdb-version
25192
25193 @subsubheading Synopsis
25194
25195 @smallexample
25196 -gdb-version
25197 @end smallexample
25198
25199 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
25200
25201 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25202
25203 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
25204 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
25205
25206 @subsubheading Example
25207
25208 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
25209 @c box in TeX.
25210 @smallexample
25211 (gdb)
25212 -gdb-version
25213 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
25214 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
25215 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
25216 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
25217 ~ certain conditions.
25218 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
25219 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
25220 ~ details.
25221 ~This GDB was configured as
25222 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
25223 ^done
25224 (gdb)
25225 @end smallexample
25226
25227 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
25228 @findex -list-features
25229
25230 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
25231 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
25232 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
25233 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
25234 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
25235 startup.
25236
25237 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
25238 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
25239 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
25240 is given below.
25241
25242 Example output:
25243
25244 @smallexample
25245 (gdb) -list-features
25246 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
25247 @end smallexample
25248
25249 The current list of features is:
25250
25251 @table @samp
25252 @item frozen-varobjs
25253 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
25254 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
25255 of @code{-varobj-create}.
25256 @item pending-breakpoints
25257 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
25258 @item python
25259 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
25260 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
25261 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
25262 @item thread-info
25263 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
25264
25265 @end table
25266
25267 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
25268 @findex -list-target-features
25269
25270 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
25271 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
25272 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
25273 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
25274 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
25275 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
25276 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
25277 Example output:
25278
25279 @smallexample
25280 (gdb) -list-features
25281 ^done,result=["async"]
25282 @end smallexample
25283
25284 The current list of features is:
25285
25286 @table @samp
25287 @item async
25288 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
25289 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
25290 while the target is running.
25291
25292 @end table
25293
25294 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
25295 @findex -list-thread-groups
25296
25297 @subheading Synopsis
25298
25299 @smallexample
25300 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ @var{group} ]
25301 @end smallexample
25302
25303 When used without the @var{group} parameter, lists top-level thread
25304 groups that are being debugged. When used with the @var{group}
25305 parameter, the children of the specified group are listed. The
25306 children can be either threads, or other groups. At present,
25307 @value{GDBN} will not report both threads and groups as children at
25308 the same time, but it may change in future.
25309
25310 With the @samp{--available} option, instead of reporting groups that
25311 are been debugged, GDB will report all thread groups available on the
25312 target. Using the @samp{--available} option together with @var{group}
25313 is not allowed.
25314
25315 @subheading Example
25316
25317 @smallexample
25318 @value{GDBP}
25319 -list-thread-groups
25320 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
25321 -list-thread-groups 17
25322 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
25323 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
25324 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
25325 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
25326 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
25327 @end smallexample
25328
25329 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
25330 @findex -interpreter-exec
25331
25332 @subheading Synopsis
25333
25334 @smallexample
25335 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
25336 @end smallexample
25337 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
25338
25339 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
25340
25341 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25342
25343 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
25344
25345 @subheading Example
25346
25347 @smallexample
25348 (gdb)
25349 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
25350 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
25351 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
25352 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
25353 ^done
25354 (gdb)
25355 @end smallexample
25356
25357 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
25358 @findex -inferior-tty-set
25359
25360 @subheading Synopsis
25361
25362 @smallexample
25363 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25364 @end smallexample
25365
25366 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
25367
25368 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25369
25370 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
25371
25372 @subheading Example
25373
25374 @smallexample
25375 (gdb)
25376 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25377 ^done
25378 (gdb)
25379 @end smallexample
25380
25381 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
25382 @findex -inferior-tty-show
25383
25384 @subheading Synopsis
25385
25386 @smallexample
25387 -inferior-tty-show
25388 @end smallexample
25389
25390 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
25391
25392 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25393
25394 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
25395
25396 @subheading Example
25397
25398 @smallexample
25399 (gdb)
25400 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25401 ^done
25402 (gdb)
25403 -inferior-tty-show
25404 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
25405 (gdb)
25406 @end smallexample
25407
25408 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
25409 @findex -enable-timings
25410
25411 @subheading Synopsis
25412
25413 @smallexample
25414 -enable-timings [yes | no]
25415 @end smallexample
25416
25417 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
25418 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
25419 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
25420 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
25421
25422 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25423
25424 No equivalent.
25425
25426 @subheading Example
25427
25428 @smallexample
25429 (gdb)
25430 -enable-timings
25431 ^done
25432 (gdb)
25433 -break-insert main
25434 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25435 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
25436 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
25437 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
25438 (gdb)
25439 -enable-timings no
25440 ^done
25441 (gdb)
25442 -exec-run
25443 ^running
25444 (gdb)
25445 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
25446 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
25447 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
25448 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
25449 (gdb)
25450 @end smallexample
25451
25452 @node Annotations
25453 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
25454
25455 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
25456 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
25457 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
25458 relatively high level.
25459
25460 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
25461 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
25462
25463 @ignore
25464 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
25465 @end ignore
25466
25467 @menu
25468 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
25469 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
25470 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
25471 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
25472 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
25473 * Annotations for Running::
25474 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
25475 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
25476 @end menu
25477
25478 @node Annotations Overview
25479 @section What is an Annotation?
25480 @cindex annotations
25481
25482 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
25483 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
25484 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
25485 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
25486 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
25487 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
25488 cannot contain newline characters.
25489
25490 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
25491 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
25492 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
25493 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
25494 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
25495 means those three characters as output.
25496
25497 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
25498 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
25499 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
25500 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
25501 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
25502 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
25503 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
25504 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
25505 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
25506
25507 @table @code
25508 @kindex set annotate
25509 @item set annotate @var{level}
25510 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
25511 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
25512
25513 @item show annotate
25514 @kindex show annotate
25515 Show the current annotation level.
25516 @end table
25517
25518 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
25519
25520 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
25521
25522 @smallexample
25523 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
25524 GNU gdb 6.0
25525 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
25526 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
25527 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
25528 under certain conditions.
25529 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
25530 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
25531 for details.
25532 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
25533
25534 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
25535 (@value{GDBP})
25536 ^Z^Zprompt
25537 @kbd{quit}
25538
25539 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
25540 $
25541 @end smallexample
25542
25543 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
25544 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
25545 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
25546 output from @value{GDBN}.
25547
25548 @node Server Prefix
25549 @section The Server Prefix
25550 @cindex server prefix
25551
25552 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
25553 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
25554 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
25555 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
25556 a transparent manner.
25557
25558 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
25559 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
25560 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
25561
25562 @node Prompting
25563 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
25564
25565 @cindex annotations for prompts
25566 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
25567 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
25568 over, etc.
25569
25570 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
25571 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
25572 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
25573 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
25574 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
25575 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
25576 features the following annotations:
25577
25578 @smallexample
25579 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
25580 ^Z^Zprompt
25581 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
25582 @end smallexample
25583
25584 The input types are
25585
25586 @table @code
25587 @findex pre-prompt annotation
25588 @findex prompt annotation
25589 @findex post-prompt annotation
25590 @item prompt
25591 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
25592
25593 @findex pre-commands annotation
25594 @findex commands annotation
25595 @findex post-commands annotation
25596 @item commands
25597 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
25598 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
25599
25600 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
25601 @findex overload-choice annotation
25602 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
25603 @item overload-choice
25604 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
25605
25606 @findex pre-query annotation
25607 @findex query annotation
25608 @findex post-query annotation
25609 @item query
25610 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
25611
25612 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
25613 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
25614 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
25615 @item prompt-for-continue
25616 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
25617 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
25618 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
25619 presence of annotations.
25620 @end table
25621
25622 @node Errors
25623 @section Errors
25624 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
25625
25626 @findex quit annotation
25627 @smallexample
25628 ^Z^Zquit
25629 @end smallexample
25630
25631 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
25632
25633 @findex error annotation
25634 @smallexample
25635 ^Z^Zerror
25636 @end smallexample
25637
25638 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
25639
25640 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
25641 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
25642 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
25643 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
25644 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
25645 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
25646 to the top level.
25647
25648 @findex error-begin annotation
25649 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
25650
25651 @smallexample
25652 ^Z^Zerror-begin
25653 @end smallexample
25654
25655 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
25656 message.
25657
25658 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
25659 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
25660 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
25661
25662 @node Invalidation
25663 @section Invalidation Notices
25664
25665 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
25666 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
25667 changed.
25668
25669 @table @code
25670 @findex frames-invalid annotation
25671 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
25672
25673 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
25674 have changed.
25675
25676 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
25677 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
25678
25679 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
25680 deleted a breakpoint.
25681 @end table
25682
25683 @node Annotations for Running
25684 @section Running the Program
25685 @cindex annotations for running programs
25686
25687 @findex starting annotation
25688 @findex stopping annotation
25689 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
25690 @code{step} or @code{continue},
25691
25692 @smallexample
25693 ^Z^Zstarting
25694 @end smallexample
25695
25696 is output. When the program stops,
25697
25698 @smallexample
25699 ^Z^Zstopped
25700 @end smallexample
25701
25702 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
25703 annotations describe how the program stopped.
25704
25705 @table @code
25706 @findex exited annotation
25707 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
25708 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
25709 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
25710
25711 @findex signalled annotation
25712 @findex signal-name annotation
25713 @findex signal-name-end annotation
25714 @findex signal-string annotation
25715 @findex signal-string-end annotation
25716 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
25717 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
25718 annotation continues:
25719
25720 @smallexample
25721 @var{intro-text}
25722 ^Z^Zsignal-name
25723 @var{name}
25724 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
25725 @var{middle-text}
25726 ^Z^Zsignal-string
25727 @var{string}
25728 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
25729 @var{end-text}
25730 @end smallexample
25731
25732 @noindent
25733 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
25734 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
25735 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
25736 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
25737 user's benefit and have no particular format.
25738
25739 @findex signal annotation
25740 @item ^Z^Zsignal
25741 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
25742 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
25743 terminated with it.
25744
25745 @findex breakpoint annotation
25746 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
25747 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
25748
25749 @findex watchpoint annotation
25750 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
25751 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
25752 @end table
25753
25754 @node Source Annotations
25755 @section Displaying Source
25756 @cindex annotations for source display
25757
25758 @findex source annotation
25759 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
25760
25761 @smallexample
25762 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
25763 @end smallexample
25764
25765 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
25766 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
25767 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
25768 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
25769 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
25770 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
25771 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
25772 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
25773 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
25774 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
25775 depend on the language).
25776
25777 @node GDB Bugs
25778 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
25779 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
25780 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
25781
25782 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
25783
25784 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
25785 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
25786 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
25787 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
25788
25789 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
25790 information that enables us to fix the bug.
25791
25792 @menu
25793 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
25794 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
25795 @end menu
25796
25797 @node Bug Criteria
25798 @section Have You Found a Bug?
25799 @cindex bug criteria
25800
25801 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
25802
25803 @itemize @bullet
25804 @cindex fatal signal
25805 @cindex debugger crash
25806 @cindex crash of debugger
25807 @item
25808 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
25809 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
25810
25811 @cindex error on valid input
25812 @item
25813 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
25814 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
25815 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
25816
25817 @cindex invalid input
25818 @item
25819 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
25820 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
25821 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
25822 for traditional practice''.
25823
25824 @item
25825 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
25826 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
25827 @end itemize
25828
25829 @node Bug Reporting
25830 @section How to Report Bugs
25831 @cindex bug reports
25832 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
25833
25834 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
25835 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
25836 contact that organization first.
25837
25838 You can find contact information for many support companies and
25839 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
25840 distribution.
25841 @c should add a web page ref...
25842
25843 @ifset BUGURL
25844 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
25845 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
25846 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
25847 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
25848 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
25849 be used.
25850
25851 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
25852 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
25853 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
25854 @samp{bug-gdb}.
25855
25856 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
25857 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
25858 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
25859 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
25860 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
25861 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
25862 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
25863 bug reports to the mailing list.
25864 @end ifset
25865 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
25866 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
25867 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
25868 @end ifclear
25869 @end ifset
25870
25871 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
25872 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
25873 fact or leave it out, state it!
25874
25875 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
25876 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
25877 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
25878 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
25879 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
25880 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
25881 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
25882 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
25883 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
25884
25885 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
25886 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
25887 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
25888 self-contained.
25889
25890 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
25891 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
25892 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
25893 bugs properly.
25894
25895 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
25896
25897 @itemize @bullet
25898 @item
25899 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
25900 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
25901 version}.
25902
25903 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
25904 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
25905
25906 @item
25907 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
25908 version number.
25909
25910 @item
25911 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
25912 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
25913
25914 @item
25915 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
25916 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
25917 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
25918 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
25919 those compilers.
25920
25921 @item
25922 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
25923 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
25924 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
25925 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
25926
25927 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
25928 and then we might not encounter the bug.
25929
25930 @item
25931 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
25932 reproduce the bug.
25933
25934 @item
25935 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
25936 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
25937
25938 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
25939 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
25940 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
25941 a chance to make a mistake.
25942
25943 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
25944 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
25945 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
25946 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
25947 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
25948 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
25949 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
25950 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
25951
25952 @pindex script
25953 @cindex recording a session script
25954 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
25955 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
25956 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
25957 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
25958
25959 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
25960 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
25961
25962 @item
25963 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
25964 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
25965 it by context, not by line number.
25966
25967 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
25968 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
25969
25970 @end itemize
25971
25972 Here are some things that are not necessary:
25973
25974 @itemize @bullet
25975 @item
25976 A description of the envelope of the bug.
25977
25978 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
25979 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
25980 changes will not affect it.
25981
25982 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
25983 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
25984 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
25985 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
25986
25987 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
25988 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
25989 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
25990 less time, and so on.
25991
25992 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
25993 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
25994
25995 @item
25996 A patch for the bug.
25997
25998 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
25999 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
26000 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
26001 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
26002
26003 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
26004 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
26005 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
26006 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
26007
26008 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
26009 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
26010 help us to understand.
26011
26012 @item
26013 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
26014
26015 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
26016 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
26017 @end itemize
26018
26019 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
26020 @c and consists of the two following files:
26021 @c rluser.texinfo
26022 @c inc-hist.texinfo
26023 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
26024 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
26025 @include rluser.texi
26026 @include inc-hist.texinfo
26027
26028
26029 @node Formatting Documentation
26030 @appendix Formatting Documentation
26031
26032 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
26033 @cindex reference card
26034 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
26035 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
26036 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
26037 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
26038 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
26039 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
26040
26041 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
26042 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
26043
26044 @smallexample
26045 make refcard.dvi
26046 @end smallexample
26047
26048 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
26049 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
26050 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
26051 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
26052 your @sc{dvi} output program.
26053
26054 @cindex documentation
26055
26056 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
26057 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
26058 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
26059 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
26060 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
26061 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
26062
26063 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
26064 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
26065 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
26066 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
26067 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
26068 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
26069 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
26070 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
26071
26072 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
26073 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
26074 @code{makeinfo}.
26075
26076 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
26077 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
26078 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
26079
26080 @smallexample
26081 cd gdb
26082 make gdb.info
26083 @end smallexample
26084
26085 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
26086 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
26087 Texinfo definitions file.
26088
26089 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
26090 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
26091 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
26092 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
26093 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
26094 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
26095 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
26096
26097 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
26098 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
26099 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
26100 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
26101 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
26102 directory.
26103
26104 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
26105 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
26106 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
26107 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
26108
26109 @smallexample
26110 make gdb.dvi
26111 @end smallexample
26112
26113 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
26114
26115 @node Installing GDB
26116 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
26117 @cindex installation
26118
26119 @menu
26120 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
26121 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
26122 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
26123 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
26124 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
26125 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
26126 @end menu
26127
26128 @node Requirements
26129 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
26130 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
26131
26132 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
26133 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
26134
26135 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
26136 @table @asis
26137 @item ISO C90 compiler
26138 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
26139 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
26140
26141 @end table
26142
26143 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
26144 @table @asis
26145 @item Expat
26146 @anchor{Expat}
26147 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
26148 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
26149 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
26150 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
26151 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
26152 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
26153
26154 Expat is used for:
26155
26156 @itemize @bullet
26157 @item
26158 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
26159 @item
26160 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
26161 @item
26162 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
26163 @item
26164 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
26165 @end itemize
26166
26167 @item zlib
26168 @cindex compressed debug sections
26169 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
26170 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
26171 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
26172 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
26173 information in such binaries.
26174
26175 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
26176 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
26177 @url{http://zlib.net}.
26178
26179 @item iconv
26180 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
26181 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
26182 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
26183 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
26184
26185 On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
26186 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
26187 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
26188
26189 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
26190 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
26191 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
26192 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
26193 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
26194 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
26195 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
26196 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
26197 @end table
26198
26199 @node Running Configure
26200 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
26201 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
26202 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
26203 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
26204 build the @code{gdb} program.
26205 @iftex
26206 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
26207 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
26208 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
26209 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
26210 @end iftex
26211
26212 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
26213 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
26214 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
26215
26216 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
26217 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
26218
26219 @table @code
26220 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
26221 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
26222
26223 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
26224 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
26225
26226 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
26227 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
26228
26229 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
26230 @sc{gnu} include files
26231
26232 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
26233 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
26234
26235 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
26236 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
26237
26238 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
26239 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
26240
26241 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
26242 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
26243
26244 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
26245 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
26246 @end table
26247
26248 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
26249 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
26250 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
26251
26252 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
26253 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
26254 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
26255 argument.
26256
26257 For example:
26258
26259 @smallexample
26260 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
26261 ./configure @var{host}
26262 make
26263 @end smallexample
26264
26265 @noindent
26266 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
26267 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
26268 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
26269 correct value by examining your system.)
26270
26271 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
26272 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
26273 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
26274 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
26275
26276 @need 750
26277 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
26278 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
26279 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
26280
26281 @smallexample
26282 sh configure @var{host}
26283 @end smallexample
26284
26285 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
26286 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
26287 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
26288 @file{configure}
26289 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
26290 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
26291
26292 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
26293 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
26294 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
26295 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
26296 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
26297 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
26298 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
26299 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
26300 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
26301
26302 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
26303 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
26304 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
26305 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
26306 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
26307
26308 @node Separate Objdir
26309 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
26310
26311 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
26312 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
26313 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
26314 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
26315 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
26316 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
26317 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
26318 program specified there.
26319
26320 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
26321 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
26322 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
26323 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
26324 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
26325 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
26326
26327 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
26328 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
26329
26330 @smallexample
26331 @group
26332 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
26333 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
26334 cd ../gdb-sun4
26335 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
26336 make
26337 @end group
26338 @end smallexample
26339
26340 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
26341 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
26342 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
26343 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
26344 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
26345 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
26346
26347 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
26348 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
26349 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
26350 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
26351 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
26352
26353 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
26354 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
26355 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
26356 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
26357 You specify a cross-debugging target by
26358 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
26359
26360 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
26361 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
26362 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
26363
26364 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
26365 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
26366 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
26367 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
26368 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
26369
26370 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
26371 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
26372 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
26373 with each other.
26374
26375 @node Config Names
26376 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
26377
26378 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
26379 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
26380 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
26381 of information in the following pattern:
26382
26383 @smallexample
26384 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
26385 @end smallexample
26386
26387 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
26388 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
26389 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
26390
26391 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
26392 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
26393 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
26394 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
26395 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
26396 abbreviations---for example:
26397
26398 @smallexample
26399 % sh config.sub i386-linux
26400 i386-pc-linux-gnu
26401 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
26402 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
26403 % sh config.sub hp9k700
26404 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
26405 % sh config.sub sun4
26406 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
26407 % sh config.sub sun3
26408 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
26409 % sh config.sub i986v
26410 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
26411 @end smallexample
26412
26413 @noindent
26414 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
26415 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
26416
26417 @node Configure Options
26418 @section @file{configure} Options
26419
26420 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
26421 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
26422 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
26423 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
26424
26425 @smallexample
26426 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
26427 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
26428 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
26429 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
26430 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
26431 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
26432 @var{host}
26433 @end smallexample
26434
26435 @noindent
26436 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
26437 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
26438 @samp{--}.
26439
26440 @table @code
26441 @item --help
26442 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
26443
26444 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
26445 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
26446 @file{@var{dir}}.
26447
26448 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
26449 Configure the source to install programs under directory
26450 @file{@var{dir}}.
26451
26452 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
26453 @need 2000
26454 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
26455 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
26456 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
26457 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
26458 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
26459 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
26460 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
26461 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
26462 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
26463 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
26464 @var{dirname}.
26465
26466 @item --norecursion
26467 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
26468 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
26469
26470 @item --target=@var{target}
26471 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
26472 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
26473 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
26474
26475 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
26476
26477 @item @var{host} @dots{}
26478 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
26479
26480 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
26481 @end table
26482
26483 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
26484 needed for special purposes only.
26485
26486 @node System-wide configuration
26487 @section System-wide configuration and settings
26488 @cindex system-wide init file
26489
26490 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
26491 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
26492 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
26493
26494 Here is the corresponding configure option:
26495
26496 @table @code
26497 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
26498 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
26499 @var{file}.
26500 @end table
26501
26502 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
26503 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
26504
26505 @itemize @bullet
26506 @item
26507 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
26508 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
26509 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
26510 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
26511 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
26512 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
26513
26514 @item
26515 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
26516 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
26517 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
26518 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
26519 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
26520 @end itemize
26521
26522 @node Maintenance Commands
26523 @appendix Maintenance Commands
26524 @cindex maintenance commands
26525 @cindex internal commands
26526
26527 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
26528 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
26529 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
26530 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
26531 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
26532
26533 @table @code
26534 @kindex maint agent
26535 @item maint agent @var{expression}
26536 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
26537 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
26538 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
26539
26540 @kindex maint info breakpoints
26541 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
26542 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
26543 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
26544 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
26545 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
26546 is shown:
26547
26548 @table @code
26549 @item breakpoint
26550 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
26551
26552 @item watchpoint
26553 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
26554
26555 @item longjmp
26556 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
26557 @code{longjmp} calls.
26558
26559 @item longjmp resume
26560 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
26561
26562 @item until
26563 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
26564
26565 @item finish
26566 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
26567
26568 @item shlib events
26569 Shared library events.
26570
26571 @end table
26572
26573 @kindex set displaced-stepping
26574 @kindex show displaced-stepping
26575 @cindex displaced stepping support
26576 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
26577 @item set displaced-stepping
26578 @itemx show displaced-stepping
26579 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
26580 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
26581 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
26582 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
26583 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
26584
26585 @table @code
26586 @item set displaced-stepping on
26587 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
26588 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
26589
26590 @item set displaced-stepping off
26591 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
26592 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
26593
26594 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
26595 @item set displaced-stepping auto
26596 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
26597 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
26598 architecture supports displaced stepping.
26599 @end table
26600
26601 @kindex maint check-symtabs
26602 @item maint check-symtabs
26603 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
26604
26605 @kindex maint cplus first_component
26606 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
26607 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
26608
26609 @kindex maint cplus namespace
26610 @item maint cplus namespace
26611 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
26612
26613 @kindex maint demangle
26614 @item maint demangle @var{name}
26615 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
26616
26617 @kindex maint deprecate
26618 @kindex maint undeprecate
26619 @cindex deprecated commands
26620 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
26621 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
26622 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
26623 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
26624 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
26625 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
26626 the replacement as part of the warning.
26627
26628 @kindex maint dump-me
26629 @item maint dump-me
26630 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
26631 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
26632 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
26633 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
26634
26635 @kindex maint internal-error
26636 @kindex maint internal-warning
26637 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
26638 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
26639 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
26640 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
26641 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
26642 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
26643 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
26644 @value{GDBN} session.
26645
26646 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
26647 used as the text of the error or warning message.
26648
26649 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
26650
26651 @smallexample
26652 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
26653 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
26654 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
26655 debugging may prove unreliable.
26656 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
26657 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
26658 (@value{GDBP})
26659 @end smallexample
26660
26661 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
26662 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
26663
26664 @kindex maint set internal-error
26665 @kindex maint show internal-error
26666 @kindex maint set internal-warning
26667 @kindex maint show internal-warning
26668 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
26669 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
26670 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
26671 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
26672 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
26673 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
26674 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
26675 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
26676 described in the table below.
26677
26678 @table @samp
26679 @item quit
26680 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
26681 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
26682
26683 @item corefile
26684 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
26685 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
26686 @end table
26687
26688 @kindex maint packet
26689 @item maint packet @var{text}
26690 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
26691 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
26692 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
26693 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
26694 checksum.
26695
26696 @kindex maint print architecture
26697 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26698 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
26699 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
26700
26701 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
26702 @item maint print c-tdesc
26703 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
26704 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
26705 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
26706
26707 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
26708 @item maint print dummy-frames
26709 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
26710
26711 @smallexample
26712 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
26713 @dots{}
26714 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
26715 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
26716 58 return (a + b);
26717 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
26718 @dots{}
26719 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
26720 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
26721 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
26722 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
26723 (@value{GDBP})
26724 @end smallexample
26725
26726 Takes an optional file parameter.
26727
26728 @kindex maint print registers
26729 @kindex maint print raw-registers
26730 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
26731 @kindex maint print register-groups
26732 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26733 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26734 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26735 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26736 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
26737
26738 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
26739 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
26740 includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
26741 @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
26742 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
26743 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
26744
26745 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
26746 write the information.
26747
26748 @kindex maint print reggroups
26749 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
26750 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
26751 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
26752 information.
26753
26754 The register groups info looks like this:
26755
26756 @smallexample
26757 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
26758 Group Type
26759 general user
26760 float user
26761 all user
26762 vector user
26763 system user
26764 save internal
26765 restore internal
26766 @end smallexample
26767
26768 @kindex flushregs
26769 @item flushregs
26770 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
26771
26772 @kindex maint print objfiles
26773 @cindex info for known object files
26774 @item maint print objfiles
26775 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
26776 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
26777 and symtabs.
26778
26779 @kindex maint print statistics
26780 @cindex bcache statistics
26781 @item maint print statistics
26782 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
26783 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
26784 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
26785 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
26786 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
26787 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
26788 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
26789 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
26790 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
26791 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
26792 lengths.
26793
26794 @kindex maint print target-stack
26795 @cindex target stack description
26796 @item maint print target-stack
26797 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
26798 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
26799 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
26800 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
26801 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
26802 address.
26803
26804 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
26805 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
26806
26807 @kindex maint print type
26808 @cindex type chain of a data type
26809 @item maint print type @var{expr}
26810 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
26811 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
26812 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
26813 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
26814 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
26815
26816 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
26817 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
26818 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
26819 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
26820 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
26821
26822 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
26823 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
26824 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
26825 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
26826 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
26827 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
26828 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
26829 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
26830 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
26831
26832 @kindex maint set profile
26833 @kindex maint show profile
26834 @cindex profiling GDB
26835 @item maint set profile
26836 @itemx maint show profile
26837 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
26838
26839 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
26840 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
26841 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
26842 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
26843 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
26844 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
26845 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
26846
26847 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
26848 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
26849
26850 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
26851 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
26852 @cindex hardware debug registers
26853 @item maint set show-debug-regs
26854 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
26855 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
26856 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
26857 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
26858 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
26859 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
26860
26861 @kindex maint space
26862 @cindex memory used by commands
26863 @item maint space
26864 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
26865 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
26866 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
26867 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
26868 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
26869
26870 @kindex maint time
26871 @cindex time of command execution
26872 @item maint time
26873 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
26874 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
26875 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
26876 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
26877 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
26878 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
26879 it's not possibly currently
26880 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
26881 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
26882
26883 @kindex maint translate-address
26884 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
26885 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
26886 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
26887 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
26888 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
26889 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
26890 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
26891
26892 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
26893 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
26894 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
26895
26896 @end table
26897
26898 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
26899 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
26900
26901 @table @code
26902 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
26903 @kindex set watchdog
26904 @cindex watchdog timer
26905 @cindex timeout for commands
26906 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
26907 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
26908 reports and error and the command is aborted.
26909
26910 @item show watchdog
26911 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
26912 @end table
26913
26914 @node Remote Protocol
26915 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
26916
26917 @menu
26918 * Overview::
26919 * Packets::
26920 * Stop Reply Packets::
26921 * General Query Packets::
26922 * Register Packet Format::
26923 * Tracepoint Packets::
26924 * Host I/O Packets::
26925 * Interrupts::
26926 * Notification Packets::
26927 * Remote Non-Stop::
26928 * Packet Acknowledgment::
26929 * Examples::
26930 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
26931 * Library List Format::
26932 * Memory Map Format::
26933 @end menu
26934
26935 @node Overview
26936 @section Overview
26937
26938 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
26939 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
26940 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
26941 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
26942
26943 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
26944 transmitted and received data, respectively.
26945
26946 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
26947 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
26948 @cindex remote serial protocol
26949 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
26950 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
26951 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
26952 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
26953 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
26954
26955 @smallexample
26956 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
26957 @end smallexample
26958 @noindent
26959
26960 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
26961 @noindent
26962 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
26963 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
26964 eight bit unsigned checksum).
26965
26966 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
26967 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
26968
26969 @smallexample
26970 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
26971 @end smallexample
26972
26973 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
26974 @noindent
26975 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
26976 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
26977 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
26978
26979 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
26980 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
26981 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
26982 retransmission):
26983
26984 @smallexample
26985 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
26986 <- @code{+}
26987 @end smallexample
26988 @noindent
26989
26990 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
26991 once a connection is established.
26992 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
26993
26994 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
26995 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
26996 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
26997 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
26998 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
26999 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
27000 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
27001
27002 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
27003 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
27004 exceptions).
27005
27006 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
27007 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
27008 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
27009 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
27010
27011 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
27012 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
27013 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
27014
27015 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
27016 @anchor{Binary Data}
27017 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
27018 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
27019 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
27020 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
27021 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
27022 binary data.
27023
27024 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
27025 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
27026 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
27027 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
27028 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
27029 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
27030 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
27031 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
27032 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
27033 (described next).
27034
27035 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
27036 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
27037 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
27038 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
27039 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
27040 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
27041 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
27042 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
27043 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
27044 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
27045 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
27046 3}} more times.
27047
27048 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
27049 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
27050 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
27051 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
27052 @samp{0*"00}.
27053
27054 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
27055 error number. That number is not well defined.
27056
27057 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
27058 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
27059 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
27060 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
27061 on that response.
27062
27063 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
27064 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
27065 optional.
27066
27067 @node Packets
27068 @section Packets
27069
27070 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
27071 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
27072 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
27073 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
27074
27075 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
27076 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
27077 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
27078 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
27079 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
27080 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
27081 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
27082 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
27083 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
27084 @var{baz}.
27085
27086 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
27087 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
27088 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
27089 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
27090 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
27091 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
27092 pick any thread.
27093
27094 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
27095 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
27096 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
27097 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
27098 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
27099 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
27100 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
27101 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
27102 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
27103 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
27104 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
27105 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
27106 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
27107
27108 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
27109 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
27110 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
27111 more information.
27112
27113 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
27114 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
27115
27116 Here are the packet descriptions.
27117
27118 @table @samp
27119
27120 @item !
27121 @cindex @samp{!} packet
27122 @anchor{extended mode}
27123 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
27124 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
27125 debugged.
27126
27127 Reply:
27128 @table @samp
27129 @item OK
27130 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
27131 @end table
27132
27133 @item ?
27134 @cindex @samp{?} packet
27135 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
27136 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
27137 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
27138
27139 Reply:
27140 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27141
27142 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
27143 @cindex @samp{A} packet
27144 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
27145 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
27146 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
27147
27148 Reply:
27149 @table @samp
27150 @item OK
27151 The arguments were set.
27152 @item E @var{NN}
27153 An error occurred.
27154 @end table
27155
27156 @item b @var{baud}
27157 @cindex @samp{b} packet
27158 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
27159 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
27160
27161 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
27162 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
27163 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
27164
27165 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
27166 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
27167 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
27168 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
27169 of view, nothing actually happened.}
27170
27171 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
27172 @cindex @samp{B} packet
27173 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
27174 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
27175
27176 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
27177 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
27178
27179 @item bc
27180 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
27181 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
27182 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
27183
27184 Reply:
27185 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27186
27187 @item bs
27188 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
27189 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
27190 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
27191
27192 Reply:
27193 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27194
27195 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
27196 @cindex @samp{c} packet
27197 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
27198 resume at current address.
27199
27200 Reply:
27201 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27202
27203 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
27204 @cindex @samp{C} packet
27205 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
27206 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
27207
27208 Reply:
27209 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27210
27211 @item d
27212 @cindex @samp{d} packet
27213 Toggle debug flag.
27214
27215 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
27216 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
27217
27218 @item D
27219 @itemx D;@var{pid}
27220 @cindex @samp{D} packet
27221 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
27222 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
27223 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
27224
27225 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
27226 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
27227 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
27228 big-endian hex string.
27229
27230 Reply:
27231 @table @samp
27232 @item OK
27233 for success
27234 @item E @var{NN}
27235 for an error
27236 @end table
27237
27238 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
27239 @cindex @samp{F} packet
27240 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
27241 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
27242 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
27243
27244 @item g
27245 @anchor{read registers packet}
27246 @cindex @samp{g} packet
27247 Read general registers.
27248
27249 Reply:
27250 @table @samp
27251 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27252 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
27253 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
27254 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
27255 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
27256 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
27257 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
27258 @item E @var{NN}
27259 for an error.
27260 @end table
27261
27262 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
27263 @cindex @samp{G} packet
27264 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
27265 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
27266
27267 Reply:
27268 @table @samp
27269 @item OK
27270 for success
27271 @item E @var{NN}
27272 for an error
27273 @end table
27274
27275 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
27276 @cindex @samp{H} packet
27277 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
27278 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
27279 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
27280 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
27281 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27282
27283 Reply:
27284 @table @samp
27285 @item OK
27286 for success
27287 @item E @var{NN}
27288 for an error
27289 @end table
27290
27291 @c FIXME: JTC:
27292 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
27293 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
27294 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
27295 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
27296 @c described. For example:
27297 @c
27298 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
27299 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
27300 @c otherwise returns current registers.
27301 @c
27302 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
27303 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
27304 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
27305
27306 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
27307 @anchor{cycle step packet}
27308 @cindex @samp{i} packet
27309 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
27310 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
27311 step starting at that address.
27312
27313 @item I
27314 @cindex @samp{I} packet
27315 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
27316 step packet}.
27317
27318 @item k
27319 @cindex @samp{k} packet
27320 Kill request.
27321
27322 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
27323 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
27324 thread?)}.
27325
27326 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
27327 @cindex @samp{m} packet
27328 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
27329 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
27330
27331 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
27332 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
27333 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
27334 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
27335 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
27336 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
27337 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
27338 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
27339
27340 Reply:
27341 @table @samp
27342 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27343 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
27344 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
27345 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
27346 @item E @var{NN}
27347 @var{NN} is errno
27348 @end table
27349
27350 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27351 @cindex @samp{M} packet
27352 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
27353 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
27354 hexadecimal number.
27355
27356 Reply:
27357 @table @samp
27358 @item OK
27359 for success
27360 @item E @var{NN}
27361 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
27362 written).
27363 @end table
27364
27365 @item p @var{n}
27366 @cindex @samp{p} packet
27367 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
27368 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
27369 register value is encoded.
27370
27371 Reply:
27372 @table @samp
27373 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27374 the register's value
27375 @item E @var{NN}
27376 for an error
27377 @item
27378 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
27379 @end table
27380
27381 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
27382 @anchor{write register packet}
27383 @cindex @samp{P} packet
27384 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
27385 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
27386 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
27387
27388 Reply:
27389 @table @samp
27390 @item OK
27391 for success
27392 @item E @var{NN}
27393 for an error
27394 @end table
27395
27396 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
27397 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
27398 @cindex @samp{q} packet
27399 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
27400 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
27401 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
27402
27403 @item r
27404 @cindex @samp{r} packet
27405 Reset the entire system.
27406
27407 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
27408
27409 @item R @var{XX}
27410 @cindex @samp{R} packet
27411 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
27412 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27413
27414 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
27415
27416 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
27417 @cindex @samp{s} packet
27418 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
27419 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
27420
27421 Reply:
27422 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27423
27424 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
27425 @anchor{step with signal packet}
27426 @cindex @samp{S} packet
27427 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
27428 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
27429
27430 Reply:
27431 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27432
27433 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
27434 @cindex @samp{t} packet
27435 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
27436 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
27437 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
27438
27439 @item T @var{thread-id}
27440 @cindex @samp{T} packet
27441 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
27442
27443 Reply:
27444 @table @samp
27445 @item OK
27446 thread is still alive
27447 @item E @var{NN}
27448 thread is dead
27449 @end table
27450
27451 @item v
27452 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
27453 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
27454
27455 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
27456 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
27457 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
27458 The process ID is a
27459 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
27460 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
27461 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
27462
27463 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
27464 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
27465 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
27466 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
27467 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
27468 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
27469 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
27470 @c stopping or restarting threads.
27471
27472 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27473
27474 Reply:
27475 @table @samp
27476 @item E @var{nn}
27477 for an error
27478 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27479 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27480 @item OK
27481 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
27482 @end table
27483
27484 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
27485 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
27486 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
27487 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
27488 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
27489 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
27490 in their current state in non-stop mode.
27491 Specifying multiple
27492 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
27493 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27494
27495 Currently supported actions are:
27496
27497 @table @samp
27498 @item c
27499 Continue.
27500 @item C @var{sig}
27501 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27502 @item s
27503 Step.
27504 @item S @var{sig}
27505 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27506 @item t
27507 Stop.
27508 @item T @var{sig}
27509 Stop with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27510 @end table
27511
27512 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
27513 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
27514 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
27515
27516 The @samp{t} and @samp{T} actions are only relevant in non-stop mode
27517 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
27518 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
27519 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
27520 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
27521 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
27522 as an implementation detail.
27523
27524 Reply:
27525 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27526
27527 @item vCont?
27528 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
27529 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
27530
27531 Reply:
27532 @table @samp
27533 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
27534 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
27535 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
27536 @item
27537 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
27538 @end table
27539
27540 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
27541 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
27542 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
27543 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
27544
27545 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
27546 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
27547 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
27548 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
27549 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
27550 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
27551 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
27552 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
27553 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
27554 packet is received.
27555
27556 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
27557 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
27558 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
27559 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
27560 @var{thread-id}.
27561
27562 Reply:
27563 @table @samp
27564 @item OK
27565 for success
27566 @item E @var{NN}
27567 for an error
27568 @end table
27569
27570 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27571 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
27572 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
27573 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
27574 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
27575 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
27576 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
27577 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
27578 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
27579 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
27580 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
27581 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
27582
27583
27584 Reply:
27585 @table @samp
27586 @item OK
27587 for success
27588 @item E.memtype
27589 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
27590 @item E @var{NN}
27591 for an error
27592 @end table
27593
27594 @item vFlashDone
27595 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
27596 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
27597 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
27598 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
27599 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
27600 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
27601 request is completed.
27602
27603 @item vKill;@var{pid}
27604 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
27605 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
27606 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
27607 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
27608 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
27609
27610 Reply:
27611 @table @samp
27612 @item E @var{nn}
27613 for an error
27614 @item OK
27615 for success
27616 @end table
27617
27618 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
27619 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
27620 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
27621 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
27622 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
27623 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
27624 state.
27625
27626 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
27627
27628 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27629
27630 Reply:
27631 @table @samp
27632 @item E @var{nn}
27633 for an error
27634 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27635 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27636 @end table
27637
27638 @item vStopped
27639 @anchor{vStopped packet}
27640 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
27641
27642 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
27643 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
27644
27645 Reply:
27646 @table @samp
27647 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27648 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27649 @item OK
27650 if there are no unreported stop events
27651 @end table
27652
27653 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27654 @anchor{X packet}
27655 @cindex @samp{X} packet
27656 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
27657 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
27658 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
27659
27660 Reply:
27661 @table @samp
27662 @item OK
27663 for success
27664 @item E @var{NN}
27665 for an error
27666 @end table
27667
27668 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
27669 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
27670 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
27671 @cindex @samp{z} packet
27672 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
27673 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
27674 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
27675 @var{length} bytes.
27676
27677 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
27678 separately.
27679
27680 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
27681 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
27682 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
27683 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
27684 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
27685 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
27686
27687 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
27688 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
27689 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
27690 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
27691 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
27692 @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
27693
27694 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
27695 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
27696 @var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
27697 breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
27698 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
27699
27700 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
27701 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
27702 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
27703 target, is not defined.}
27704
27705 Reply:
27706 @table @samp
27707 @item OK
27708 success
27709 @item
27710 not supported
27711 @item E @var{NN}
27712 for an error
27713 @end table
27714
27715 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
27716 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
27717 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
27718 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
27719 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
27720 address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
27721
27722 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
27723 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
27724
27725 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
27726 movement.}
27727
27728 Reply:
27729 @table @samp
27730 @item OK
27731 success
27732 @item
27733 not supported
27734 @item E @var{NN}
27735 for an error
27736 @end table
27737
27738 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
27739 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
27740 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
27741 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
27742 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
27743
27744 Reply:
27745 @table @samp
27746 @item OK
27747 success
27748 @item
27749 not supported
27750 @item E @var{NN}
27751 for an error
27752 @end table
27753
27754 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
27755 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
27756 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
27757 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
27758 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
27759
27760 Reply:
27761 @table @samp
27762 @item OK
27763 success
27764 @item
27765 not supported
27766 @item E @var{NN}
27767 for an error
27768 @end table
27769
27770 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
27771 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
27772 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
27773 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
27774 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
27775
27776 Reply:
27777 @table @samp
27778 @item OK
27779 success
27780 @item
27781 not supported
27782 @item E @var{NN}
27783 for an error
27784 @end table
27785
27786 @end table
27787
27788 @node Stop Reply Packets
27789 @section Stop Reply Packets
27790 @cindex stop reply packets
27791
27792 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
27793 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
27794 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
27795 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
27796 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
27797 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
27798 @value{GDBN} source code.
27799
27800 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
27801 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
27802 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
27803 components.
27804
27805 @table @samp
27806
27807 @item S @var{AA}
27808 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
27809 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
27810 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
27811
27812 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
27813 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
27814 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
27815 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
27816 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
27817 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
27818 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
27819 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
27820
27821 @itemize @bullet
27822 @item
27823 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
27824 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
27825 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
27826 two-digit hex number.
27827
27828 @item
27829 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
27830 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27831
27832 @item
27833 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
27834 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
27835 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
27836 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
27837
27838 @item
27839 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
27840 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
27841 future.
27842 @end itemize
27843
27844 The currently defined stop reasons are:
27845
27846 @table @samp
27847 @item watch
27848 @itemx rwatch
27849 @itemx awatch
27850 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
27851 hex.
27852
27853 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
27854 @item library
27855 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
27856 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
27857 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
27858
27859 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
27860 @item replaylog
27861 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
27862 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
27863 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
27864 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
27865 for more information.
27866
27867
27868 @end table
27869
27870 @item W @var{AA}
27871 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
27872 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
27873 applicable to certain targets.
27874
27875 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
27876 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
27877 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
27878 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
27879
27880 @item X @var{AA}
27881 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
27882 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
27883
27884 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
27885 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
27886 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
27887 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
27888
27889 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
27890 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
27891 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
27892 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
27893 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
27894
27895 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
27896 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
27897 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
27898 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
27899 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
27900 system calls.
27901
27902 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
27903 this very system call.
27904
27905 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
27906 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
27907 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
27908 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
27909 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
27910 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
27911
27912 @end table
27913
27914 @node General Query Packets
27915 @section General Query Packets
27916 @cindex remote query requests
27917
27918 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
27919 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
27920 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
27921 sending information to and from the stub.
27922
27923 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
27924 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
27925 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
27926 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
27927 conventions:
27928
27929 @itemize @bullet
27930 @item
27931 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
27932 @item
27933 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
27934 letter.
27935 @item
27936 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
27937 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
27938 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
27939 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
27940 @end itemize
27941
27942 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
27943 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
27944 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
27945 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
27946 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
27947 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
27948 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
27949 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
27950 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
27951 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
27952 packet.}.
27953
27954 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
27955 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
27956 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
27957 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
27958 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
27959
27960 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
27961
27962 @table @samp
27963
27964 @item qC
27965 @cindex current thread, remote request
27966 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
27967 Return the current thread ID.
27968
27969 Reply:
27970 @table @samp
27971 @item QC @var{thread-id}
27972 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
27973 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27974 @item @r{(anything else)}
27975 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
27976 @end table
27977
27978 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
27979 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
27980 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
27981 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory.
27982 Reply:
27983 @table @samp
27984 @item E @var{NN}
27985 An error (such as memory fault)
27986 @item C @var{crc32}
27987 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
27988 @end table
27989
27990 @item qfThreadInfo
27991 @itemx qsThreadInfo
27992 @cindex list active threads, remote request
27993 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
27994 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
27995 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
27996 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
27997 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
27998 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
27999 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
28000 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
28001
28002 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
28003
28004 Reply:
28005 @table @samp
28006 @item m @var{thread-id}
28007 A single thread ID
28008 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
28009 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
28010 @item l
28011 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
28012 @end table
28013
28014 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
28015 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
28016 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
28017 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
28018 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
28019 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
28020 fields.
28021
28022 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
28023 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
28024 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
28025 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
28026 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
28027
28028 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
28029 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
28030
28031 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
28032 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
28033 information associated with the variable.)
28034
28035 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
28036 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
28037 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
28038 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
28039 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
28040 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
28041
28042 Reply:
28043 @table @samp
28044 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
28045 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
28046 local storage requested.
28047
28048 @item E @var{nn}
28049 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28050
28051 @item
28052 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
28053 @end table
28054
28055 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
28056 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
28057 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
28058 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
28059 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
28060 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
28061 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
28062
28063 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
28064
28065 Reply:
28066 @table @samp
28067 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
28068 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
28069 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
28070 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
28071 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
28072 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
28073 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
28074 @end table
28075
28076 @item qOffsets
28077 @cindex section offsets, remote request
28078 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
28079 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
28080 image.
28081
28082 Reply:
28083 @table @samp
28084 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
28085 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
28086 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
28087 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
28088 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
28089 segments by the supplied offsets.
28090
28091 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
28092 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
28093 to the @code{Bss} section.}
28094
28095 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
28096 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
28097 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
28098 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
28099 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
28100 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
28101 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
28102 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
28103 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
28104 @end table
28105
28106 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
28107 @cindex thread information, remote request
28108 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
28109 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
28110 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
28111 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
28112
28113 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
28114 (see below).
28115
28116 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
28117
28118 @item QNonStop:1
28119 @item QNonStop:0
28120 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
28121 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
28122 @anchor{QNonStop}
28123 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
28124 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
28125
28126 Reply:
28127 @table @samp
28128 @item OK
28129 The request succeeded.
28130
28131 @item E @var{nn}
28132 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28133
28134 @item
28135 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
28136 the stub.
28137 @end table
28138
28139 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28140 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28141 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
28142 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
28143
28144 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
28145 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
28146 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
28147 @anchor{QPassSignals}
28148 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
28149 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
28150 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
28151 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
28152 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
28153 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
28154 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
28155 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
28156 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
28157
28158 Reply:
28159 @table @samp
28160 @item OK
28161 The request succeeded.
28162
28163 @item E @var{nn}
28164 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28165
28166 @item
28167 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
28168 the stub.
28169 @end table
28170
28171 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
28172 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
28173 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28174 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28175
28176 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
28177 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
28178 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
28179 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
28180 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
28181 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
28182 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
28183 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
28184 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
28185
28186 Reply:
28187 @table @samp
28188 @item OK
28189 A command response with no output.
28190 @item @var{OUTPUT}
28191 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
28192 @item E @var{NN}
28193 Indicate a badly formed request.
28194 @item
28195 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
28196 @end table
28197
28198 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
28199 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
28200 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
28201 packets.)
28202
28203 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
28204 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
28205 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
28206 @anchor{qSearch memory}
28207 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
28208 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
28209 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
28210
28211 Reply:
28212 @table @samp
28213 @item 0
28214 The pattern was not found.
28215 @item 1,address
28216 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
28217 @item E @var{NN}
28218 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
28219 @item
28220 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
28221 @end table
28222
28223 @item QStartNoAckMode
28224 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
28225 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
28226 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
28227 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
28228
28229 Reply:
28230 @table @samp
28231 @item OK
28232 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
28233 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
28234 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
28235 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
28236 @item
28237 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
28238 @end table
28239
28240 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
28241 @cindex supported packets, remote query
28242 @cindex features of the remote protocol
28243 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
28244 @anchor{qSupported}
28245 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
28246 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
28247 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
28248 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
28249 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
28250 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
28251 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
28252 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
28253 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
28254 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
28255 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
28256 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
28257 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
28258 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
28259
28260 Reply:
28261 @table @samp
28262 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
28263 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
28264 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
28265 possible forms).
28266 @item
28267 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
28268 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
28269 @end table
28270
28271 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
28272 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
28273 are:
28274
28275 @table @samp
28276 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
28277 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
28278 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
28279 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
28280 @item @var{name}+
28281 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
28282 need an associated value.
28283 @item @var{name}-
28284 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
28285 @item @var{name}?
28286 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
28287 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
28288 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
28289 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
28290 @end table
28291
28292 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
28293 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
28294 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
28295 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
28296 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
28297
28298 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
28299 are defined:
28300
28301 @table @samp
28302 @item multiprocess
28303 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
28304 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
28305 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
28306 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
28307 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
28308 @end table
28309
28310 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
28311 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
28312 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
28313 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
28314 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
28315 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
28316 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
28317 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
28318 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
28319 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
28320 all the features it supports.
28321
28322 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
28323 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
28324
28325 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
28326 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
28327 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
28328 form response.
28329
28330 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
28331 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
28332 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
28333 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
28334
28335 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
28336 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
28337 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
28338 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
28339 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
28340
28341 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
28342
28343 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
28344 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
28345 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
28346 @item Feature Name
28347 @tab Value Required
28348 @tab Default
28349 @tab Probe Allowed
28350
28351 @item @samp{PacketSize}
28352 @tab Yes
28353 @tab @samp{-}
28354 @tab No
28355
28356 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
28357 @tab No
28358 @tab @samp{-}
28359 @tab Yes
28360
28361 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
28362 @tab No
28363 @tab @samp{-}
28364 @tab Yes
28365
28366 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
28367 @tab No
28368 @tab @samp{-}
28369 @tab Yes
28370
28371 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
28372 @tab No
28373 @tab @samp{-}
28374 @tab Yes
28375
28376 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
28377 @tab No
28378 @tab @samp{-}
28379 @tab Yes
28380
28381 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
28382 @tab No
28383 @tab @samp{-}
28384 @tab Yes
28385
28386 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
28387 @tab No
28388 @tab @samp{-}
28389 @tab Yes
28390
28391 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
28392 @tab No
28393 @tab @samp{-}
28394 @tab Yes
28395
28396 @item @samp{QNonStop}
28397 @tab No
28398 @tab @samp{-}
28399 @tab Yes
28400
28401 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
28402 @tab No
28403 @tab @samp{-}
28404 @tab Yes
28405
28406 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
28407 @tab No
28408 @tab @samp{-}
28409 @tab Yes
28410
28411 @item @samp{multiprocess}
28412 @tab No
28413 @tab @samp{-}
28414 @tab No
28415
28416 @end multitable
28417
28418 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
28419
28420 @table @samp
28421 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
28422 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
28423 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
28424 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
28425 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
28426 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
28427 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
28428 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
28429 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
28430 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
28431
28432 @item qXfer:auxv:read
28433 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
28434 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
28435
28436 @item qXfer:features:read
28437 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
28438 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
28439
28440 @item qXfer:libraries:read
28441 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
28442 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
28443
28444 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
28445 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
28446 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
28447
28448 @item qXfer:spu:read
28449 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
28450 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
28451
28452 @item qXfer:spu:write
28453 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
28454 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
28455
28456 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
28457 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
28458 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
28459
28460 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
28461 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
28462 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
28463
28464 @item QNonStop
28465 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
28466 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
28467
28468 @item QPassSignals
28469 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
28470 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
28471
28472 @item QStartNoAckMode
28473 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
28474 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
28475
28476 @item multiprocess
28477 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
28478 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
28479 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
28480 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
28481 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
28482 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
28483 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
28484 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
28485 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
28486 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
28487 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
28488
28489 @item qXfer:osdata:read
28490 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
28491 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
28492
28493 @end table
28494
28495 @item qSymbol::
28496 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
28497 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
28498 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
28499 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
28500
28501 Reply:
28502 @table @samp
28503 @item OK
28504 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
28505 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
28506 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
28507 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
28508 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
28509 below.
28510 @end table
28511
28512 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
28513 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
28514
28515 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
28516 target has previously requested.
28517
28518 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
28519 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
28520 will be empty.
28521
28522 Reply:
28523 @table @samp
28524 @item OK
28525 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
28526 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
28527 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
28528 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
28529 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
28530 @end table
28531
28532 @item QTDP
28533 @itemx QTFrame
28534 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
28535
28536 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
28537 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
28538 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
28539 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
28540 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
28541 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
28542 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
28543 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
28544 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
28545 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
28546 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
28547
28548 Reply:
28549 @table @samp
28550 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
28551 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
28552 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
28553 the thread's attributes.
28554 @end table
28555
28556 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
28557 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
28558 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
28559 packets.)
28560
28561 @item QTStart
28562 @itemx QTStop
28563 @itemx QTinit
28564 @itemx QTro
28565 @itemx qTStatus
28566 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
28567
28568 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28569 @cindex read special object, remote request
28570 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
28571 @anchor{qXfer read}
28572 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
28573 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
28574 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
28575 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
28576 additional details about what data to access.
28577
28578 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
28579 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
28580 formats, listed below.
28581
28582 @table @samp
28583 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28584 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
28585 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
28586 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
28587
28588 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28589 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28590
28591 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28592 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
28593 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
28594 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
28595 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
28596
28597 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28598 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28599
28600 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28601 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
28602 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
28603 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
28604 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28605
28606 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
28607 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
28608 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
28609
28610 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28611 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28612
28613 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28614 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
28615 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
28616 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
28617 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28618
28619 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28620 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28621
28622 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28623 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
28624 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
28625 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
28626 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28627
28628 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28629 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
28630 (@pxref{qSupported}).
28631
28632 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28633 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
28634 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
28635 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
28636 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
28637 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
28638 in that context to be accessed.
28639
28640 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28641 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
28642 (@pxref{qSupported}).
28643
28644 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28645 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
28646 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
28647 @xref{Operating System Information}.
28648
28649 @end table
28650
28651 Reply:
28652 @table @samp
28653 @item m @var{data}
28654 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
28655 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
28656 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
28657 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
28658 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
28659 request.
28660
28661 @item l @var{data}
28662 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
28663 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
28664 than the @var{length} in the request.
28665
28666 @item l
28667 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
28668 There is no more data to be read.
28669
28670 @item E00
28671 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
28672
28673 @item E @var{nn}
28674 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
28675 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
28676
28677 @item
28678 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
28679 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
28680 @end table
28681
28682 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
28683 @cindex write data into object, remote request
28684 @anchor{qXfer write}
28685 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
28686 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
28687 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
28688 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
28689 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
28690 to access.
28691
28692 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
28693 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
28694 formats, listed below.
28695
28696 @table @samp
28697 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
28698 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
28699 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
28700 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
28701 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
28702
28703 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28704 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
28705 (@pxref{qSupported}).
28706
28707 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
28708 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
28709 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
28710 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
28711 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
28712 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
28713 in that context to be accessed.
28714
28715 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28716 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28717 @end table
28718
28719 Reply:
28720 @table @samp
28721 @item @var{nn}
28722 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
28723 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
28724
28725 @item E00
28726 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
28727
28728 @item E @var{nn}
28729 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
28730 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
28731
28732 @item
28733 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
28734 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
28735 @end table
28736
28737 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
28738 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
28739 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
28740 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
28741 must respond with an empty packet.
28742
28743 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
28744 @cindex query attached, remote request
28745 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
28746 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
28747 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
28748 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
28749 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
28750 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
28751 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
28752
28753 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
28754 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
28755 the @code{quit} command.
28756
28757 Reply:
28758 @table @samp
28759 @item 1
28760 The remote server attached to an existing process.
28761 @item 0
28762 The remote server created a new process.
28763 @item E @var{NN}
28764 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
28765 @end table
28766
28767 @end table
28768
28769 @node Register Packet Format
28770 @section Register Packet Format
28771
28772 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
28773 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
28774 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
28775 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
28776 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
28777 most-significant - least-significant.
28778
28779 @table @r
28780
28781 @item MIPS32
28782
28783 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
28784 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
28785 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
28786
28787 @item MIPS64
28788
28789 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
28790 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
28791 as @code{MIPS32}.
28792
28793 @end table
28794
28795 @node Tracepoint Packets
28796 @section Tracepoint Packets
28797 @cindex tracepoint packets
28798 @cindex packets, tracepoint
28799
28800 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
28801 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
28802
28803 @table @samp
28804
28805 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}@r{[}-@r{]}
28806 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
28807 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
28808 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
28809 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If the trailing @samp{-} is
28810 present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
28811 tracepoint's actions.
28812
28813 Replies:
28814 @table @samp
28815 @item OK
28816 The packet was understood and carried out.
28817 @item
28818 The packet was not recognized.
28819 @end table
28820
28821 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
28822 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
28823 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
28824 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
28825 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
28826 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
28827 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
28828
28829 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
28830 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
28831 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
28832 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
28833 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
28834 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
28835 tracepoint actions.
28836
28837 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
28838 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
28839 following forms:
28840
28841 @table @samp
28842
28843 @item R @var{mask}
28844 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
28845 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
28846 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
28847 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
28848 not fit in a 32-bit word.
28849
28850 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
28851 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
28852 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
28853 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
28854 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
28855 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
28856 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
28857
28858 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
28859 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
28860 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
28861 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
28862 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
28863 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
28864 packet).
28865
28866 @end table
28867
28868 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
28869 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
28870 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
28871 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
28872 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
28873 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
28874 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
28875 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
28876
28877 Replies:
28878 @table @samp
28879 @item OK
28880 The packet was understood and carried out.
28881 @item
28882 The packet was not recognized.
28883 @end table
28884
28885 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
28886 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
28887 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
28888 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
28889
28890 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
28891 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
28892 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
28893 one of the following forms:
28894
28895 @table @samp
28896 @item F @var{f}
28897 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
28898 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
28899 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
28900
28901 @item T @var{t}
28902 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
28903 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
28904
28905 @end table
28906
28907 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
28908 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
28909 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
28910 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
28911
28912 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
28913 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
28914 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
28915 is a hexadecimal number.
28916
28917 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
28918 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
28919 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
28920 and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
28921 numbers.
28922
28923 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
28924 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
28925 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
28926
28927 @item QTStart
28928 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
28929 hits in the trace frame buffer.
28930
28931 @item QTStop
28932 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
28933
28934 @item QTinit
28935 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
28936
28937 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
28938 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
28939 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
28940 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
28941
28942 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
28943 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
28944 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
28945 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
28946
28947 @item qTStatus
28948 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
28949
28950 Replies:
28951 @table @samp
28952 @item T0
28953 There is no trace experiment running.
28954 @item T1
28955 There is a trace experiment running.
28956 @end table
28957
28958 @end table
28959
28960
28961 @node Host I/O Packets
28962 @section Host I/O Packets
28963 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
28964 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
28965
28966 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
28967 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
28968 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
28969 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
28970 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
28971 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
28972 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
28973 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
28974 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
28975 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
28976
28977 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
28978 its arguments. They have this format:
28979
28980 @table @samp
28981
28982 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
28983 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
28984 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
28985 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
28986 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
28987 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
28988 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
28989 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
28990 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
28991
28992 @end table
28993
28994 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
28995
28996 @table @samp
28997
28998 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
28999 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
29000 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
29001 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
29002 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
29003 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
29004 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
29005 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
29006 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
29007 @var{attachment}.
29008
29009 @item
29010 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
29011
29012 @end table
29013
29014 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
29015
29016 @table @samp
29017 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
29018 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
29019 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
29020 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
29021 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
29022 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
29023 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
29024
29025 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
29026 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
29027 -1 if an error occurs.
29028
29029 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
29030 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
29031 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
29032 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
29033 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
29034 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
29035 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
29036 @var{count} was zero.
29037
29038 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
29039 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
29040 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
29041 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
29042 some characters were escaped.
29043
29044 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
29045 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
29046 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
29047 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
29048 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
29049 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
29050 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
29051 error occurred.
29052
29053 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
29054 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
29055 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
29056
29057 @end table
29058
29059 @node Interrupts
29060 @section Interrupts
29061 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
29062
29063 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
29064 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
29065 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
29066 setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
29067
29068 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
29069 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
29070 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
29071 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
29072 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
29073
29074 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
29075 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
29076 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
29077 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
29078 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
29079 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
29080 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
29081 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
29082
29083 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
29084 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
29085 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
29086 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
29087 currently-executing threads and processes.
29088 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
29089 running program, it should send one of the stop
29090 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
29091 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
29092 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
29093 Interrupts received while the
29094 program is stopped are discarded.
29095
29096 @node Notification Packets
29097 @section Notification Packets
29098 @cindex notification packets
29099 @cindex packets, notification
29100
29101 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
29102 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
29103 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
29104 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
29105 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
29106 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
29107 is not a problem.
29108
29109 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
29110 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
29111 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
29112 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
29113 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
29114 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
29115 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
29116
29117 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
29118 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
29119
29120 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
29121 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
29122 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
29123 not they understand it.
29124
29125 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
29126 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
29127 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
29128 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
29129 recipients.
29130
29131 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
29132 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
29133 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
29134 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
29135 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
29136
29137 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
29138 defined:
29139
29140 @table @samp
29141 @item Stop: @var{reply}
29142 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
29143 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
29144 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
29145 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
29146 @value{GDBN}.
29147 @end table
29148
29149 @node Remote Non-Stop
29150 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
29151
29152 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
29153 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
29154 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
29155 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
29156
29157 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
29158 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
29159 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
29160 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
29161 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
29162 probe the target state after a mode change.
29163
29164 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
29165 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
29166 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
29167 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
29168 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
29169 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
29170 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
29171 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
29172 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
29173 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
29174 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
29175
29176 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
29177 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
29178 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
29179 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
29180 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
29181 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
29182 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
29183 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
29184 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
29185 sending any queued stop events.
29186
29187 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
29188 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
29189 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
29190 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
29191 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
29192 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
29193 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
29194
29195 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
29196 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
29197 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
29198 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
29199 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
29200 process normally.
29201
29202 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
29203 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
29204 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
29205 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
29206 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
29207 should process normally.
29208
29209 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
29210 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
29211 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
29212 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
29213 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
29214
29215 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
29216 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
29217 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
29218 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
29219 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
29220 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
29221 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
29222 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
29223 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
29224 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
29225 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
29226 @samp{OK}.
29227
29228 @node Packet Acknowledgment
29229 @section Packet Acknowledgment
29230
29231 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
29232 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
29233 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
29234 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
29235 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
29236 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
29237 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
29238
29239 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
29240 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
29241 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
29242 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
29243 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
29244
29245 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
29246 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
29247 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
29248 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
29249
29250 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
29251 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
29252 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
29253 @pxref{qSupported}.
29254 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
29255 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
29256 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
29257 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
29258 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
29259 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
29260 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
29261
29262 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
29263 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
29264 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
29265 connection.
29266 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
29267 new connection is established,
29268 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
29269 for the current connection, once disabled.
29270
29271 @node Examples
29272 @section Examples
29273
29274 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
29275 does not get any direct output:
29276
29277 @smallexample
29278 -> @code{R00}
29279 <- @code{+}
29280 @emph{target restarts}
29281 -> @code{?}
29282 <- @code{+}
29283 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
29284 -> @code{+}
29285 @end smallexample
29286
29287 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
29288
29289 @smallexample
29290 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
29291 <- @code{+}
29292 -> @code{s}
29293 <- @code{+}
29294 @emph{time passes}
29295 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
29296 -> @code{+}
29297 -> @code{g}
29298 <- @code{+}
29299 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
29300 -> @code{+}
29301 @end smallexample
29302
29303 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
29304 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
29305 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
29306
29307 @menu
29308 * File-I/O Overview::
29309 * Protocol Basics::
29310 * The F Request Packet::
29311 * The F Reply Packet::
29312 * The Ctrl-C Message::
29313 * Console I/O::
29314 * List of Supported Calls::
29315 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
29316 * Constants::
29317 * File-I/O Examples::
29318 @end menu
29319
29320 @node File-I/O Overview
29321 @subsection File-I/O Overview
29322 @cindex file-i/o overview
29323
29324 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
29325 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
29326 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
29327 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
29328 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
29329 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
29330
29331 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
29332 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
29333 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
29334 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
29335 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
29336
29337 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
29338 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
29339 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
29340 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
29341 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
29342 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
29343 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
29344
29345 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
29346 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
29347 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
29348 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
29349 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
29350
29351 @smallexample
29352 (@value{GDBP}) continue
29353 <- target requests 'system call X'
29354 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
29355 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
29356 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
29357 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
29358 @end smallexample
29359
29360 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
29361 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
29362 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
29363 system are not supported by this protocol.
29364
29365 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
29366
29367 @node Protocol Basics
29368 @subsection Protocol Basics
29369 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
29370
29371 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
29372 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
29373 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
29374 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
29375 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
29376 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
29377 to call the appropriate host system call:
29378
29379 @itemize @bullet
29380 @item
29381 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
29382
29383 @item
29384 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
29385 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
29386 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
29387 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
29388
29389 @end itemize
29390
29391 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
29392
29393 @itemize @bullet
29394 @item
29395 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
29396 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
29397 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
29398 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
29399 packet.
29400
29401 @item
29402 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
29403 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
29404
29405 @item
29406 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
29407
29408 @item
29409 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
29410
29411 @item
29412 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
29413 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
29414 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
29415 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
29416 packet.
29417
29418 @end itemize
29419
29420 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
29421 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
29422
29423 @itemize @bullet
29424 @item
29425 Return value.
29426
29427 @item
29428 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
29429
29430 @item
29431 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
29432
29433 @end itemize
29434
29435 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
29436 the latest continue or step action.
29437
29438 @node The F Request Packet
29439 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
29440 @cindex file-i/o request packet
29441 @cindex @code{F} request packet
29442
29443 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
29444
29445 @table @samp
29446 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
29447
29448 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
29449 This is just the name of the function.
29450
29451 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
29452 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
29453 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
29454 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
29455 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
29456 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
29457 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
29458
29459 @end table
29460
29461
29462
29463 @node The F Reply Packet
29464 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
29465 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
29466 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
29467
29468 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
29469
29470 @table @samp
29471
29472 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
29473
29474 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
29475
29476 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
29477 representation.
29478 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
29479
29480 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
29481 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
29482 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
29483
29484 @smallexample
29485 F0,0,C
29486 @end smallexample
29487
29488 @noindent
29489 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
29490
29491 @smallexample
29492 F-1,4,C
29493 @end smallexample
29494
29495 @noindent
29496 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
29497
29498 @end table
29499
29500
29501 @node The Ctrl-C Message
29502 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
29503 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
29504
29505 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
29506 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
29507 the target should behave as if it had
29508 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
29509 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
29510 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
29511 packet.
29512
29513 It's important for the target to know in which
29514 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
29515
29516 @itemize @bullet
29517 @item
29518 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
29519
29520 @item
29521 The system call on the host has been finished.
29522
29523 @end itemize
29524
29525 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
29526 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
29527 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
29528 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
29529 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
29530 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
29531
29532 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
29533 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
29534 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
29535 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
29536 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
29537 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
29538 or the full action has been completed.
29539
29540 @node Console I/O
29541 @subsection Console I/O
29542 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
29543
29544 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
29545 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
29546 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
29547 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
29548 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
29549 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
29550 conditions is met:
29551
29552 @itemize @bullet
29553 @item
29554 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
29555 @code{read}
29556 system call is treated as finished.
29557
29558 @item
29559 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
29560 newline.
29561
29562 @item
29563 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
29564 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
29565
29566 @end itemize
29567
29568 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
29569 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
29570 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
29571 is stopped at the user's request.
29572
29573
29574 @node List of Supported Calls
29575 @subsection List of Supported Calls
29576 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
29577
29578 @menu
29579 * open::
29580 * close::
29581 * read::
29582 * write::
29583 * lseek::
29584 * rename::
29585 * unlink::
29586 * stat/fstat::
29587 * gettimeofday::
29588 * isatty::
29589 * system::
29590 @end menu
29591
29592 @node open
29593 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
29594 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
29595
29596 @table @asis
29597 @item Synopsis:
29598 @smallexample
29599 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
29600 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
29601 @end smallexample
29602
29603 @item Request:
29604 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
29605
29606 @noindent
29607 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
29608
29609 @table @code
29610 @item O_CREAT
29611 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
29612 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
29613 are concerned.
29614
29615 @item O_EXCL
29616 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
29617 an error and open() fails.
29618
29619 @item O_TRUNC
29620 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
29621 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
29622 truncated to zero length.
29623
29624 @item O_APPEND
29625 The file is opened in append mode.
29626
29627 @item O_RDONLY
29628 The file is opened for reading only.
29629
29630 @item O_WRONLY
29631 The file is opened for writing only.
29632
29633 @item O_RDWR
29634 The file is opened for reading and writing.
29635 @end table
29636
29637 @noindent
29638 Other bits are silently ignored.
29639
29640
29641 @noindent
29642 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
29643
29644 @table @code
29645 @item S_IRUSR
29646 User has read permission.
29647
29648 @item S_IWUSR
29649 User has write permission.
29650
29651 @item S_IRGRP
29652 Group has read permission.
29653
29654 @item S_IWGRP
29655 Group has write permission.
29656
29657 @item S_IROTH
29658 Others have read permission.
29659
29660 @item S_IWOTH
29661 Others have write permission.
29662 @end table
29663
29664 @noindent
29665 Other bits are silently ignored.
29666
29667
29668 @item Return value:
29669 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
29670 occurred.
29671
29672 @item Errors:
29673
29674 @table @code
29675 @item EEXIST
29676 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
29677
29678 @item EISDIR
29679 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
29680
29681 @item EACCES
29682 The requested access is not allowed.
29683
29684 @item ENAMETOOLONG
29685 @var{pathname} was too long.
29686
29687 @item ENOENT
29688 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
29689
29690 @item ENODEV
29691 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
29692
29693 @item EROFS
29694 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
29695 write access was requested.
29696
29697 @item EFAULT
29698 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
29699
29700 @item ENOSPC
29701 No space on device to create the file.
29702
29703 @item EMFILE
29704 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
29705
29706 @item ENFILE
29707 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
29708 has been reached.
29709
29710 @item EINTR
29711 The call was interrupted by the user.
29712 @end table
29713
29714 @end table
29715
29716 @node close
29717 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
29718 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
29719
29720 @table @asis
29721 @item Synopsis:
29722 @smallexample
29723 int close(int fd);
29724 @end smallexample
29725
29726 @item Request:
29727 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
29728
29729 @item Return value:
29730 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
29731
29732 @item Errors:
29733
29734 @table @code
29735 @item EBADF
29736 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
29737
29738 @item EINTR
29739 The call was interrupted by the user.
29740 @end table
29741
29742 @end table
29743
29744 @node read
29745 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
29746 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
29747
29748 @table @asis
29749 @item Synopsis:
29750 @smallexample
29751 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
29752 @end smallexample
29753
29754 @item Request:
29755 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
29756
29757 @item Return value:
29758 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
29759 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
29760 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
29761
29762 @item Errors:
29763
29764 @table @code
29765 @item EBADF
29766 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
29767 reading.
29768
29769 @item EFAULT
29770 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
29771
29772 @item EINTR
29773 The call was interrupted by the user.
29774 @end table
29775
29776 @end table
29777
29778 @node write
29779 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
29780 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
29781
29782 @table @asis
29783 @item Synopsis:
29784 @smallexample
29785 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
29786 @end smallexample
29787
29788 @item Request:
29789 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
29790
29791 @item Return value:
29792 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
29793 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
29794 is returned.
29795
29796 @item Errors:
29797
29798 @table @code
29799 @item EBADF
29800 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
29801 writing.
29802
29803 @item EFAULT
29804 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
29805
29806 @item EFBIG
29807 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
29808 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
29809
29810 @item ENOSPC
29811 No space on device to write the data.
29812
29813 @item EINTR
29814 The call was interrupted by the user.
29815 @end table
29816
29817 @end table
29818
29819 @node lseek
29820 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
29821 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
29822
29823 @table @asis
29824 @item Synopsis:
29825 @smallexample
29826 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
29827 @end smallexample
29828
29829 @item Request:
29830 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
29831
29832 @var{flag} is one of:
29833
29834 @table @code
29835 @item SEEK_SET
29836 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
29837
29838 @item SEEK_CUR
29839 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
29840 bytes.
29841
29842 @item SEEK_END
29843 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
29844 bytes.
29845 @end table
29846
29847 @item Return value:
29848 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
29849 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
29850 value of -1 is returned.
29851
29852 @item Errors:
29853
29854 @table @code
29855 @item EBADF
29856 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
29857
29858 @item ESPIPE
29859 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
29860
29861 @item EINVAL
29862 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
29863
29864 @item EINTR
29865 The call was interrupted by the user.
29866 @end table
29867
29868 @end table
29869
29870 @node rename
29871 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
29872 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
29873
29874 @table @asis
29875 @item Synopsis:
29876 @smallexample
29877 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
29878 @end smallexample
29879
29880 @item Request:
29881 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
29882
29883 @item Return value:
29884 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
29885
29886 @item Errors:
29887
29888 @table @code
29889 @item EISDIR
29890 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
29891 directory.
29892
29893 @item EEXIST
29894 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
29895
29896 @item EBUSY
29897 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
29898 process.
29899
29900 @item EINVAL
29901 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
29902 of itself.
29903
29904 @item ENOTDIR
29905 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
29906 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
29907 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
29908
29909 @item EFAULT
29910 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
29911
29912 @item EACCES
29913 No access to the file or the path of the file.
29914
29915 @item ENAMETOOLONG
29916
29917 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
29918
29919 @item ENOENT
29920 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
29921
29922 @item EROFS
29923 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
29924
29925 @item ENOSPC
29926 The device containing the file has no room for the new
29927 directory entry.
29928
29929 @item EINTR
29930 The call was interrupted by the user.
29931 @end table
29932
29933 @end table
29934
29935 @node unlink
29936 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
29937 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
29938
29939 @table @asis
29940 @item Synopsis:
29941 @smallexample
29942 int unlink(const char *pathname);
29943 @end smallexample
29944
29945 @item Request:
29946 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
29947
29948 @item Return value:
29949 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
29950
29951 @item Errors:
29952
29953 @table @code
29954 @item EACCES
29955 No access to the file or the path of the file.
29956
29957 @item EPERM
29958 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
29959
29960 @item EBUSY
29961 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
29962 being used by another process.
29963
29964 @item EFAULT
29965 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
29966
29967 @item ENAMETOOLONG
29968 @var{pathname} was too long.
29969
29970 @item ENOENT
29971 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
29972
29973 @item ENOTDIR
29974 A component of the path is not a directory.
29975
29976 @item EROFS
29977 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
29978
29979 @item EINTR
29980 The call was interrupted by the user.
29981 @end table
29982
29983 @end table
29984
29985 @node stat/fstat
29986 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
29987 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
29988 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
29989
29990 @table @asis
29991 @item Synopsis:
29992 @smallexample
29993 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
29994 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
29995 @end smallexample
29996
29997 @item Request:
29998 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
29999 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
30000
30001 @item Return value:
30002 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
30003
30004 @item Errors:
30005
30006 @table @code
30007 @item EBADF
30008 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
30009
30010 @item ENOENT
30011 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
30012 path is an empty string.
30013
30014 @item ENOTDIR
30015 A component of the path is not a directory.
30016
30017 @item EFAULT
30018 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30019
30020 @item EACCES
30021 No access to the file or the path of the file.
30022
30023 @item ENAMETOOLONG
30024 @var{pathname} was too long.
30025
30026 @item EINTR
30027 The call was interrupted by the user.
30028 @end table
30029
30030 @end table
30031
30032 @node gettimeofday
30033 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
30034 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
30035
30036 @table @asis
30037 @item Synopsis:
30038 @smallexample
30039 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
30040 @end smallexample
30041
30042 @item Request:
30043 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
30044
30045 @item Return value:
30046 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
30047
30048 @item Errors:
30049
30050 @table @code
30051 @item EINVAL
30052 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
30053
30054 @item EFAULT
30055 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30056 @end table
30057
30058 @end table
30059
30060 @node isatty
30061 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
30062 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
30063
30064 @table @asis
30065 @item Synopsis:
30066 @smallexample
30067 int isatty(int fd);
30068 @end smallexample
30069
30070 @item Request:
30071 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
30072
30073 @item Return value:
30074 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
30075
30076 @item Errors:
30077
30078 @table @code
30079 @item EINTR
30080 The call was interrupted by the user.
30081 @end table
30082
30083 @end table
30084
30085 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
30086 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
30087 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
30088 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
30089 needed.
30090
30091
30092 @node system
30093 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
30094 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
30095
30096 @table @asis
30097 @item Synopsis:
30098 @smallexample
30099 int system(const char *command);
30100 @end smallexample
30101
30102 @item Request:
30103 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
30104
30105 @item Return value:
30106 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
30107 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
30108 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
30109 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
30110 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
30111 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
30112 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
30113
30114 @item Errors:
30115
30116 @table @code
30117 @item EINTR
30118 The call was interrupted by the user.
30119 @end table
30120
30121 @end table
30122
30123 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
30124 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
30125 the host is simplified before it's returned
30126 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
30127 is discarded, and the return value consists
30128 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
30129
30130 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
30131 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
30132 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
30133
30134 @table @code
30135 @item set remote system-call-allowed
30136 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
30137 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
30138 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
30139
30140 @item show remote system-call-allowed
30141 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
30142 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
30143 protocol.
30144 @end table
30145
30146 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
30147 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
30148 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
30149
30150 @menu
30151 * Integral Datatypes::
30152 * Pointer Values::
30153 * Memory Transfer::
30154 * struct stat::
30155 * struct timeval::
30156 @end menu
30157
30158 @node Integral Datatypes
30159 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
30160 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
30161
30162 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
30163 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
30164 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
30165
30166 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
30167 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
30168
30169 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
30170
30171 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
30172 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
30173
30174 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
30175
30176 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
30177 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
30178 byte order.
30179
30180 @node Pointer Values
30181 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
30182 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
30183
30184 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
30185 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
30186 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
30187 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
30188
30189 @smallexample
30190 @code{1aaf/12}
30191 @end smallexample
30192
30193 @noindent
30194 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
30195 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
30196 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
30197 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
30198
30199 @smallexample
30200 @code{123456/d}
30201 @end smallexample
30202
30203 @node Memory Transfer
30204 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
30205 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
30206
30207 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
30208 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
30209 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
30210 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
30211 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
30212 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
30213 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
30214
30215
30216 @node struct stat
30217 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
30218 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
30219
30220 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
30221 is defined as follows:
30222
30223 @smallexample
30224 struct stat @{
30225 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
30226 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
30227 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
30228 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
30229 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
30230 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
30231 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
30232 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
30233 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
30234 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
30235 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
30236 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
30237 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
30238 @};
30239 @end smallexample
30240
30241 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
30242 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
30243 structure is of size 64 bytes.
30244
30245 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
30246 range of values.
30247
30248 @table @code
30249
30250 @item st_dev
30251 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
30252
30253 @item st_ino
30254 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
30255
30256 @item st_mode
30257 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
30258 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
30259
30260 @item st_uid
30261 @itemx st_gid
30262 @itemx st_rdev
30263 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
30264
30265 @item st_atime
30266 @itemx st_mtime
30267 @itemx st_ctime
30268 These values have a host and file system dependent
30269 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
30270 support exact timing values.
30271 @end table
30272
30273 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
30274 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
30275 continuing.
30276
30277 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
30278 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
30279 get truncated on the target.
30280
30281 @node struct timeval
30282 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
30283 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
30284
30285 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
30286 is defined as follows:
30287
30288 @smallexample
30289 struct timeval @{
30290 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
30291 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
30292 @};
30293 @end smallexample
30294
30295 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
30296 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
30297 structure is of size 8 bytes.
30298
30299 @node Constants
30300 @subsection Constants
30301 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
30302
30303 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
30304 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
30305 values before and after the call as needed.
30306
30307 @menu
30308 * Open Flags::
30309 * mode_t Values::
30310 * Errno Values::
30311 * Lseek Flags::
30312 * Limits::
30313 @end menu
30314
30315 @node Open Flags
30316 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
30317 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
30318
30319 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
30320
30321 @smallexample
30322 O_RDONLY 0x0
30323 O_WRONLY 0x1
30324 O_RDWR 0x2
30325 O_APPEND 0x8
30326 O_CREAT 0x200
30327 O_TRUNC 0x400
30328 O_EXCL 0x800
30329 @end smallexample
30330
30331 @node mode_t Values
30332 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
30333 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
30334
30335 All values are given in octal representation.
30336
30337 @smallexample
30338 S_IFREG 0100000
30339 S_IFDIR 040000
30340 S_IRUSR 0400
30341 S_IWUSR 0200
30342 S_IXUSR 0100
30343 S_IRGRP 040
30344 S_IWGRP 020
30345 S_IXGRP 010
30346 S_IROTH 04
30347 S_IWOTH 02
30348 S_IXOTH 01
30349 @end smallexample
30350
30351 @node Errno Values
30352 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
30353 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
30354
30355 All values are given in decimal representation.
30356
30357 @smallexample
30358 EPERM 1
30359 ENOENT 2
30360 EINTR 4
30361 EBADF 9
30362 EACCES 13
30363 EFAULT 14
30364 EBUSY 16
30365 EEXIST 17
30366 ENODEV 19
30367 ENOTDIR 20
30368 EISDIR 21
30369 EINVAL 22
30370 ENFILE 23
30371 EMFILE 24
30372 EFBIG 27
30373 ENOSPC 28
30374 ESPIPE 29
30375 EROFS 30
30376 ENAMETOOLONG 91
30377 EUNKNOWN 9999
30378 @end smallexample
30379
30380 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
30381 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
30382
30383 @node Lseek Flags
30384 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
30385 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
30386
30387 @smallexample
30388 SEEK_SET 0
30389 SEEK_CUR 1
30390 SEEK_END 2
30391 @end smallexample
30392
30393 @node Limits
30394 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
30395 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
30396
30397 All values are given in decimal representation.
30398
30399 @smallexample
30400 INT_MIN -2147483648
30401 INT_MAX 2147483647
30402 UINT_MAX 4294967295
30403 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
30404 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
30405 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
30406 @end smallexample
30407
30408 @node File-I/O Examples
30409 @subsection File-I/O Examples
30410 @cindex file-i/o examples
30411
30412 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
30413 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
30414
30415 @smallexample
30416 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
30417 @emph{request memory read from target}
30418 -> @code{m1234,6}
30419 <- XXXXXX
30420 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
30421 -> @code{F6}
30422 @end smallexample
30423
30424 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
30425 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
30426
30427 @smallexample
30428 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30429 @emph{request memory write to target}
30430 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
30431 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
30432 -> @code{F6}
30433 @end smallexample
30434
30435 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
30436 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
30437
30438 @smallexample
30439 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30440 -> @code{F-1,9}
30441 @end smallexample
30442
30443 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
30444 host is called:
30445
30446 @smallexample
30447 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30448 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
30449 <- @code{T02}
30450 @end smallexample
30451
30452 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
30453 host is called:
30454
30455 @smallexample
30456 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30457 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
30458 <- @code{T02}
30459 @end smallexample
30460
30461 @node Library List Format
30462 @section Library List Format
30463 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
30464
30465 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
30466 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
30467 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
30468 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
30469 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
30470 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
30471 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
30472 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
30473 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
30474 are loaded.
30475
30476 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
30477 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
30478 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
30479 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
30480
30481 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
30482 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
30483 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
30484 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
30485 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
30486 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
30487
30488 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30489 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
30490
30491 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
30492 offset, looks like this:
30493
30494 @smallexample
30495 <library-list>
30496 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
30497 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
30498 </library>
30499 </library-list>
30500 @end smallexample
30501
30502 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
30503 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
30504
30505 @smallexample
30506 <library-list>
30507 <library name="sharedlib.o">
30508 <section address="0x10000000"/>
30509 <section address="0x20000000"/>
30510 <section address="0x30000000"/>
30511 </library>
30512 </library-list>
30513 @end smallexample
30514
30515 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
30516
30517 @smallexample
30518 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
30519 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
30520 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
30521 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
30522 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
30523 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
30524 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
30525 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
30526 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
30527 @end smallexample
30528
30529 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
30530 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
30531 section for each library.
30532
30533 @node Memory Map Format
30534 @section Memory Map Format
30535 @cindex memory map format
30536
30537 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
30538 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
30539 memory map.
30540
30541 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
30542 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
30543 lists memory regions.
30544
30545 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30546 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
30547
30548 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
30549
30550 @smallexample
30551 <?xml version="1.0"?>
30552 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
30553 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
30554 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
30555 <memory-map>
30556 region...
30557 </memory-map>
30558 @end smallexample
30559
30560 Each region can be either:
30561
30562 @itemize
30563
30564 @item
30565 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
30566 bytes from there:
30567
30568 @smallexample
30569 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
30570 @end smallexample
30571
30572
30573 @item
30574 A region of read-only memory:
30575
30576 @smallexample
30577 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
30578 @end smallexample
30579
30580
30581 @item
30582 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
30583 bytes in length:
30584
30585 @smallexample
30586 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
30587 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
30588 </memory>
30589 @end smallexample
30590
30591 @end itemize
30592
30593 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
30594 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
30595 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
30596
30597 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
30598
30599 @smallexample
30600 <!-- ................................................... -->
30601 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
30602 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
30603 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
30604 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
30605 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
30606 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
30607 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
30608 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
30609 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
30610 and its type, or device. -->
30611 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
30612 start CDATA #REQUIRED
30613 length CDATA #REQUIRED
30614 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
30615 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
30616 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
30617 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
30618 @end smallexample
30619
30620 @include agentexpr.texi
30621
30622 @node Target Descriptions
30623 @appendix Target Descriptions
30624 @cindex target descriptions
30625
30626 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
30627 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
30628 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
30629
30630 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
30631 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
30632 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
30633 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
30634 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
30635 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
30636 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
30637
30638 @itemize @bullet
30639 @item
30640 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
30641 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
30642 @item
30643 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
30644 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
30645 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
30646 @item
30647 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
30648 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
30649 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
30650 @end itemize
30651
30652 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
30653 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
30654 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
30655 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
30656 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
30657
30658 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30659 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
30660
30661 @menu
30662 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
30663 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
30664 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
30665 descriptions.
30666 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
30667 @end menu
30668
30669 @node Retrieving Descriptions
30670 @section Retrieving Descriptions
30671
30672 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
30673 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
30674 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
30675 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
30676 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
30677 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
30678 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
30679 Format}.
30680
30681 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
30682 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
30683 specify a file are:
30684
30685 @table @code
30686 @cindex set tdesc filename
30687 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
30688 Read the target description from @var{path}.
30689
30690 @cindex unset tdesc filename
30691 @item unset tdesc filename
30692 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
30693 will use the description supplied by the current target.
30694
30695 @cindex show tdesc filename
30696 @item show tdesc filename
30697 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
30698 @end table
30699
30700
30701 @node Target Description Format
30702 @section Target Description Format
30703 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
30704
30705 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
30706 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
30707 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
30708 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
30709 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
30710 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
30711 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
30712
30713 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
30714 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
30715 sets. @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
30716 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
30717
30718 Here is a simple target description:
30719
30720 @smallexample
30721 <target version="1.0">
30722 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
30723 </target>
30724 @end smallexample
30725
30726 @noindent
30727 This minimal description only says that the target uses
30728 the x86-64 architecture.
30729
30730 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
30731 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
30732 are explained further below.
30733
30734 @smallexample
30735 <?xml version="1.0"?>
30736 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
30737 <target version="1.0">
30738 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
30739 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
30740 </target>
30741 @end smallexample
30742
30743 @noindent
30744 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
30745 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
30746 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
30747 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
30748 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
30749 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
30750 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
30751 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
30752 the version mismatch.
30753
30754 @subsection Inclusion
30755 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
30756 @cindex XInclude
30757 @ifnotinfo
30758 @cindex <xi:include>
30759 @end ifnotinfo
30760
30761 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
30762 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
30763 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
30764 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
30765 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
30766
30767 @smallexample
30768 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
30769 @end smallexample
30770
30771 @noindent
30772 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
30773 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
30774 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
30775 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
30776 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
30777 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
30778 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
30779 original description.
30780
30781 @subsection Architecture
30782 @cindex <architecture>
30783
30784 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
30785
30786 @smallexample
30787 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
30788 @end smallexample
30789
30790 @var{arch} is an architecture name from the same selection
30791 accepted by @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a
30792 Debugging Target}).
30793
30794 @subsection Features
30795 @cindex <feature>
30796
30797 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
30798 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
30799 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
30800 has this form:
30801
30802 @smallexample
30803 <feature name="@var{name}">
30804 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
30805 @var{reg}@dots{}
30806 </feature>
30807 @end smallexample
30808
30809 @noindent
30810 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
30811 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
30812 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
30813 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
30814
30815 @subsection Types
30816
30817 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
30818 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
30819 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
30820 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
30821 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
30822
30823 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
30824 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
30825 Types must be defined before they are used.
30826
30827 @cindex <vector>
30828 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
30829 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
30830 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
30831 @var{count}:
30832
30833 @smallexample
30834 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
30835 @end smallexample
30836
30837 @cindex <union>
30838 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
30839 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
30840 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
30841 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
30842
30843 @smallexample
30844 <union id="@var{id}">
30845 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
30846 @dots{}
30847 </union>
30848 @end smallexample
30849
30850 @subsection Registers
30851 @cindex <reg>
30852
30853 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
30854
30855 @smallexample
30856 <reg name="@var{name}"
30857 bitsize="@var{size}"
30858 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
30859 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
30860 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
30861 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
30862 @end smallexample
30863
30864 @noindent
30865 The components are as follows:
30866
30867 @table @var
30868
30869 @item name
30870 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
30871
30872 @item bitsize
30873 The register's size, in bits.
30874
30875 @item regnum
30876 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
30877 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
30878 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
30879 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
30880 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
30881 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
30882 in order of increasing register number.
30883
30884 @item save-restore
30885 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
30886 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
30887 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
30888 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
30889 ABI.
30890
30891 @item type
30892 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
30893 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
30894 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
30895 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
30896 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
30897 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
30898
30899 @item group
30900 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
30901 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
30902 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
30903 in @code{info registers}.
30904
30905 @end table
30906
30907 @node Predefined Target Types
30908 @section Predefined Target Types
30909 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
30910
30911 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
30912 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
30913 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
30914 types. The currently supported types are:
30915
30916 @table @code
30917
30918 @item int8
30919 @itemx int16
30920 @itemx int32
30921 @itemx int64
30922 @itemx int128
30923 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
30924
30925 @item uint8
30926 @itemx uint16
30927 @itemx uint32
30928 @itemx uint64
30929 @itemx uint128
30930 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
30931
30932 @item code_ptr
30933 @itemx data_ptr
30934 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
30935 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
30936 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
30937 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
30938 may be marked as data pointers.
30939
30940 @item ieee_single
30941 Single precision IEEE floating point.
30942
30943 @item ieee_double
30944 Double precision IEEE floating point.
30945
30946 @item arm_fpa_ext
30947 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
30948
30949 @end table
30950
30951 @node Standard Target Features
30952 @section Standard Target Features
30953 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
30954
30955 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
30956 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
30957 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
30958 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
30959 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
30960 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
30961 can recognize them.
30962
30963 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
30964 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
30965 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
30966 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
30967 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
30968 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
30969 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
30970 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
30971
30972 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
30973 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
30974 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
30975
30976 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
30977 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
30978 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
30979 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
30980
30981 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
30982 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
30983 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
30984
30985 @menu
30986 * ARM Features::
30987 * MIPS Features::
30988 * M68K Features::
30989 * PowerPC Features::
30990 @end menu
30991
30992
30993 @node ARM Features
30994 @subsection ARM Features
30995 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
30996
30997 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
30998 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
30999 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
31000
31001 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
31002 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
31003
31004 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
31005 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
31006 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
31007 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
31008
31009 @node MIPS Features
31010 @subsection MIPS Features
31011 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
31012
31013 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
31014 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
31015 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
31016 on the target.
31017
31018 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
31019 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
31020 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31021
31022 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
31023 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
31024 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
31025 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31026
31027 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
31028 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
31029 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
31030
31031 @node M68K Features
31032 @subsection M68K Features
31033 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
31034
31035 @table @code
31036 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
31037 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
31038 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
31039 One of those features must be always present.
31040 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
31041 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
31042 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
31043 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
31044
31045 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
31046 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
31047 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
31048 @samp{fpiaddr}.
31049 @end table
31050
31051 @node PowerPC Features
31052 @subsection PowerPC Features
31053 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
31054
31055 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
31056 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
31057 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
31058 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31059
31060 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
31061 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
31062
31063 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
31064 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
31065 and @samp{vrsave}.
31066
31067 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
31068 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
31069 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
31070 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
31071 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
31072 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
31073
31074 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
31075 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
31076 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
31077 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
31078 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
31079 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
31080 user.
31081
31082 @node Operating System Information
31083 @appendix Operating System Information
31084 @cindex operating system information
31085
31086 @menu
31087 * Process list::
31088 @end menu
31089
31090 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
31091 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
31092 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
31093 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
31094 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
31095 on a different aspect of target.
31096
31097 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
31098 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
31099 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
31100 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
31101
31102 @node Process list
31103 @appendixsection Process list
31104 @cindex operating system information, process list
31105
31106 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
31107 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
31108 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
31109 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
31110
31111 An example document is:
31112
31113 @smallexample
31114 <?xml version="1.0"?>
31115 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
31116 <osdata type="processes">
31117 <item>
31118 <column name="pid">1</column>
31119 <column name="user">root</column>
31120 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
31121 </item>
31122 </osdata>
31123 @end smallexample
31124
31125 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
31126 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
31127 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
31128 displayed by @value{GDBN}. Target may provide additional columns,
31129 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
31130
31131 @include gpl.texi
31132
31133 @raisesections
31134 @include fdl.texi
31135 @lowersections
31136
31137 @node Index
31138 @unnumbered Index
31139
31140 @printindex cp
31141
31142 @tex
31143 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
31144 % meantime:
31145 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
31146 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
31147 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
31148 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
31149 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
31150 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
31151 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
31152 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
31153 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
31154 \page\colophon
31155 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
31156 @end tex
31157
31158 @bye
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