1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
3 @c 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
4 @c 2010, 2011 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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.
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
26 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
31 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
35 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
38 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
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
44 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
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, 2010
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 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.
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.''
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
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}
72 Version @value{GDBVN}.
78 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
81 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
84 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
86 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
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
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 @*
107 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
109 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
111 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
113 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
114 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
115 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
117 Version @value{GDBVN}.
119 Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
121 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
122 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
123 software in general. We will miss him.
126 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
127 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
129 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
130 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
131 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
132 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
133 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
134 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
135 * Stack:: Examining the stack
136 * Source:: Examining source files
137 * Data:: Examining data
138 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
139 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
140 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
141 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
143 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
145 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
146 * Altering:: Altering execution
147 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
148 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
149 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
150 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
151 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
152 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
153 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
154 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
155 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
156 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
157 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
158 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
160 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
162 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
163 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
164 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
166 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
170 * In Memoriam:: In Memoriam
171 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
172 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
173 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
174 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
175 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
176 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
178 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
180 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
181 * Index Section Format:: .gdb_index section format
182 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
183 how you can copy and share GDB
184 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
193 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
195 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
196 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
197 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
199 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
200 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
204 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
207 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
210 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
213 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
214 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
217 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
218 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
219 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
221 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
225 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
226 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
228 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
229 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
232 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
233 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
234 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
238 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
239 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
242 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
243 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
246 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
247 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
251 @unnumberedsec Free Software
253 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
254 General Public License
255 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
256 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
257 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
258 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
259 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
260 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
262 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
263 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
266 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
268 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
269 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
270 include with the free software. Many of our most important
271 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
272 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
273 when an important free software package does not come with a free
274 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
277 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
278 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
279 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
280 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
281 them from the free software world.
283 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
284 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
285 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
286 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
287 contract to make it non-free.
289 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
290 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
291 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
292 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
293 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
294 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
295 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
297 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
298 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
299 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
300 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
302 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
303 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
304 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
305 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
306 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
307 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
310 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
311 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
312 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
313 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
314 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
315 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
316 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
317 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
320 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
321 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
322 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
323 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
324 manual to replace it.
326 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
327 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
328 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
329 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
330 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
331 the free software community.
333 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
334 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
335 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
336 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
337 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
338 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
339 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
340 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
341 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
343 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
344 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
345 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
346 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
347 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
348 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
349 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
350 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
352 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
353 published by other publishers, at
354 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
357 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
359 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
360 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
361 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
362 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
363 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
364 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
365 blow-by-blow account.
367 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
370 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
371 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
372 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
375 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
376 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
378 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
379 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
380 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
381 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
382 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
383 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
384 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
385 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
386 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
388 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
389 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
391 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
392 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
393 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
394 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
395 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
397 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
398 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
399 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
401 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
402 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
404 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
406 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
407 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
409 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
410 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
411 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
412 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
413 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
414 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
415 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
416 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
417 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
418 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
419 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
420 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
421 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
422 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
423 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
424 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
426 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
428 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
431 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
432 about several machine instruction sets.
434 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
435 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
436 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
437 and RDI targets, respectively.
439 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
440 command-line editing and command history.
442 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
443 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
445 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
446 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
449 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
450 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
452 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
454 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
457 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
459 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
461 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
463 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
466 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
468 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
470 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
471 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
473 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
474 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
475 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
476 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
477 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
478 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
479 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
481 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
482 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
484 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
485 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
486 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
487 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
488 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
489 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
490 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
491 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
492 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
493 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
494 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
495 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
496 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
497 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
498 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
500 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
501 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
503 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
506 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
507 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
508 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
509 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
510 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
511 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
513 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
514 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
515 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
516 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
517 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
518 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
519 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
520 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
521 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
522 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
523 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
526 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
527 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
528 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
529 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
531 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
532 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
535 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
537 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
538 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
539 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
542 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
543 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
546 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
547 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
549 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
550 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
551 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
552 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
553 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
554 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
555 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
556 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
557 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
566 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
570 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
572 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
575 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
579 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
582 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
583 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
584 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
585 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
586 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
588 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
591 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
596 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
597 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
598 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
599 that examples fit in this manual.
602 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
606 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
607 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
608 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
609 @code{break} command.
612 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
613 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
617 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
618 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
619 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
622 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
623 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
631 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
632 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
633 context where it stops.
636 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
638 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
640 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
644 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
645 the next line of the current function.
649 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
654 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
655 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
656 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
657 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
661 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
663 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
667 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
668 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
669 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
670 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
671 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
672 stack frame for each active subroutine.
675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
676 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
678 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
680 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
681 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
683 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
684 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
688 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
689 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
690 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
694 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
696 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
697 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
699 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
702 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
706 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
707 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
708 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
709 (@code{print}) to see their values.
712 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
713 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
714 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
715 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
719 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
720 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
721 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
727 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
729 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
732 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
733 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
740 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
741 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
745 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
755 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
756 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
757 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
758 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
759 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
763 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
770 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
771 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
772 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
773 example that caused trouble initially:
779 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
786 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
787 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
788 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
792 Program exited normally.
796 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
797 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
798 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
801 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
805 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
807 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
811 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
813 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
817 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
818 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
819 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
820 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
824 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
826 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
827 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
829 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
830 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
832 The command-line options described here are designed
833 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
834 options may effectively be unavailable.
836 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
837 specifying an executable program:
840 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
844 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
848 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
851 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
852 to debug a running process:
855 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
859 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
860 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
862 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
863 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
864 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
865 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
866 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
868 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
869 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
872 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
874 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
875 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
877 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
878 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
885 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
886 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
896 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
897 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
899 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
900 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
901 @samp{-x} option is used.
905 * File Options:: Choosing files
906 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
907 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
911 @subsection Choosing Files
913 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
914 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
915 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
916 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
917 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
918 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
919 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
920 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
921 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
922 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
923 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
924 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
925 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
927 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
928 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
929 argument and ignore it.
931 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
932 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
933 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
934 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
935 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
937 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
938 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
942 @item -symbols @var{file}
944 @cindex @code{--symbols}
946 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
948 @item -exec @var{file}
950 @cindex @code{--exec}
952 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
953 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
957 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
960 @item -core @var{file}
962 @cindex @code{--core}
964 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
966 @item -pid @var{number}
967 @itemx -p @var{number}
970 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
972 @item -command @var{file}
974 @cindex @code{--command}
976 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
977 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
978 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
980 @item -eval-command @var{command}
981 @itemx -ex @var{command}
982 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
984 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
986 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
987 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
990 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
991 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
994 @item -directory @var{directory}
995 @itemx -d @var{directory}
996 @cindex @code{--directory}
998 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1002 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1004 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1005 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1006 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1011 @subsection Choosing Modes
1013 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1014 batch mode or quiet mode.
1021 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1022 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1023 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1029 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1030 @cindex @code{--silent}
1032 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1033 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1036 @cindex @code{--batch}
1037 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1038 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1039 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1040 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1041 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1042 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1043 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1045 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1046 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1047 make this more useful, the message
1050 Program exited normally.
1054 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1055 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1059 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1060 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1061 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1062 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1063 for an interactive session.
1065 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1066 messages, for example.
1068 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1069 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1071 @item -return-child-result
1072 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1073 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1074 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1078 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1079 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1080 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1082 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1084 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1085 the exit code will be -1.
1088 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1089 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1094 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1096 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1097 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1098 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1102 @cindex @code{--windows}
1104 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1107 @item -cd @var{directory}
1109 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1110 instead of the current directory.
1112 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1113 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1114 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1115 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1116 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1120 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1122 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1123 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1124 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1125 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1126 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1127 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1128 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1129 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1133 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1134 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1135 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1136 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1139 @item -annotate @var{level}
1140 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1141 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1142 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1143 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1144 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1145 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1146 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1147 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1148 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1150 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1154 @cindex @code{--args}
1155 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1156 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1157 This option stops option processing.
1159 @item -baud @var{bps}
1161 @cindex @code{--baud}
1163 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1164 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1166 @item -l @var{timeout}
1168 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1169 for remote debugging.
1171 @item -tty @var{device}
1172 @itemx -t @var{device}
1173 @cindex @code{--tty}
1175 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1176 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1178 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1180 @cindex @code{--tui}
1181 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1182 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1183 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1184 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1185 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1186 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1187 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1190 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1191 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1192 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1193 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1196 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1197 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1198 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1199 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1200 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1201 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1203 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1204 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1205 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1206 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1207 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1208 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1211 @cindex @code{--write}
1212 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1213 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1217 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1218 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1219 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1222 @cindex @code{--version}
1223 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1224 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1229 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1230 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1232 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1236 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1237 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1241 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1242 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1243 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1247 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1248 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1249 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1253 Processes command line options and operands.
1256 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1257 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1258 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1259 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1260 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1264 If the command line specified a program to debug, or a process to
1265 attach to, or a core file, @value{GDBN} loads any auto-loaded
1266 scripts provided for the program or for its loaded shared libraries.
1267 @xref{Auto-loading}.
1269 If you wish to disable the auto-loading during startup,
1270 you must do something like the following:
1273 $ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" -ex "file myprogram"
1276 The following does not work because the auto-loading is turned off too late:
1279 $ gdb -ex "set auto-load-scripts off" myprogram
1283 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1284 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1287 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1288 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1289 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1292 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1293 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1294 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1295 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1296 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1297 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1299 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1300 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1302 @cindex init file name
1303 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1304 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1305 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1306 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1307 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1308 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1309 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1310 the file to the standard name.
1314 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1315 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1316 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1319 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1320 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1321 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1323 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1324 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1325 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1326 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1331 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1332 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1333 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1334 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1335 until a time when it is safe.
1337 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1338 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1339 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1341 @node Shell Commands
1342 @section Shell Commands
1344 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1345 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1346 just use the @code{shell} command.
1350 @cindex shell escape
1351 @item shell @var{command string}
1352 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1353 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1354 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1355 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1358 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1359 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1364 @cindex calling make
1365 @item make @var{make-args}
1366 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1367 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1370 @node Logging Output
1371 @section Logging Output
1372 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1373 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1375 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1376 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1380 @item set logging on
1382 @item set logging off
1384 @cindex logging file name
1385 @item set logging file @var{file}
1386 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1387 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1388 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1389 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1390 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1391 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1392 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1393 @kindex show logging
1395 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1399 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1401 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1402 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1403 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1404 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1405 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1408 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1409 * Completion:: Command completion
1410 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1413 @node Command Syntax
1414 @section Command Syntax
1416 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1417 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1418 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1419 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1420 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1421 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1423 @cindex abbreviation
1424 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1425 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1426 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1427 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1428 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1429 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1430 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1432 @cindex repeating commands
1433 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1434 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1435 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1436 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1437 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1438 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1439 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1441 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1442 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1443 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1445 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1446 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1447 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1448 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1449 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1451 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1453 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1454 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1455 Files,,Command Files}).
1457 @cindex repeating command sequences
1458 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1459 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1460 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1461 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1465 @section Command Completion
1468 @cindex word completion
1469 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1470 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1471 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1472 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1474 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1475 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1476 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1477 enter it). For example, if you type
1479 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1480 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1481 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1482 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1484 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1488 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1489 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1492 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1496 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1497 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1498 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1499 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1500 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1501 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1503 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1504 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1505 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1506 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1507 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1508 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1509 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1510 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1514 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1515 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1516 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1517 make_abs_section make_function_type
1518 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1519 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1520 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1521 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1525 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1526 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1529 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1530 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1531 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1532 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1533 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1535 @cindex quotes in commands
1536 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1537 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1538 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1539 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1540 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1541 @value{GDBN} commands.
1543 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1544 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1545 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1546 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1547 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1548 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1549 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1550 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1551 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1552 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1553 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1556 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1557 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1558 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1561 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1562 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1563 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1567 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1568 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1569 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1573 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1574 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1575 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1577 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1578 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1579 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1580 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1582 @cindex completion of structure field names
1583 @cindex structure field name completion
1584 @cindex completion of union field names
1585 @cindex union field name completion
1586 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1587 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1588 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1589 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1590 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1594 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1595 magic to_fputs to_rewind
1596 to_data to_isatty to_write
1597 to_delete to_put to_write_async_safe
1602 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1603 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1610 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1611 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1612 ui_file_write_async_safe_ftype *to_write_async_safe;
1613 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1614 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1615 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1616 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1617 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1618 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1625 @section Getting Help
1626 @cindex online documentation
1629 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1630 using the command @code{help}.
1633 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1636 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1637 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1641 List of classes of commands:
1643 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1644 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1645 data -- Examining data
1646 files -- Specifying and examining files
1647 internals -- Maintenance commands
1648 obscure -- Obscure features
1649 running -- Running the program
1650 stack -- Examining the stack
1651 status -- Status inquiries
1652 support -- Support facilities
1653 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1654 stopping the program
1655 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1657 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1658 commands in that class.
1659 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1661 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1664 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1666 @item help @var{class}
1667 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1668 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1669 help display for the class @code{status}:
1672 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1677 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1678 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1679 info -- Generic command for showing things
1680 about the program being debugged
1681 show -- Generic command for showing things
1684 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1686 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1690 @item help @var{command}
1691 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1692 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1695 @item apropos @var{args}
1696 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1697 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1698 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1709 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1710 multiple times in one run
1711 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1712 multiple times in one run
1717 @item complete @var{args}
1718 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1719 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1720 command you want completed. For example:
1726 @noindent results in:
1737 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1740 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1741 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1742 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1743 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1744 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1745 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1750 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1752 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1753 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1754 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1755 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1756 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1757 @w{@code{help info}}.
1761 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1762 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1763 @code{set prompt $}.
1767 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1768 @value{GDBN} itself.
1769 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1770 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1771 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1772 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1775 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1776 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1777 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1778 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1779 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1780 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1784 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1785 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1788 @kindex show version
1789 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1791 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1792 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1793 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1794 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1795 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1796 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1797 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1798 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1801 @kindex show copying
1802 @kindex info copying
1803 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1806 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1808 @kindex show warranty
1809 @kindex info warranty
1811 @itemx info warranty
1812 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1813 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1818 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1820 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1821 debugging information when you compile it.
1823 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1824 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1825 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1826 kill a child process.
1829 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1830 * Starting:: Starting your program
1831 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1832 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1834 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1835 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1836 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1837 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1839 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1840 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1841 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1842 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1846 @section Compiling for Debugging
1848 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1849 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1850 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1851 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1852 and addresses in the executable code.
1854 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1857 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1858 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1859 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1860 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1861 executables containing debugging information.
1863 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1864 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1865 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1866 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1867 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1869 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1870 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1871 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1873 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1874 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1875 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1876 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1877 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1878 provides macro information if you specify the options
1879 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1880 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1881 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1882 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1887 @section Starting your Program
1893 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1896 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1897 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1898 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1899 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1900 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1904 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1905 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1906 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1907 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1908 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1909 message like this one:
1912 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1913 Try "help target" or "continue".
1917 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1918 first (@pxref{load}).
1920 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1921 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1922 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1923 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1924 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1925 divided into four categories:
1928 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1929 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1930 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1931 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1932 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1934 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1935 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1936 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1938 @item The @emph{environment.}
1939 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1940 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1941 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1942 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1944 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1945 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1946 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1947 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1949 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1950 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1951 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1952 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1953 set a different device for your program.
1954 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1957 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1958 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1959 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1963 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1964 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1965 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1966 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1967 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1969 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1970 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1971 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1972 your current breakpoints.
1977 @cindex run to main procedure
1978 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1979 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1980 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1981 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1982 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1983 procedure, depending on the language used.
1985 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1986 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1987 the @samp{run} command.
1989 @cindex elaboration phase
1990 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1991 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1992 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1993 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1994 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1995 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1996 will remain to halt execution.
1998 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1999 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2000 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2001 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2002 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2004 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2005 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2006 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2007 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2008 elaboration code before running your program.
2010 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2011 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2012 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2013 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2014 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2015 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2016 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2017 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2018 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2019 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2020 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2022 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2023 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2024 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2025 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2027 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2028 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2032 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2036 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2037 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2039 @kindex set disable-randomization
2040 @item set disable-randomization
2041 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2042 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2043 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2044 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2045 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2047 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2051 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2054 @item set disable-randomization off
2055 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2056 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2057 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2058 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2059 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2060 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2062 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2063 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2064 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2065 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2066 a code at its expected addresses.
2068 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2069 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2070 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2071 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2072 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2073 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2074 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2075 a randomly chosen address.
2077 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2078 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2079 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2080 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2081 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2083 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2084 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2086 @item show disable-randomization
2087 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2088 the virtual address space of the started program.
2093 @section Your Program's Arguments
2095 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2096 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2098 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2099 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2100 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2101 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2102 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2104 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2105 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2106 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2107 the program, not by the shell.
2109 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2110 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2115 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2116 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2117 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2118 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2119 it again without arguments.
2123 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2127 @section Your Program's Environment
2129 @cindex environment (of your program)
2130 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2131 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2132 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2133 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2134 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2135 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2136 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2140 @item path @var{directory}
2141 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2142 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2143 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2144 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2145 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2146 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2147 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2149 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2150 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2151 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2152 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2153 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2154 @var{directory} to the search path.
2155 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2156 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2160 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2161 environment variable).
2163 @kindex show environment
2164 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2165 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2166 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2167 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2168 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2170 @kindex set environment
2171 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2172 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2173 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2174 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2175 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2176 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2178 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2179 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2181 For example, this command:
2188 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2189 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2190 are not actually required.)
2192 @kindex unset environment
2193 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2194 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2195 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2196 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2197 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2200 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2202 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2203 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2204 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2205 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2206 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2207 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2210 @node Working Directory
2211 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2213 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2214 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2215 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2216 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2217 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2218 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2220 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2221 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2226 @cindex change working directory
2227 @item cd @var{directory}
2228 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2232 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2235 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2236 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2237 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2238 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2239 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2240 current working directory of the debuggee.
2243 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2248 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2249 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2250 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2251 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2252 running your program.
2255 @kindex info terminal
2257 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2261 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2262 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2269 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2272 @cindex controlling terminal
2273 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2274 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2275 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2276 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2277 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2284 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2285 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2286 that as their controlling terminal.
2288 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2289 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2292 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2293 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2294 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2295 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2297 @cindex inferior tty
2298 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2299 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2300 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2304 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2305 @kindex set inferior-tty
2306 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2308 @item show inferior-tty
2309 @kindex show inferior-tty
2310 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2314 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2319 @item attach @var{process-id}
2320 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2321 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2322 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2323 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2324 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2326 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2327 executing the command.
2330 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2331 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2332 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2333 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2335 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2336 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2337 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2338 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2339 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2342 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2343 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2344 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2345 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2346 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2347 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2348 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2353 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2354 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2355 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2356 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2357 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2358 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2359 executing the command.
2362 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2363 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2364 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2365 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2366 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2370 @section Killing the Child Process
2375 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2378 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2379 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2382 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2383 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2384 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2385 outside the debugger.
2387 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2388 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2389 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2390 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2391 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2392 breakpoint settings).
2394 @node Inferiors and Programs
2395 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2397 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2398 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2399 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2400 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2401 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2402 from multiple executables.
2405 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2406 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2407 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2408 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2409 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2410 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2411 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2412 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2413 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2414 threads running in it.
2416 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2420 @kindex info inferiors
2421 @item info inferiors
2422 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2424 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2428 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2431 the target system's inferior identifier
2434 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2439 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2440 indicates the current inferior.
2444 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2447 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2448 Num Description Executable
2449 2 process 2307 hello
2450 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2453 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2456 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2457 @item inferior @var{infno}
2458 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2459 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2460 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2464 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2465 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2466 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2467 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2468 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2469 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2472 @kindex add-inferior
2473 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2474 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2475 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2476 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2477 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2478 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2480 @kindex clone-inferior
2481 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2482 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2483 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2484 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2485 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2488 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2489 Num Description Executable
2490 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2491 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2494 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2495 Num Description Executable
2497 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2500 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2502 @kindex remove-inferiors
2503 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2504 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2505 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2506 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2510 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2511 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2512 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2513 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2516 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2517 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2518 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2519 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2520 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2521 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2523 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2524 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2525 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2526 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2527 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2528 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2531 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2532 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2533 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2534 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2537 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2538 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2541 @kindex set print inferior-events
2542 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2543 @item set print inferior-events
2544 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2545 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2546 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2547 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2548 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2549 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2551 @kindex show print inferior-events
2552 @item show print inferior-events
2553 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2554 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2557 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2558 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2559 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2562 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2563 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2564 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2565 info program-spaces}} command.
2568 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2569 @item maint info program-spaces
2570 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2573 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2577 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2580 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2581 the @code{file} command.
2586 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2587 indicates the current program space.
2589 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2590 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2591 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2594 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2597 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2601 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2602 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2603 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2604 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2605 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2608 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2611 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2614 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2615 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2619 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2621 @cindex threads of execution
2622 @cindex multiple threads
2623 @cindex switching threads
2624 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2625 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2626 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2627 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2628 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2629 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2630 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2632 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2636 @item automatic notification of new threads
2637 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2638 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2639 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2640 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2641 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2642 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2643 messages on thread start and exit.
2644 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2645 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2646 isn't compatible with the program.
2650 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2651 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2652 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2653 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2654 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2658 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2659 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2660 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2661 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2663 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2664 @c doesn't support threads"?
2667 @cindex focus of debugging
2668 @cindex current thread
2669 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2670 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2671 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2672 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2673 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2675 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2676 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2677 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2678 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2679 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2680 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2681 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2682 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2683 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2684 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2687 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2691 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2692 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2695 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2696 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2697 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2699 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2700 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2701 @c threads ab initio?
2703 @cindex thread number
2704 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2705 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2706 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2709 @kindex info threads
2710 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2711 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2712 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2713 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2714 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2718 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2721 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2724 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2725 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2729 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2733 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2734 indicates the current thread.
2738 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2741 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2743 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2744 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2745 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2749 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2750 Solaris-specific command:
2753 @item maint info sol-threads
2754 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2755 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2756 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2760 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2761 @item thread @var{threadno}
2762 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2763 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2764 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2765 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2766 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2769 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2770 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2771 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2772 8 printf ("hello\n");
2776 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2777 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2780 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2781 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2782 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2783 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2784 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2785 information on convenience variables.
2787 @kindex thread apply
2788 @cindex apply command to several threads
2789 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2790 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2791 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2792 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2793 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2794 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2795 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2796 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2799 @cindex name a thread
2800 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2801 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2802 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2803 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2805 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2806 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2807 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2808 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2809 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2812 @cindex search for a thread
2813 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2814 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2815 matches the supplied regular expression.
2817 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2818 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2819 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2823 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2824 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2825 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2827 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2830 @kindex set print thread-events
2831 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2832 @item set print thread-events
2833 @itemx set print thread-events on
2834 @itemx set print thread-events off
2835 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2836 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2837 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2838 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2839 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2841 @kindex show print thread-events
2842 @item show print thread-events
2843 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2844 have started and exited.
2847 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2848 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2849 programs with multiple threads.
2851 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2852 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2855 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2856 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2857 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2858 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2859 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2860 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2861 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2862 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2865 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2866 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2867 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2868 to find @code{libthread_db}.
2870 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2871 refers to the default system directories that are
2872 normally searched for loading shared libraries.
2874 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2875 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2876 was loaded in the inferior process.
2878 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2879 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2880 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2881 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2882 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2883 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2884 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2886 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2887 only on some platforms.
2889 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2890 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2891 Display current libthread_db search path.
2893 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2894 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2895 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2896 @item set debug libthread-db
2897 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2898 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2899 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2903 @section Debugging Forks
2905 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2906 @cindex multiple processes
2907 @cindex processes, multiple
2908 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2909 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2910 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2911 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2912 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2913 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2914 will cause it to terminate.
2916 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2917 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2918 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2919 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2920 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2921 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2922 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2923 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2924 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2925 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2927 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2928 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2929 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2930 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2932 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2933 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2935 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2936 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2939 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2940 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2941 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2942 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2943 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2947 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2948 unimpeded. This is the default.
2951 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2956 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2957 @item show follow-fork-mode
2958 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2961 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2962 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2963 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2966 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2967 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2968 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2969 retain debugger control over them both.
2973 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2974 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2975 independently. This is the default.
2978 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2979 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2980 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2985 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2986 @item show detach-on-fork
2987 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2990 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2991 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2992 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2993 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2994 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2995 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2997 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2998 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
2999 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3000 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3003 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3004 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3005 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3006 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3007 the child process's @code{main}.
3009 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3010 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3012 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3013 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3014 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3015 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3016 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3017 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3021 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3022 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3024 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3025 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3027 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3031 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3032 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3033 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3039 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3041 Id Description Executable
3044 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3045 Program exited normally.
3046 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3047 Id Description Executable
3053 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3054 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3055 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3056 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3057 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3062 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3063 Id Description Executable
3066 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3067 Program exited normally.
3068 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3069 Id Description Executable
3076 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3077 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3078 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3080 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3081 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3086 @cindex snapshot of a process
3087 @cindex rewind program state
3089 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3090 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3091 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3094 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3095 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3096 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3097 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3098 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3100 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3101 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3102 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3103 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3104 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3105 start again from there.
3107 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3108 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3110 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3115 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3116 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3117 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3119 @kindex info checkpoints
3120 @item info checkpoints
3121 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3122 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3129 @item Source line, or label
3132 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3133 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3134 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3135 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3136 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3137 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3138 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3140 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3141 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3142 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3145 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3146 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3147 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3151 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3152 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3153 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3154 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3155 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3156 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3157 previously read data can be read again.
3159 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3160 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3161 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3162 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3163 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3164 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3166 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3167 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3168 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3169 different execution path this time.
3171 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3172 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3173 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3174 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3175 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3176 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3177 potentially pose a problem.
3179 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3181 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3182 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3183 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3184 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3185 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3188 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3189 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3190 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3191 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3192 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3195 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3197 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3198 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3199 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3201 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3202 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3203 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3204 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3205 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3206 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3207 explicitly request this information at any time.
3210 @kindex info program
3212 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3213 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3217 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3218 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3220 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3224 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3227 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3228 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3229 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3230 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3231 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3232 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3235 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3236 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3237 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3238 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3239 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3243 @cindex data breakpoints
3244 @cindex memory tracing
3245 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3246 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3247 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3248 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3249 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3250 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3251 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3252 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3253 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3254 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3257 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3258 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3262 @cindex breakpoint on events
3263 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3264 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3265 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3266 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3267 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3268 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3269 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3271 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3272 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3273 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3274 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3275 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3276 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3277 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3278 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3281 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3282 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3283 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3284 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3285 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3286 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3287 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3290 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3291 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3292 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3293 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3294 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3295 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3296 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3297 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3298 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3299 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3303 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3305 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3306 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3308 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3311 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3312 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3313 @cindex latest breakpoint
3314 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3315 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3316 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3317 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3318 convenience variables.
3321 @item break @var{location}
3322 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3323 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3324 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3325 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3326 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3328 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3329 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3330 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3333 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3334 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3335 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3338 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3339 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3340 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3341 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3342 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3343 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3344 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3345 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3346 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3349 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3350 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3351 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3352 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3353 existed when your program stopped.
3355 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3356 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3357 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3358 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3359 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3360 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3361 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3364 @item tbreak @var{args}
3365 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3366 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3367 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3368 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3371 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3372 @item hbreak @var{args}
3373 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3374 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3375 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3376 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3377 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3378 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3379 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3380 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3381 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3382 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3383 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3384 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3385 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3386 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3387 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3388 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3389 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3390 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3393 @item thbreak @var{args}
3394 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3395 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3396 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3397 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3398 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3399 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3400 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3401 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3404 @cindex regular expression
3405 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3406 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3407 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3408 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3409 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3410 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3411 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3412 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3413 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3415 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3416 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3417 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3418 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3419 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3420 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3422 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3423 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3424 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3427 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3428 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3429 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3432 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3435 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3436 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3437 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3438 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3439 every function in a given file:
3442 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3445 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3446 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3448 @kindex info breakpoints
3449 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3450 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3451 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3452 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3453 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3454 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3455 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3458 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3460 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3462 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3463 @item Enabled or Disabled
3464 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3465 that are not enabled.
3467 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3468 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3469 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3470 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3471 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3472 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3474 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3475 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3476 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3477 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3481 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3482 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3483 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3484 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3485 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3489 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3490 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3491 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3492 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3493 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3496 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3497 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3498 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3499 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3500 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3501 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3504 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3505 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3506 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3507 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3509 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3510 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3511 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3512 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3516 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3517 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3520 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3521 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3524 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3525 several places where that function is inlined.
3528 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3529 the relevant locations@footnote{
3530 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3531 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3532 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3533 info with line numbers for them.}.
3535 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3536 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3537 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3538 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3539 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3540 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3541 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3546 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3547 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3549 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3550 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3551 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3554 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3555 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3556 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3557 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3558 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3559 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3560 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3561 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3562 that belong to that breakpoint.
3564 @cindex pending breakpoints
3565 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3566 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3567 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3568 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3569 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3570 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3571 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3572 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3573 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3574 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3575 is not yet resolved.
3577 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3578 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3579 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3580 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3581 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3582 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3584 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3585 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3586 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3587 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3589 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3590 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3591 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3593 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3594 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3595 address specification to an address:
3597 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3598 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3600 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3601 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3602 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3604 @item set breakpoint pending on
3605 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3606 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3608 @item set breakpoint pending off
3609 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3610 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3611 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3613 @item show breakpoint pending
3614 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3617 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3618 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3619 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3621 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3622 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3623 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3624 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3625 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3626 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3627 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3630 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3632 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3633 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3635 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3636 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3637 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3638 breakpoint must be used.
3640 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3641 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3642 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3643 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3646 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3647 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3648 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3649 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3650 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3651 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3652 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3653 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3654 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3656 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3657 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3659 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3660 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3661 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3662 removed from the target when it stops.
3664 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3665 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3666 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3667 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3668 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3670 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3671 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3672 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3673 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3674 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3675 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3676 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3679 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3680 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3681 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3682 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3683 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3684 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3685 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3686 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3689 @node Set Watchpoints
3690 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3692 @cindex setting watchpoints
3693 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3694 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3695 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3696 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3697 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3701 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3704 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3705 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3706 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3709 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3710 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3711 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3714 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3715 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3716 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3717 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3718 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3719 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3720 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3721 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3722 the expression changes.
3724 @cindex software watchpoints
3725 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3726 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3727 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3728 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3729 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3730 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3733 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3734 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3735 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3739 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3740 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3741 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3742 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3743 to watch the value of a single variable:
3746 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3749 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3750 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3751 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3752 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3753 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3754 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3756 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3757 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3758 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3759 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3760 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3761 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3762 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3765 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3766 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3767 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3768 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3769 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3770 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3771 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3772 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3773 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3774 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3778 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3779 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3783 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3784 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3788 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3789 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3790 or written into by the program.
3792 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3793 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3794 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3795 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3798 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3799 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3800 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3801 a never-changing value:
3804 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3805 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3806 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3807 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3810 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3811 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3812 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3813 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3814 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3815 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3817 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3818 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3819 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3820 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3821 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3822 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3823 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3824 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3827 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3828 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3829 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3831 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3832 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3833 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3836 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3837 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3838 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3840 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3843 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3847 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3849 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3850 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3851 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3852 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3853 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3854 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3855 will print a message like this:
3858 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3861 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3862 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3863 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3864 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3865 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3866 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3867 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3868 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3870 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3871 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3872 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3873 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3874 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3875 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3878 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3882 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3884 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3885 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3886 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3887 expression with separately allocated resources.
3889 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3890 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3891 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3893 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3894 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3895 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3896 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3897 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3898 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3899 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3900 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3901 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3903 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3904 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3905 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3906 watched expression from every thread.
3909 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3910 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3911 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3912 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3913 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3914 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3915 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3916 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3917 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3920 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3922 @node Set Catchpoints
3923 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3924 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3925 @cindex exception handlers
3926 @cindex event handling
3928 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3929 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3930 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3934 @item catch @var{event}
3935 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3938 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3939 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3942 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3945 @cindex Ada exception catching
3946 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3947 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3948 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3949 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3950 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3952 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3953 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3954 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3955 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3956 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3957 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3958 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3959 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3961 @item exception unhandled
3962 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3965 A failed Ada assertion.
3968 @cindex break on fork/exec
3969 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3973 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
3974 @cindex break on a system call.
3975 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3976 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3977 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3978 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3979 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3980 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3983 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3984 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3985 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3986 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3988 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3989 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3990 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3991 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3993 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3994 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3995 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3998 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3999 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4000 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4001 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4002 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4003 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4004 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4005 behind the OS upgrades).
4007 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4011 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4012 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4014 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4016 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4017 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4021 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4022 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4026 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4029 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4030 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4032 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4034 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4035 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4039 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4040 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4044 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4045 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4046 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4049 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4050 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4052 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4054 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4055 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4059 Program exited normally.
4063 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4064 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4065 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4066 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4069 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4070 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4071 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4075 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4076 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4077 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4078 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4079 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4080 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4083 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4084 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4085 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4086 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4087 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4091 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4093 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4094 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4097 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4098 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4101 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4104 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4108 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4113 @item tcatch @var{event}
4114 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4115 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4119 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4121 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4122 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4126 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4127 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4128 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4129 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4130 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4131 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4132 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4133 disabled within interactive calls.
4136 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4139 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4142 @cindex raise exceptions
4143 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4144 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4145 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4146 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4147 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4148 out where the exception was raised.
4150 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4151 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4152 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4153 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4156 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4157 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4158 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4162 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4163 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4164 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4166 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4167 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4168 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4169 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4174 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4176 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4177 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4178 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4179 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4180 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4181 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4183 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4184 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4185 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4186 their breakpoint numbers.
4188 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4189 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4190 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4195 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4196 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4197 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4198 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4200 @item clear @var{location}
4201 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4202 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4203 most useful ones are listed below:
4206 @item clear @var{function}
4207 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4208 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4210 @item clear @var{linenum}
4211 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4212 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4213 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4216 @cindex delete breakpoints
4218 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4219 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4220 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4221 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4222 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4223 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4227 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4229 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4230 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4231 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4232 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4233 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4235 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4236 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4237 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4238 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4239 do not know which numbers to use.
4241 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4242 affects all of its locations.
4244 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4245 states of enablement:
4249 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4250 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4252 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4254 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4257 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4258 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4259 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4262 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4263 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4267 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4268 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4269 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4270 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4271 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4272 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4273 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4276 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4277 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4278 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4280 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4281 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4282 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4284 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4285 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4286 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4287 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4290 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4291 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4292 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4293 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4294 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4295 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4296 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4297 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4301 @subsection Break Conditions
4302 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4303 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4305 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4306 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4307 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4308 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4309 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4310 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4311 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4312 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4314 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4315 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4316 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4317 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4318 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4320 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4321 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4322 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4323 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4326 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4327 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4328 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4329 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4330 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4331 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4332 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4333 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4335 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4336 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4338 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4339 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4340 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4341 with the @code{condition} command.
4343 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4344 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4345 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4350 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4351 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4352 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4353 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4354 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4355 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4356 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4357 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4358 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4359 prints an error message:
4362 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4367 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4368 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4369 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4371 @item condition @var{bnum}
4372 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4373 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4376 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4377 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4378 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4379 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4380 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4381 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4382 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4383 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4384 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4385 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4386 your program reaches it.
4390 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4391 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4392 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4393 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4396 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4399 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4400 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4401 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4402 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4404 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4405 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4406 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4408 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4409 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4410 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4414 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4417 @node Break Commands
4418 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4420 @cindex breakpoint commands
4421 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4422 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4423 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4424 enable other breakpoints.
4428 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4429 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4430 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4432 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4433 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4434 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4436 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4437 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4439 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4440 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4441 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4442 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4443 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4444 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4445 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4449 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4450 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4452 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4453 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4454 that resumes execution.
4456 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4457 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4458 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4459 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4460 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4463 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4464 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4465 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4466 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4467 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4468 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4470 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4471 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4472 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4474 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4475 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4481 printf "x is %d\n",x
4486 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4487 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4488 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4489 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4490 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4491 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4492 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4503 @node Save Breakpoints
4504 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4506 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4507 breakpoints}} command.
4510 @kindex save breakpoints
4511 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4512 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4513 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4514 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4515 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4516 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4517 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4518 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4519 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4520 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4521 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4522 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4523 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4524 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4525 that can no longer be recreated.
4528 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4529 @node Error in Breakpoints
4530 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4532 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4533 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4535 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4536 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4538 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4539 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4543 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4544 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4545 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4547 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4548 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4550 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4551 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4552 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4554 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4555 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4556 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4557 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4559 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4560 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4561 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4562 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4563 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4564 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4565 first in the bundle.
4567 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4568 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4569 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4570 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4571 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4572 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4575 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4576 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4579 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4582 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4583 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4584 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4585 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4586 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4587 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4588 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4589 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4591 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4592 adjusted breakpoints:
4595 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4599 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4600 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4601 frequently than expected.
4603 @node Continuing and Stepping
4604 @section Continuing and Stepping
4608 @cindex resuming execution
4609 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4610 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4611 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4612 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4613 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4614 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4615 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4616 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4620 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4621 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4622 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4623 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4624 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4625 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4626 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4627 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4628 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4629 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4631 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4632 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4633 @code{continue} is ignored.
4635 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4636 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4637 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4641 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4642 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4643 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4644 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4646 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4647 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4648 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4649 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4650 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4651 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4655 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4657 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4658 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4659 abbreviated @code{s}.
4662 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4663 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4664 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4665 @c distinction here.
4666 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4667 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4668 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4669 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4670 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4671 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4675 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4676 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4677 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4678 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4679 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4680 called within the line.
4682 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4683 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4684 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4685 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4686 was any debugging information about the routine.
4688 @item step @var{count}
4689 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4690 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4691 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4694 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4695 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4696 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4697 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4698 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4699 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4700 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4701 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4703 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4706 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4707 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4709 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4710 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4711 @c function are executed without stopping.
4713 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4714 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4715 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4717 @kindex set step-mode
4719 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4720 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4721 @itemx set step-mode on
4722 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4723 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4724 information rather than stepping over it.
4726 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4727 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4728 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4730 @item set step-mode off
4731 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4732 debug information. This is the default.
4734 @item show step-mode
4735 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4736 source line debug information.
4739 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4741 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4742 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4743 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4745 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4746 ,Returning from a Function}).
4749 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4750 @cindex run until specified location
4753 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4754 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4755 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4756 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4757 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4758 than the address of the jump.
4760 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4761 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4762 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4763 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4764 through the next iteration.
4766 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4769 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4770 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4771 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4772 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4773 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4777 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4779 (@value{GDBP}) until
4780 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4783 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4784 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4785 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4786 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4787 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4788 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4789 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4791 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4792 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4795 @item until @var{location}
4796 @itemx u @var{location}
4797 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4798 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4799 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4800 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4801 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4802 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4803 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4804 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4805 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4806 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4807 invocations have returned.
4810 94 int factorial (int value)
4812 96 if (value > 1) @{
4813 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4820 @kindex advance @var{location}
4821 @itemx advance @var{location}
4822 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4823 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4824 @ref{Specify Location}.
4825 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4826 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4827 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4828 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4832 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4834 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4836 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4838 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4839 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4840 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4841 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4843 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4847 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4849 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4851 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4852 proceed until the function returns.
4854 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4861 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4862 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4863 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4864 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4865 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4866 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4867 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4868 requested an alarm).
4870 @cindex fatal signals
4871 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4872 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4873 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4874 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4875 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4876 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4878 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4879 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4882 @cindex handling signals
4883 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4884 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4885 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4886 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4887 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4890 @kindex info signals
4894 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4895 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4896 the defined types of signals.
4898 @item info signals @var{sig}
4899 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4901 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4904 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4905 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4906 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4907 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4908 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4909 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4910 say what change to make.
4914 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4915 Their full names are:
4919 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4920 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4923 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4924 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4927 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4930 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4931 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4935 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4936 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4937 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4941 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4942 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4946 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4948 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4949 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4950 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4951 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4952 program sees that signal when you continue.
4954 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4955 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4956 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4959 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4960 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4961 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4962 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4963 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4964 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4965 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4966 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4969 @cindex extra signal information
4970 @anchor{extra signal information}
4972 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4973 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4974 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4975 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4976 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4977 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4978 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4979 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4980 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4983 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4984 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4988 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4989 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4990 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4992 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4999 struct @{...@} _kill;
5000 struct @{...@} _timer;
5002 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5003 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5004 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5007 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5011 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5012 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5016 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5019 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5021 @cindex stopped threads
5022 @cindex threads, stopped
5024 @cindex continuing threads
5025 @cindex threads, continuing
5027 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5028 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5029 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5030 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5031 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5032 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5033 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5034 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5035 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5038 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5039 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5040 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5041 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5042 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5043 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5047 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5049 @cindex all-stop mode
5051 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5052 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5053 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5054 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5057 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5058 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5059 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5061 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5062 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5063 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5064 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5065 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5066 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5069 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5070 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5071 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5072 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5074 @cindex automatic thread selection
5075 @cindex switching threads automatically
5076 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5077 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5078 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5079 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5080 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5083 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5084 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5087 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5088 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5089 @cindex lock scheduler
5090 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5091 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5092 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5093 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5094 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5095 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5096 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5097 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5098 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5099 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5100 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5101 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5103 @item show scheduler-locking
5104 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5107 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5108 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5109 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5110 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5111 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5112 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5113 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5114 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5115 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5116 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5117 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5118 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5119 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5120 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5123 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5124 @item set schedule-multiple
5125 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5126 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5127 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5128 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5129 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5130 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5132 @item show schedule-multiple
5133 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5138 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5140 @cindex non-stop mode
5142 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5143 @c with more details.
5145 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5146 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5147 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5148 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5149 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5150 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5152 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5153 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5154 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5155 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5156 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5157 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5158 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5159 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5160 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5161 independently and simultaneously.
5163 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5164 or attach to your program:
5167 # Enable the async interface.
5170 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5173 # Finally, turn it on!
5177 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5180 @kindex set non-stop
5181 @item set non-stop on
5182 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5183 @item set non-stop off
5184 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5185 @kindex show non-stop
5187 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5190 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5191 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5192 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5193 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5194 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5195 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5196 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5199 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5200 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5201 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5203 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5204 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5205 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5206 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5207 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5209 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5210 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5211 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5212 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5213 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5215 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5217 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5218 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5219 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5220 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5221 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5222 previously current thread.
5224 @node Background Execution
5225 @subsection Background Execution
5227 @cindex foreground execution
5228 @cindex background execution
5229 @cindex asynchronous execution
5230 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5232 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5233 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5234 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5235 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5236 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5237 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5239 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5240 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5241 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5244 @kindex set target-async
5245 @item set target-async on
5246 Enable asynchronous mode.
5247 @item set target-async off
5248 Disable asynchronous mode.
5249 @kindex show target-async
5250 @item show target-async
5251 Show the current target-async setting.
5254 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5255 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5257 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5258 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5259 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5265 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5269 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5273 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5277 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5281 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5285 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5289 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5293 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5297 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5301 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5302 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5303 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5304 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5305 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5306 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5308 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5309 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5316 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5317 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5318 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5319 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5322 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5323 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5325 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5326 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5327 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5330 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5331 @cindex thread breakpoints
5332 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5333 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5334 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5335 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5336 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5337 specify some source line.
5339 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5340 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5341 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5342 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5343 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5345 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5346 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5349 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5350 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5351 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5354 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5359 @node Interrupted System Calls
5360 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5362 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5363 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5364 @cindex premature return from system calls
5365 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5366 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5367 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5368 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5369 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5370 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5373 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5374 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5377 For example, do not write code like this:
5383 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5384 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5386 Instead, write this:
5391 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5394 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5395 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5396 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5399 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5400 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5401 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5402 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5405 @subsection Observer Mode
5407 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5408 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5409 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5410 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5411 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5413 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5414 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5415 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5418 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5419 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5420 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5421 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5422 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5427 @item set observer on
5428 @itemx set observer off
5429 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5430 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5431 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5432 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5435 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5437 @kindex may-write-registers
5438 @item set may-write-registers on
5439 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5440 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5441 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5442 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5444 @item show may-write-registers
5445 Show the current permission to write registers.
5447 @kindex may-write-memory
5448 @item set may-write-memory on
5449 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5450 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5451 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5452 defaults to @code{on}.
5454 @item show may-write-memory
5455 Show the current permission to write memory.
5457 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5458 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5459 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5460 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5461 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5462 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5464 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5465 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5467 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5468 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5469 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5470 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5471 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5472 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5473 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5475 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5476 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5478 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5479 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5480 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5481 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5482 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5483 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5484 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5486 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5487 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5489 @kindex may-interrupt
5490 @item set may-interrupt on
5491 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5492 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5493 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5494 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5495 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5497 @item show may-interrupt
5498 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5502 @node Reverse Execution
5503 @chapter Running programs backward
5504 @cindex reverse execution
5505 @cindex running programs backward
5507 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5508 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5509 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5510 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5512 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5513 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5514 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5515 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5516 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5517 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5519 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5520 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5521 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5522 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5523 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5524 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5525 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5526 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5527 prior values@footnote{
5528 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5529 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5530 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5532 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5533 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5534 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5535 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5536 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5537 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5538 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5541 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5542 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5545 @kindex reverse-continue
5546 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5547 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5548 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5549 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5550 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5551 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5552 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5554 @kindex reverse-step
5555 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5556 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5557 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5558 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5560 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5561 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5562 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5563 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5564 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5565 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5567 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5568 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5570 @kindex reverse-stepi
5571 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5572 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5573 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5574 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5575 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5576 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5577 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5579 @kindex reverse-next
5580 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5581 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5582 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5583 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5584 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5585 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5586 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5587 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5588 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5589 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5591 @kindex reverse-nexti
5592 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5593 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5594 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5595 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5596 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5597 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5598 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5601 @kindex reverse-finish
5602 @item reverse-finish
5603 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5604 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5605 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5606 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5608 @kindex set exec-direction
5609 @item set exec-direction
5610 Set the direction of target execution.
5611 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5612 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5613 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5614 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5615 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5616 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5617 @item set exec-direction forward
5618 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5619 This is the default.
5623 @node Process Record and Replay
5624 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5625 @cindex process record and replay
5626 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5628 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5629 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5630 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5633 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5634 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5635 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5636 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5637 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5638 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5639 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5640 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5644 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5645 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5646 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5649 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5650 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5651 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5652 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5653 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5654 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5656 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5657 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5658 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5659 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5661 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5662 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5665 @kindex target record
5669 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5670 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5671 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5672 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5673 the @kbd{target record} command.
5675 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5677 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5678 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5679 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5680 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5681 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5683 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5684 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5685 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5686 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5687 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5688 support these two modes.
5693 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5694 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5695 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5697 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5698 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5699 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5700 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5701 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5703 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5704 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5705 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5706 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5707 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5709 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5710 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5713 @item record save @var{filename}
5714 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5715 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
5716 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
5718 @kindex record restore
5719 @item record restore @var{filename}
5720 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5721 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
5723 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5724 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5725 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5727 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5728 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5729 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5730 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5731 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5732 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5733 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5734 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5736 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5737 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5738 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5740 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5741 @item show record insn-number-max
5742 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5744 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5745 @item set record stop-at-limit
5746 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5747 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5748 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5749 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5750 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5751 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5753 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5754 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5756 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5757 @item show record stop-at-limit
5758 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5760 @kindex set record memory-query
5761 @item set record memory-query
5762 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
5763 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
5764 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
5766 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
5767 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
5768 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
5769 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
5772 @kindex show record memory-query
5773 @item show record memory-query
5774 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
5778 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5779 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5783 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5785 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5787 Highest recorded instruction number.
5789 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5791 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5793 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5796 @kindex record delete
5799 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5800 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5801 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5802 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5807 @chapter Examining the Stack
5809 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5810 stopped and how it got there.
5813 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5815 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5816 the arguments of the call,
5817 and the local variables of the function being called.
5818 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5819 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5822 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5823 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5825 @cindex selected frame
5826 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5827 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5828 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5829 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5830 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5831 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5833 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5834 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5835 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5838 * Frames:: Stack frames
5839 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5840 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5841 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5846 @section Stack Frames
5848 @cindex frame, definition
5850 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5851 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5852 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5853 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5854 which the function is executing.
5856 @cindex initial frame
5857 @cindex outermost frame
5858 @cindex innermost frame
5859 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5860 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5861 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5862 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5863 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5864 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5865 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5866 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5868 @cindex frame pointer
5869 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5870 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5871 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5872 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5873 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5874 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5876 @cindex frame number
5877 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5878 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5879 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5880 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5881 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5883 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5884 @c underflow problems.
5885 @cindex frameless execution
5886 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5887 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5889 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5891 generates functions without a frame.)
5892 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5893 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5894 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5895 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5896 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5897 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5898 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5901 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5902 @cindex current stack frame
5903 @item frame @var{args}
5904 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5905 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5906 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5907 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5909 @kindex select-frame
5910 @cindex selecting frame silently
5912 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5913 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5921 @cindex call stack traces
5922 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5923 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5924 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5929 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5932 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5933 frames in the stack.
5935 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5936 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5938 @item backtrace @var{n}
5940 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5942 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5944 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5946 @item backtrace full
5948 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5949 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5950 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5951 number of frames to print, as described above.
5956 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5957 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5959 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5960 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5961 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5962 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5963 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5964 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5965 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5966 multi-threaded program.
5968 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5969 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5970 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5971 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5972 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5975 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5976 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5980 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5982 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5983 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5985 (More stack frames follow...)
5990 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5991 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5992 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5995 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5996 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5997 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5998 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5999 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6001 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6002 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6003 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6004 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6005 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6006 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6007 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6008 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6009 such a backtrace might look like:
6013 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6015 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6016 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6018 (More stack frames follow...)
6023 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6024 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6026 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6027 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6028 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6030 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6031 @cindex program entry point
6032 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6033 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6034 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6035 @code{main}@footnote{
6036 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6037 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6038 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6039 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6040 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6041 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6043 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6044 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6047 @item set backtrace past-main
6048 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6049 @kindex set backtrace
6050 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6052 @item set backtrace past-main off
6053 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6056 @item show backtrace past-main
6057 @kindex show backtrace
6058 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6060 @item set backtrace past-entry
6061 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6062 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6063 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6064 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6066 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6067 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6068 application. This is the default.
6070 @item show backtrace past-entry
6071 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6073 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6074 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6075 @cindex backtrace limit
6076 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6079 @item show backtrace limit
6080 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6084 @section Selecting a Frame
6086 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6087 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6088 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6089 of the stack frame just selected.
6092 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6093 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6096 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6097 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6098 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6101 @item frame @var{addr}
6103 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6104 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6105 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6106 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6107 switches between them.
6109 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6110 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6112 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6113 pointer and a program counter.
6115 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6116 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6120 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6121 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6122 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6125 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6127 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6128 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6129 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6130 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6133 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6134 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6135 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6136 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6144 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6146 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6150 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6151 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6152 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6153 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6154 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6158 @kindex down-silently
6160 @item up-silently @var{n}
6161 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6162 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6163 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6164 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6165 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6170 @section Information About a Frame
6172 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6178 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6179 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6180 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6181 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6182 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6185 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6188 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6193 the address of the frame
6195 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6197 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6199 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6201 the address of the frame's arguments
6203 the address of the frame's local variables
6205 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6207 which registers were saved in the frame
6210 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6211 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6212 the usual conventions.
6214 @item info frame @var{addr}
6215 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6216 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6217 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6218 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6219 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6220 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6224 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6228 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6229 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6230 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6233 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
6234 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
6236 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
6237 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
6238 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
6239 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
6240 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
6246 @chapter Examining Source Files
6248 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6249 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6250 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6251 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6252 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6253 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6254 source files by explicit command.
6256 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6257 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6258 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6261 * List:: Printing source lines
6262 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6263 * Edit:: Editing source files
6264 * Search:: Searching source files
6265 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6266 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6270 @section Printing Source Lines
6273 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6274 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6275 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6276 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6277 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6279 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6282 @item list @var{linenum}
6283 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6284 current source file.
6286 @item list @var{function}
6287 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6291 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6292 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6293 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6294 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6295 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6298 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6301 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6302 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6303 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6306 @kindex set listsize
6307 @item set listsize @var{count}
6308 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6309 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6311 @kindex show listsize
6313 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6316 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6317 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6318 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6319 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6320 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6322 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6323 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6324 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6325 to specify some source line.
6327 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6330 @item list @var{linespec}
6331 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6333 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6334 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6335 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6336 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6337 the same source file as the first linespec.
6339 @item list ,@var{last}
6340 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6342 @item list @var{first},
6343 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6346 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6349 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6352 As described in the preceding table.
6355 @node Specify Location
6356 @section Specifying a Location
6357 @cindex specifying location
6360 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6361 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6362 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6363 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6365 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6366 @value{GDBN} understands:
6370 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6373 @itemx +@var{offset}
6374 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6375 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6376 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6377 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6378 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6379 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6380 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6383 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6384 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6386 @item @var{function}
6387 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6388 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6390 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
6391 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
6393 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6394 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6395 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6396 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6397 functions in different source files.
6400 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6401 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6402 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6403 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6404 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6406 @item *@var{address}
6407 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6408 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6409 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6410 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6411 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6414 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6415 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6416 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6417 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6418 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6422 @item @var{expression}
6423 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6425 @item @var{funcaddr}
6426 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6427 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6428 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6429 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6430 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6431 (although the Pascal form also works).
6433 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6434 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6436 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6437 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6438 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6439 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6440 functions with identical names in different source files.
6447 @section Editing Source Files
6448 @cindex editing source files
6451 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6452 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6453 The editing program of your choice
6454 is invoked with the current line set to
6455 the active line in the program.
6456 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6457 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6460 @item edit @var{location}
6461 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6462 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6463 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6464 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6465 command most commonly used:
6468 @item edit @var{number}
6469 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6471 @item edit @var{function}
6472 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6477 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6478 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6480 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6481 following command-line syntax:
6483 ex +@var{number} file
6485 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6486 the file where to start editing.}.
6487 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6488 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6489 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6490 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6496 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6498 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6503 @section Searching Source Files
6504 @cindex searching source files
6506 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6511 @kindex forward-search
6512 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6513 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6514 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6515 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6516 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6517 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6520 @kindex reverse-search
6521 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6522 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6523 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6524 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6525 this command as @code{rev}.
6529 @section Specifying Source Directories
6532 @cindex directories for source files
6533 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6534 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6535 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6536 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6537 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6538 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6539 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6541 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6542 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6543 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6544 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6545 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6546 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6547 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6548 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6549 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6550 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6551 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6553 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6554 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6555 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6556 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6557 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6558 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6560 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6563 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6564 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6565 each line is in the file.
6569 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6570 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6571 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6573 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6574 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6576 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6577 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6578 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6579 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6580 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6581 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6582 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6583 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6584 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6585 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6586 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6587 name to look up the sources.
6589 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6590 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6591 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6592 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6593 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6594 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6595 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6596 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6598 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6599 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6600 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6601 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6602 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6603 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6604 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6606 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6607 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6608 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6609 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6610 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6611 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6612 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6615 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6616 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6617 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6618 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6619 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6620 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6621 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6623 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6624 @cindex default source path substitution
6625 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6626 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6627 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6628 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6629 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6630 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6631 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6632 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6633 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6637 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6638 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6639 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6640 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6641 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6642 part of absolute file names) or
6643 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6644 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6648 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6649 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6650 @cindex compilation directory
6651 @cindex current directory
6652 @cindex working directory
6653 @cindex directory, current
6654 @cindex directory, compilation
6655 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6656 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6657 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6658 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6659 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6660 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6663 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6665 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6666 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6668 @item set directories @var{path-list}
6669 @kindex set directories
6670 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
6671 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
6673 @item show directories
6674 @kindex show directories
6675 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6677 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6678 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6679 @kindex set substitute-path
6680 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6681 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6682 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6684 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6685 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6688 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6692 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6693 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6694 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6696 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6697 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6698 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6701 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6704 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6705 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6709 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6710 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6711 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6712 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6715 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6716 @kindex unset substitute-path
6717 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6718 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6719 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6721 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6723 @item show substitute-path [path]
6724 @kindex show substitute-path
6725 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6726 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6728 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6733 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6734 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6735 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6739 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6742 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6743 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6744 directories in one command.
6748 @section Source and Machine Code
6749 @cindex source line and its code address
6751 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6752 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6753 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6754 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6755 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6756 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6757 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6762 @item info line @var{linespec}
6763 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6764 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6765 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6768 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6769 the object code for the first line of function
6770 @code{m4_changequote}:
6772 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6773 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6775 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6776 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6780 @cindex code address and its source line
6781 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6782 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6784 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6785 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6788 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6789 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6790 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6791 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6792 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6793 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6794 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6795 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6800 @cindex assembly instructions
6801 @cindex instructions, assembly
6802 @cindex machine instructions
6803 @cindex listing machine instructions
6805 @itemx disassemble /m
6806 @itemx disassemble /r
6807 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6808 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6809 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6810 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6811 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6812 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6813 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6814 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6815 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6816 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
6819 @item @var{start},@var{end}
6820 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
6821 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
6822 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
6823 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
6827 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
6828 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
6830 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6831 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6833 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6834 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6837 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6838 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6841 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6842 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6843 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6844 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6845 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6846 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6847 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6848 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6849 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6850 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6851 End of assembler dump.
6854 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6855 program is stopped just after function prologue:
6858 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6859 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6861 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6862 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6863 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6864 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6865 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6867 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6868 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6869 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6873 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6874 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6875 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6877 End of assembler dump.
6880 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
6883 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
6884 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
6885 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
6886 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
6887 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
6888 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
6889 End of assembler dump.
6892 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6893 mnemonics or other syntax.
6895 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6896 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6897 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6898 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6899 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6902 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6903 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6904 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6905 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6906 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6907 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6909 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6910 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6911 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6912 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6914 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6915 @item show disassembly-flavor
6916 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6920 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6921 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6922 @item set disassemble-next-line
6923 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6924 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6925 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6926 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6927 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6928 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6929 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6930 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6931 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6932 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6933 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6934 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6935 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6936 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6937 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6943 @chapter Examining Data
6945 @cindex printing data
6946 @cindex examining data
6949 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6950 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6951 @c different window or something like that.
6952 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6953 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6954 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6955 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6956 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
6957 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
6960 @item print @var{expr}
6961 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6962 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6963 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6964 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6965 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6969 @itemx print /@var{f}
6970 @cindex reprint the last value
6971 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6972 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6973 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6976 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6977 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6978 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6980 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6981 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6982 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6986 * Expressions:: Expressions
6987 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6988 * Variables:: Program variables
6989 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6990 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6991 * Memory:: Examining memory
6992 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6993 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6994 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
6995 * Value History:: Value history
6996 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6997 * Registers:: Registers
6998 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6999 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
7000 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
7001 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
7002 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
7003 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
7004 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
7005 character set than GDB does
7006 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
7007 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
7011 @section Expressions
7014 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
7015 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
7016 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
7017 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
7018 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
7019 you compiled your program to include this information; see
7022 @cindex arrays in expressions
7023 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
7024 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
7025 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
7026 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
7027 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
7028 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
7030 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7031 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7032 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7035 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7036 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7038 @cindex casts, in expressions
7039 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7040 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7041 at that address in memory.
7042 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7044 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7045 to programming languages:
7049 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7050 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7053 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7054 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7056 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7057 @cindex type casting memory
7058 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7059 @cindex casts, to view memory
7060 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7061 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7062 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7063 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7064 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7065 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7068 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7069 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7070 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7072 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7073 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7074 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7075 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7076 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7077 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7078 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7080 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7081 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7082 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7083 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7084 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7087 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7088 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7089 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7090 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7091 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7092 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7093 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7096 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7097 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7098 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7100 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7103 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7106 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7107 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7108 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7109 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7110 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7111 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7113 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7114 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7115 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7116 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7117 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7124 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7125 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7126 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7128 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7131 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7132 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7133 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7134 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7135 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7136 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7137 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7138 in the use of the menu.
7140 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7141 when an ambiguity is detected.
7143 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7144 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7146 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7147 @item show multiple-symbols
7148 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7152 @section Program Variables
7154 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7157 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7158 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7162 global (or file-static)
7169 visible according to the scope rules of the
7170 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7173 @noindent This means that in the function
7188 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7189 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7190 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7191 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7193 @cindex variable name conflict
7194 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7195 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7196 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7197 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7198 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7199 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
7200 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7202 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7204 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7205 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7208 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7209 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7213 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7214 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7215 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7216 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7219 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7222 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7223 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7224 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7225 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7226 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7229 @cindex wrong values
7230 @cindex variable values, wrong
7231 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7232 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7234 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7235 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7236 scope, and just before exit.
7238 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7239 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7240 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7241 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7242 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7243 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7244 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7245 variable definitions may be gone.
7247 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7248 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7251 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7252 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7253 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7254 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7255 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7256 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7257 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7260 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7263 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7264 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7265 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
7266 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
7267 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
7268 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
7269 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
7270 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
7271 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
7272 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
7273 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7275 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7276 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7277 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7278 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7280 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7281 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7282 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7283 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7284 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7289 signed char var1[] = "A";
7292 You get during debugging
7297 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7301 @section Artificial Arrays
7303 @cindex artificial array
7305 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7306 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7307 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7308 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7311 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7312 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7313 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7314 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7315 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7316 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7317 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7318 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7319 example. If a program says
7322 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7326 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7332 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7333 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7334 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7335 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7336 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7338 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7339 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7340 The value need not be in memory:
7342 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7343 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7346 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7347 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7348 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7350 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7351 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7354 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7355 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7356 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7357 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7358 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7359 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7360 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7361 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7362 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7363 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7373 @node Output Formats
7374 @section Output Formats
7376 @cindex formatted output
7377 @cindex output formats
7378 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7379 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7380 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7381 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7382 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7384 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7385 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7386 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7387 letters supported are:
7391 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7395 Print as integer in signed decimal.
7398 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7401 Print as integer in octal.
7404 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7405 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7406 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7407 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7410 @cindex unknown address, locating
7411 @cindex locate address
7412 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7413 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7414 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7417 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7418 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7422 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7423 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7426 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7427 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7428 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7429 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7431 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7432 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7433 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7437 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7438 using typical floating point syntax.
7441 @cindex printing strings
7442 @cindex printing byte arrays
7443 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7444 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7445 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7448 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7449 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7450 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7454 @cindex raw printing
7455 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7456 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
7457 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
7458 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
7459 pretty-printer which might exist.
7462 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7469 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7470 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7472 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7473 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7474 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7477 @section Examining Memory
7479 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7480 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7482 @cindex examining memory
7484 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7485 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7488 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7491 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7492 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7493 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7494 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7495 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7498 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
7499 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7500 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7501 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7504 @item @var{f}, the display format
7505 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7506 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7507 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7508 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7509 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7511 @item @var{u}, the unit size
7512 The unit size is any of
7518 Halfwords (two bytes).
7520 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7522 Giant words (eight bytes).
7525 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7526 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
7527 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
7528 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
7529 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
7530 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
7531 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
7532 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
7533 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
7534 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
7537 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
7538 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7539 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7540 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7541 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7542 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7543 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7544 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7545 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7546 a value from memory).
7549 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7550 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7551 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7552 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7553 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7555 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7556 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7557 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7558 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7559 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7561 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7562 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7563 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7564 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7565 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7566 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7567 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7568 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7569 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7571 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7572 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7573 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7574 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7575 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7576 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7577 for successive uses of @code{x}.
7579 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7580 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7583 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7584 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7585 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7586 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7587 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7588 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7591 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7592 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7593 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7594 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7595 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7596 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7597 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7598 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7599 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7601 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7602 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7603 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7605 @cindex remote memory comparison
7606 @cindex verify remote memory image
7607 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7608 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7609 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7610 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7614 @kindex compare-sections
7615 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7616 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7617 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7618 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7619 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7620 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7625 @section Automatic Display
7626 @cindex automatic display
7627 @cindex display of expressions
7629 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7630 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7631 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7632 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7633 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7634 The automatic display looks like this:
7638 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7642 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7643 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7644 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7645 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7646 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7647 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7651 @item display @var{expr}
7652 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7653 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7655 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7657 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7658 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7659 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7660 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7661 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7663 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7664 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7665 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7666 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7667 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7670 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7671 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7672 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7675 @kindex delete display
7677 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7678 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7679 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
7680 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
7681 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
7682 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
7683 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7685 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7686 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7688 @kindex disable display
7689 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7690 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7691 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7692 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
7693 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
7694 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
7695 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
7696 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7698 @kindex enable display
7699 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7700 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7701 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7702 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
7703 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
7704 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
7705 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
7708 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7709 done when your program stops.
7711 @kindex info display
7713 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7714 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7715 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7716 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7717 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7720 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7721 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7722 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7723 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7724 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7725 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7726 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7727 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7728 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7729 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7730 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7732 @node Print Settings
7733 @section Print Settings
7735 @cindex format options
7736 @cindex print settings
7737 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7738 and symbols are printed.
7741 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7745 @item set print address
7746 @itemx set print address on
7747 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7748 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7749 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7750 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7751 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7752 @code{set print address on}:
7757 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7759 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7763 @item set print address off
7764 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7765 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7769 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7771 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7772 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7776 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7777 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7778 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7779 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7782 @item show print address
7783 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7786 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7787 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7788 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7789 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7790 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7791 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7792 it prints a symbolic address:
7795 @item set print symbol-filename on
7796 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7797 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7798 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7799 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7801 @item set print symbol-filename off
7802 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7805 @item show print symbol-filename
7806 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7807 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7810 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7811 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7812 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7814 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7815 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7818 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7819 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7820 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7821 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7822 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7823 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7825 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7826 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7830 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7831 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7832 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7833 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7834 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7835 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7836 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7837 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7840 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7841 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7842 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7846 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7847 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7848 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7851 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7854 @item set print array
7855 @itemx set print array on
7856 @cindex pretty print arrays
7857 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7858 but uses more space. The default is off.
7860 @item set print array off
7861 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7863 @item show print array
7864 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7867 @cindex print array indexes
7868 @item set print array-indexes
7869 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7870 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7871 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7872 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7874 @item set print array-indexes off
7875 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7877 @item show print array-indexes
7878 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7881 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7882 @cindex number of array elements to print
7883 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7884 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7885 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7886 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7887 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7888 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7889 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7891 @item show print elements
7892 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7893 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7895 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7896 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7897 @cindex printing frame argument values
7898 @cindex print all frame argument values
7899 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7900 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7901 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7902 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7907 The values of all arguments are printed.
7910 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7911 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7912 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7913 only scalar arguments are shown:
7916 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7921 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7922 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7925 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7930 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7931 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7932 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7933 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7934 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7935 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7936 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7937 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7938 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7939 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7941 @item show print frame-arguments
7942 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7944 @item set print repeats
7945 @cindex repeated array elements
7946 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7947 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7948 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7949 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7950 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7951 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7952 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7954 @item show print repeats
7955 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7958 @item set print null-stop
7959 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7960 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7961 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7962 contain only short strings.
7965 @item show print null-stop
7966 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7967 @sc{null} character.
7969 @item set print pretty on
7970 @cindex print structures in indented form
7971 @cindex indentation in structure display
7972 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7973 per line, like this:
7988 @item set print pretty off
7989 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7993 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7994 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7999 This is the default format.
8001 @item show print pretty
8002 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
8004 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
8005 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
8006 @cindex octal escapes in strings
8007 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
8008 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
8009 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
8010 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
8011 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
8013 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
8014 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
8015 international character sets, and is the default.
8017 @item show print sevenbit-strings
8018 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
8020 @item set print union on
8021 @cindex unions in structures, printing
8022 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
8023 and other unions. This is the default setting.
8025 @item set print union off
8026 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
8027 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
8030 @item show print union
8031 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
8032 structures and other unions.
8034 For example, given the declarations
8037 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
8038 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
8039 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
8050 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8054 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8057 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8061 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8064 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8068 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8074 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8077 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8078 @item set print demangle
8079 @itemx set print demangle on
8080 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8081 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8082 linkage. The default is on.
8084 @item show print demangle
8085 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8087 @item set print asm-demangle
8088 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8089 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8090 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8093 @item show print asm-demangle
8094 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8097 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8098 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8099 @kindex set demangle-style
8100 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8101 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8102 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8106 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8109 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8110 This is the default.
8113 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8116 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8119 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8120 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8121 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8122 require further enhancement to permit that.
8125 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8127 @item show demangle-style
8128 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8130 @item set print object
8131 @itemx set print object on
8132 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8133 @cindex display derived types
8134 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8135 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8136 the virtual function table.
8138 @item set print object off
8139 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8140 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8142 @item show print object
8143 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8145 @item set print static-members
8146 @itemx set print static-members on
8147 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8148 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8150 @item set print static-members off
8151 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8153 @item show print static-members
8154 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8156 @item set print pascal_static-members
8157 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8158 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8159 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8160 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8162 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8163 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8165 @item show print pascal_static-members
8166 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8168 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8169 @item set print vtbl
8170 @itemx set print vtbl on
8171 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8172 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8173 @cindex VTBL display
8174 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8175 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8176 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8178 @item set print vtbl off
8179 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8181 @item show print vtbl
8182 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8185 @node Pretty Printing
8186 @section Pretty Printing
8188 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8189 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8190 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8193 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8194 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8195 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8198 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8199 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8201 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8202 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8203 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8205 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8206 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8207 pretty-printers with their names.
8208 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8209 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8210 Each such subprinter has its own name.
8211 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8213 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8214 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8215 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8216 do anything special.
8218 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8222 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8226 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8227 when debugging that program.
8228 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8231 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8232 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8233 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8236 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8237 pretty-printers are selected,
8239 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8242 @node Pretty-Printer Example
8243 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8245 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
8248 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8250 static npos = 4294967295,
8252 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
8253 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
8254 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
8256 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
8257 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
8258 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
8263 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
8266 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8270 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
8271 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
8272 @cindex pretty-printer commands
8275 @kindex info pretty-printer
8276 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8277 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
8278 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
8280 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
8281 whose pretty-printers to list.
8282 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
8283 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
8284 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
8285 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
8286 looks up a printer from these three objects.
8288 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
8291 @kindex disable pretty-printer
8292 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8293 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8294 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
8296 @kindex enable pretty-printer
8297 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8298 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8303 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
8304 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
8305 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
8306 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
8309 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8316 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8321 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
8323 2 of 3 printers enabled
8324 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8331 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
8333 1 of 3 printers enabled
8334 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8341 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
8343 0 of 3 printers enabled
8344 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8353 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
8354 as can each individual subprinter.
8357 @section Value History
8359 @cindex value history
8360 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
8361 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
8362 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
8363 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
8364 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
8365 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
8366 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
8371 @cindex history number
8372 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
8373 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
8374 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
8375 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
8378 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
8379 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
8380 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
8381 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
8382 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
8383 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
8384 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
8386 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
8387 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
8393 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
8394 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
8401 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
8402 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
8404 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
8405 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
8413 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
8414 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
8419 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
8420 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
8421 values} does not change the history.
8423 @item show values @var{n}
8424 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
8427 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
8428 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
8431 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
8432 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
8434 @node Convenience Vars
8435 @section Convenience Variables
8437 @cindex convenience variables
8438 @cindex user-defined variables
8439 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
8440 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
8441 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
8442 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
8443 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
8445 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
8446 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
8447 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8448 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
8449 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
8451 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
8452 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
8456 set $foo = *object_ptr
8460 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
8463 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
8464 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
8465 value with another assignment at any time.
8467 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
8468 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
8469 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
8470 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
8473 @kindex show convenience
8474 @cindex show all user variables
8475 @item show convenience
8476 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
8477 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
8479 @kindex init-if-undefined
8480 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
8481 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
8482 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
8483 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
8484 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
8485 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
8486 override default values used in a command script.
8488 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8489 any side-effects do not occur.
8492 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8493 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8494 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8498 print bar[$i++]->contents
8502 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8504 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8505 values likely to be useful.
8508 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8510 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8511 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8512 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8513 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8514 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8515 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8516 to the type of @code{$__}.
8518 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8520 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8521 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8522 to match the format in which the data was printed.
8525 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8526 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8527 the program being debugged terminates.
8530 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
8531 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
8532 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
8533 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
8534 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
8537 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8538 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8539 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8540 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8541 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8544 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
8545 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
8546 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
8547 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
8548 @xref{General Query Packets}.
8549 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
8553 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8554 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8555 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8557 @cindex convenience functions
8558 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8559 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8560 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8561 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8566 @kindex help function
8567 @cindex show all convenience functions
8568 Print a list of all convenience functions.
8575 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8576 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8577 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8581 @kindex info registers
8582 @item info registers
8583 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8584 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8586 @kindex info all-registers
8587 @cindex floating point registers
8588 @item info all-registers
8589 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8590 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8592 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8593 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8594 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8595 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8596 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8599 @cindex stack pointer register
8600 @cindex program counter register
8601 @cindex process status register
8602 @cindex frame pointer register
8603 @cindex standard registers
8604 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8605 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8606 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8607 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8608 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8609 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8610 register that contains the processor status. For example,
8611 you could print the program counter in hex with
8618 or print the instruction to be executed next with
8625 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8626 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8627 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8628 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8629 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8630 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8631 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8637 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8638 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8639 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8640 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8641 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8642 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8643 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8645 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8646 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8647 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8648 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8649 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8650 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8651 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8653 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8654 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8655 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8656 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8657 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8658 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8659 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8660 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8661 prints the data in both formats.
8663 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
8664 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
8665 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8666 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8667 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8668 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8669 registers in @code{struct} notation:
8672 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8674 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8675 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8676 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8677 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8678 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8679 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8680 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8685 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8686 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8687 value to a @code{struct} member:
8690 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8693 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8694 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8695 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8696 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8697 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8698 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8700 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8701 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8702 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8703 frame makes no difference.
8705 @node Floating Point Hardware
8706 @section Floating Point Hardware
8707 @cindex floating point
8709 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8710 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8715 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8716 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8717 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8718 the ARM and x86 machines.
8722 @section Vector Unit
8725 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8726 more information about the status of the vector unit.
8731 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8732 layout vary depending on the hardware.
8735 @node OS Information
8736 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8737 @cindex OS information
8739 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8740 you debug your program.
8742 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8743 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
8744 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8745 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8746 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8747 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8748 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8754 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8755 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8756 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8757 the @code{examine} command.
8760 @cindex auxiliary vector
8761 @cindex vector, auxiliary
8762 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8763 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8764 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8765 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8766 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8767 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8768 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8769 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8770 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8771 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8772 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8777 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8778 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8779 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8780 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8781 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8782 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8783 an unrecognized tag.
8786 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8787 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8788 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8789 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8794 List the types of OS information available for the target. If the
8795 target does not return a list of possible types, this command will
8798 @kindex info os processes
8799 @item info os processes
8800 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8801 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8802 the command corresponding to the process.
8805 @node Memory Region Attributes
8806 @section Memory Region Attributes
8807 @cindex memory region attributes
8809 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8810 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8811 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8812 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8813 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8814 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8815 user can override the fetched regions.
8817 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8818 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8819 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8820 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8823 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8824 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8828 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8829 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8830 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8831 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8832 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8833 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8836 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8837 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8840 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8841 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8842 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8845 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8846 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8847 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8848 It may be enabled again later.
8851 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8852 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8856 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8860 @item Memory Region Number
8861 @item Enabled or Disabled.
8862 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8863 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8866 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8869 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8872 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8877 @subsection Attributes
8879 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8880 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8881 write accesses to a memory region.
8883 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8884 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8885 etc.@: from accessing memory.
8889 Memory is read only.
8891 Memory is write only.
8893 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8896 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8897 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8898 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8899 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8900 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8904 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8906 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8908 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8910 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8913 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8914 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8915 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8916 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8920 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8921 @c @item swbreak (default)
8924 @subsubsection Data Cache
8925 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8926 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8927 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8928 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8933 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8935 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8938 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8939 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8940 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8941 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8942 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8945 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8946 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8947 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8948 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8949 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8950 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8951 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8952 The default value is @code{on}.
8953 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8954 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8955 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8959 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8960 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8961 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8965 @c @item noverify (default)
8968 @node Dump/Restore Files
8969 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8970 @cindex dump/restore files
8971 @cindex append data to a file
8972 @cindex dump data to a file
8973 @cindex restore data from a file
8975 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8976 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8977 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8978 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8979 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8980 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8986 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8987 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8988 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8989 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8991 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8998 Motorola S-record format.
9000 Tektronix Hex format.
9003 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
9004 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
9005 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
9009 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
9010 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
9011 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
9012 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
9013 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
9016 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
9017 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
9018 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
9019 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
9020 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
9022 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
9023 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
9024 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
9025 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
9028 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
9029 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
9030 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
9031 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
9035 @node Core File Generation
9036 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
9037 @cindex dump core from inferior
9039 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
9040 image of a running process and its process status (register values
9041 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9042 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9043 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9044 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9045 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9047 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9048 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9049 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9053 @kindex generate-core-file
9054 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9055 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9056 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9057 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9058 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9059 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9061 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9062 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9065 @node Character Sets
9066 @section Character Sets
9067 @cindex character sets
9069 @cindex translating between character sets
9070 @cindex host character set
9071 @cindex target character set
9073 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9074 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9075 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9076 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9077 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9078 @dfn{target character set}.
9080 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9081 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9082 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9083 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9084 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9085 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9086 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9087 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9088 character and string literals in expressions.
9090 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9091 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9092 target-charset} command, described below.
9094 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9098 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
9099 @kindex set target-charset
9100 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9101 list of supported target character sets, type
9102 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9104 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
9105 @kindex set host-charset
9106 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9108 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9109 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9110 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9111 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9112 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9114 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9115 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9116 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9118 @item set charset @var{charset}
9120 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
9121 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9122 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
9123 for both host and target.
9126 @kindex show charset
9127 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
9129 @item show host-charset
9130 @kindex show host-charset
9131 Show the name of the current host character set.
9133 @item show target-charset
9134 @kindex show target-charset
9135 Show the name of the current target character set.
9137 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
9138 @kindex set target-wide-charset
9139 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
9140 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
9141 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
9142 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9144 @item show target-wide-charset
9145 @kindex show target-wide-charset
9146 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
9149 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
9150 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
9151 @file{charset-test.c}:
9157 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
9158 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
9159 char ibm1047_hello[]
9160 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
9161 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
9165 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9169 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
9170 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
9171 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
9173 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
9176 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
9177 $ gdb -nw charset-test
9178 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
9179 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9184 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
9185 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
9189 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9190 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
9194 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
9195 initial character set:
9197 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
9198 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9199 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
9203 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
9204 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
9205 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
9206 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
9207 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
9210 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9211 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
9212 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9217 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
9218 literals you use in expressions:
9221 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9226 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
9229 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
9230 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
9231 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
9234 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9235 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
9236 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9241 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
9242 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
9245 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9246 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
9247 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9250 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
9251 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
9252 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
9253 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
9254 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
9257 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
9258 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9259 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
9260 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
9261 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9262 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
9263 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9265 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9266 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
9267 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9272 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
9273 string literals you use in expressions:
9276 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9281 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
9284 @node Caching Remote Data
9285 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
9286 @cindex caching data of remote targets
9288 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
9289 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
9290 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
9291 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
9292 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
9293 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
9294 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
9295 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
9296 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
9297 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
9298 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
9299 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
9300 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
9301 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
9302 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
9305 @kindex set remotecache
9306 @item set remotecache on
9307 @itemx set remotecache off
9308 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
9311 @kindex show remotecache
9312 @item show remotecache
9313 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
9315 @kindex set stack-cache
9316 @item set stack-cache on
9317 @itemx set stack-cache off
9318 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
9319 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
9321 @kindex show stack-cache
9322 @item show stack-cache
9323 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
9326 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
9327 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
9328 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
9329 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
9330 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
9333 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
9337 @node Searching Memory
9338 @section Search Memory
9339 @cindex searching memory
9341 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
9342 @code{find} command.
9346 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9347 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9348 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
9349 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
9350 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
9353 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
9354 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
9357 @item @var{s}, search query size
9358 The size of each search query value.
9364 halfwords (two bytes)
9368 giant words (eight bytes)
9371 All values are interpreted in the current language.
9372 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
9373 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
9375 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
9376 value's type in the current language.
9377 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
9378 pattern as a mixture of types.
9379 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
9380 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
9381 which is typically four bytes.
9383 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
9384 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
9387 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
9389 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
9390 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
9392 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
9393 number of matches found.
9395 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
9397 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
9399 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
9405 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
9406 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
9407 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
9408 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
9409 printf ("%s\n", hello);
9414 you get during debugging:
9417 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
9418 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9420 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
9421 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9422 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9424 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
9425 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9427 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
9428 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
9430 (gdb) print $numfound
9433 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
9436 @node Optimized Code
9437 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
9438 @cindex optimized code, debugging
9439 @cindex debugging optimized code
9441 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
9442 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
9443 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
9444 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
9445 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
9446 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
9447 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
9449 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
9450 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
9451 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
9452 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
9454 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
9455 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
9456 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
9457 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
9458 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
9459 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
9461 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
9462 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
9463 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
9464 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
9465 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
9468 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
9471 @node Inline Functions
9472 @section Inline Functions
9473 @cindex inline functions, debugging
9475 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
9476 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
9477 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
9478 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
9479 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
9480 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
9481 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
9482 @code{info frame} command.
9484 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
9485 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
9486 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
9487 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
9488 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
9489 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
9490 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
9491 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
9492 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
9493 local variables in the caller.
9495 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
9496 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
9497 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
9498 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
9499 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
9500 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
9501 instructions are executed.
9503 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
9504 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
9505 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
9506 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
9508 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9509 function calls are the same as normal calls:
9513 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9514 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9515 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9516 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9517 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9521 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9522 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9523 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9524 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9525 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9526 or inside the inlined function instead.
9529 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9530 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9531 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9532 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9538 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9540 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9541 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9542 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9543 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9544 where it was defined.
9546 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9547 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9548 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9549 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9551 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9552 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9553 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9554 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9555 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9556 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9559 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9560 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9561 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9565 @kindex macro expand
9566 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9567 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9568 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9569 @item macro expand @var{expression}
9570 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9571 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9572 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9573 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9574 it can be any string of tokens.
9577 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9578 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9579 @cindex expand macro once
9580 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9581 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9582 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9583 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9584 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9585 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9586 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9587 can be any string of tokens.
9590 @cindex macro definition, showing
9591 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
9592 @item info macro @var{macro}
9593 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9594 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9596 @kindex macro define
9597 @cindex user-defined macros
9598 @cindex defining macros interactively
9599 @cindex macros, user-defined
9600 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9601 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9602 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9603 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9604 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9605 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9606 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9609 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9610 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9611 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9612 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9613 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9616 @item macro undef @var{macro}
9617 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9618 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9619 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9620 in the program being debugged.
9624 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9627 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
9628 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9629 show our source files:
9637 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9642 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9644 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9646 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9653 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9654 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9655 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9659 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9663 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9667 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9668 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9669 GDB is free software, @dots{}
9673 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9674 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9675 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9678 (@value{GDBP}) list main
9681 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9686 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9688 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9689 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9690 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9691 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9692 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9693 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9694 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9696 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9697 expands to: (42 + 1)
9698 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9699 expands to: once (M + 1)
9703 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9704 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9705 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9706 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9708 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9709 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9712 (@value{GDBP}) break main
9713 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9715 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9717 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
9718 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9722 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9725 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9726 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9728 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9730 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9735 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9736 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9737 thereof) in force at each point:
9742 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9743 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9744 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9745 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9748 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9749 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9750 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9752 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9753 expands to: 1729 < 42
9754 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9759 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9760 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9761 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9762 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9765 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9766 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9773 @chapter Tracepoints
9774 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9775 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9778 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9779 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9780 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9781 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9782 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9783 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9784 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9786 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9787 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9788 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9789 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9790 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9791 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9792 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9793 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9794 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9795 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9796 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9798 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9799 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9800 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9801 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9802 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9803 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9806 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9807 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9808 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9810 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9814 * Analyze Collected Data::
9815 * Tracepoint Variables::
9819 @node Set Tracepoints
9820 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9822 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9823 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9824 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9825 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9826 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9827 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9828 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9830 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9831 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9832 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9833 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9834 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9837 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
9838 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
9839 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
9842 @cindex fast tracepoints
9843 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9844 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9845 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9847 @cindex static tracepoints
9848 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
9849 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
9850 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
9851 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
9852 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
9853 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
9854 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
9855 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
9856 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
9857 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
9858 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
9859 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
9860 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
9861 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
9862 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
9863 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
9864 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
9865 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
9866 static tracepoint marker.
9868 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
9869 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
9871 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9872 conditions and actions.
9875 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9876 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9877 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
9878 * Tracepoint Conditions::
9879 * Trace State Variables::
9880 * Tracepoint Actions::
9881 * Listing Tracepoints::
9882 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
9883 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9884 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
9887 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9888 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9891 @cindex set tracepoint
9893 @item trace @var{location}
9894 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9895 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9896 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9897 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9898 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9899 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9900 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9901 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9902 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9904 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9907 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9909 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9911 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9913 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9915 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9919 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9921 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9922 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9923 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9924 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9925 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9926 information on tracepoint conditions.
9928 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9929 @cindex set fast tracepoint
9930 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
9932 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9933 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9934 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9935 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9936 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9937 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9940 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9943 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9944 @cindex set static tracepoint
9945 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
9946 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
9948 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
9949 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
9950 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
9951 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
9952 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
9954 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
9955 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
9956 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
9957 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
9958 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
9959 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
9960 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
9961 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
9962 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
9968 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
9973 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
9974 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
9977 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
9978 Cnt Enb ID Address What
9979 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
9985 so you may probe the marker above with:
9988 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
9991 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
9992 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
9993 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
9994 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
9995 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
9996 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
9997 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
9998 the @samp{Data:} field.
10000 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
10001 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
10002 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
10005 @cindex last tracepoint number
10006 @cindex recent tracepoint number
10007 @cindex tracepoint number
10008 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
10009 of the most recently set tracepoint.
10011 @kindex delete tracepoint
10012 @cindex tracepoint deletion
10013 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10014 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
10015 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
10016 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
10021 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
10023 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
10027 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
10030 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
10031 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
10033 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
10036 @kindex disable tracepoint
10037 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10038 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
10039 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
10040 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
10041 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
10042 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
10043 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
10044 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
10045 next trace experiment.
10047 @kindex enable tracepoint
10048 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10049 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
10050 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
10051 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
10052 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
10053 next time a trace experiment is run.
10056 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
10057 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
10061 @cindex tracepoint pass count
10062 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
10063 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
10064 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
10065 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
10066 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
10067 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
10068 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
10069 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
10075 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
10076 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
10078 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
10079 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
10080 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10081 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
10082 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
10083 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
10084 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
10085 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
10086 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
10087 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
10088 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
10092 @node Tracepoint Conditions
10093 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
10094 @cindex conditional tracepoints
10095 @cindex tracepoint conditions
10097 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
10098 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
10099 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
10100 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
10101 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
10102 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
10105 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
10106 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
10107 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
10108 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
10109 just as with breakpoints.
10111 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
10112 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
10113 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
10114 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
10115 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
10116 accesses, and so forth.
10118 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
10119 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
10120 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
10121 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
10122 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
10123 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
10127 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
10130 @node Trace State Variables
10131 @subsection Trace State Variables
10132 @cindex trace state variables
10134 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
10135 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
10136 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
10137 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
10138 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
10141 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
10142 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
10143 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
10144 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
10146 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
10147 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
10148 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
10149 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
10150 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
10151 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
10152 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
10153 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
10154 variable with the same name.
10158 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
10160 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
10161 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
10162 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
10163 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
10164 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
10165 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
10166 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
10167 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
10168 value. The default initial value is 0.
10170 @item info tvariables
10171 @kindex info tvariables
10172 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
10173 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
10176 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
10177 @kindex delete tvariable
10178 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
10183 @node Tracepoint Actions
10184 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
10188 @cindex tracepoint actions
10189 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10190 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
10191 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
10192 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
10193 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
10194 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
10195 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
10196 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
10197 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
10198 @code{while-stepping}.
10200 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
10201 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
10202 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
10204 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
10205 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
10206 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
10209 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
10211 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
10213 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
10216 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
10217 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
10218 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
10219 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
10220 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
10221 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
10222 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
10223 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
10226 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10227 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10228 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
10231 > while-stepping 12
10232 > collect $pc, arr[i]
10237 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
10238 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10239 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
10240 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
10241 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
10242 special arguments are supported:
10246 Collect all registers.
10249 Collect all function arguments.
10252 Collect all local variables.
10255 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
10256 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
10257 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
10258 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
10259 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
10260 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
10261 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
10262 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
10263 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
10266 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
10267 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
10270 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
10271 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
10272 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
10276 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
10277 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
10278 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
10280 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
10281 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
10283 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
10284 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10285 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
10286 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
10287 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
10288 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
10289 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
10292 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
10293 @item while-stepping @var{n}
10294 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
10295 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
10296 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
10297 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
10300 > while-stepping 12
10301 > collect $regs, myglobal
10307 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
10308 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
10309 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
10312 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10313 @kindex set default-collect
10314 @cindex default collection action
10315 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
10316 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
10317 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
10318 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
10319 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
10320 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
10322 @item show default-collect
10323 @kindex show default-collect
10324 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
10329 @node Listing Tracepoints
10330 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
10333 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10334 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
10335 @cindex information about tracepoints
10336 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
10337 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
10338 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
10339 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
10340 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
10341 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
10343 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
10348 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
10352 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
10353 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
10354 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
10356 collect globfoo, $regs
10365 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
10368 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10369 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10372 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
10373 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
10374 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
10375 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
10378 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
10382 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
10385 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
10386 @item Enabled or Disabled
10387 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
10388 that are not enabled.
10390 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
10392 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
10393 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
10394 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
10395 will be left blank.
10399 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
10403 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
10404 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
10406 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
10407 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
10411 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
10412 Cnt ID Enb Address What
10413 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
10414 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
10415 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
10416 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
10422 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10423 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10427 @cindex start a new trace experiment
10428 @cindex collected data discarded
10430 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
10431 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
10432 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
10436 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
10438 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
10439 stops collecting data.
10441 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
10442 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
10443 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
10446 @cindex status of trace data collection
10447 @cindex trace experiment, status of
10449 This command displays the status of the current trace data
10453 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
10456 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
10457 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10458 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
10459 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
10460 > while-stepping 11
10464 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10465 [time passes @dots{}]
10466 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
10469 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
10470 @cindex disconnected tracing
10471 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
10472 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
10473 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
10474 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
10475 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
10476 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
10477 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
10478 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
10481 @item set disconnected-tracing on
10482 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
10483 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
10484 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
10485 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
10486 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
10487 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
10488 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
10490 @item show disconnected-tracing
10491 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
10492 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
10496 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
10497 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
10498 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
10499 it will continue after reconnection.
10501 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
10502 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
10503 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
10504 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
10505 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
10506 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
10507 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
10508 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
10509 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
10510 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
10512 @cindex circular trace buffer
10513 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
10514 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
10515 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
10516 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
10517 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
10518 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
10519 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
10520 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
10521 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
10522 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
10526 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
10527 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
10528 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
10529 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
10530 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
10531 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
10532 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
10534 @item show circular-trace-buffer
10535 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
10536 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
10537 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
10538 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
10539 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
10543 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
10544 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
10546 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
10547 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
10548 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
10549 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
10550 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
10551 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
10552 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
10553 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
10559 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
10560 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
10561 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
10562 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
10563 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
10564 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
10565 cannot be collected either.
10568 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
10569 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
10570 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
10571 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
10572 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
10573 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
10574 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
10575 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
10576 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
10577 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
10580 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
10581 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
10582 in a misleading way.
10585 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
10586 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
10587 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
10588 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
10589 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
10590 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
10591 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
10595 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
10596 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
10597 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*$esp@@300}
10598 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
10599 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
10600 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
10601 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
10602 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
10603 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
10604 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
10608 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
10609 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
10610 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
10611 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
10612 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
10613 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
10614 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
10619 @node Analyze Collected Data
10620 @section Using the Collected Data
10622 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
10623 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
10624 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
10625 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
10626 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
10627 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
10628 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
10629 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
10630 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
10631 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
10632 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
10633 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
10634 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
10635 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
10636 the buffer will fail.
10639 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
10640 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
10641 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
10645 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
10648 @cindex select trace snapshot
10649 @cindex find trace snapshot
10650 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
10651 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
10652 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
10653 snapshot is selected.
10655 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
10659 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
10660 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
10663 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
10666 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
10669 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
10672 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
10673 retracing earlier steps.
10675 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
10676 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
10677 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
10678 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
10679 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
10681 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
10682 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
10683 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
10684 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
10685 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
10687 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10688 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
10689 addresses (exclusive).
10691 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10692 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
10693 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
10695 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
10696 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
10697 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
10698 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
10699 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
10700 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
10701 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
10702 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
10705 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
10706 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
10707 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
10708 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
10709 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
10710 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
10711 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
10712 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
10713 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
10714 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
10715 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
10716 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
10717 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
10718 tracepoint as the current one.
10720 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
10721 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
10722 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
10723 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
10724 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
10727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10728 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10729 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
10730 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
10734 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
10735 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
10736 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
10737 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
10738 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
10739 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
10740 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
10741 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
10742 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
10743 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
10744 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
10747 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
10751 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10753 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
10763 @subsection @code{tdump}
10765 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
10766 @cindex tracepoint data, display
10768 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
10769 the current trace snapshot.
10772 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
10773 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10774 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
10775 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
10778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10780 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
10781 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
10783 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
10785 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10786 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10787 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10791 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10794 d7 0x380035 3670069
10795 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10796 a1 0x3000668 50333288
10798 a3 0x322000 3284992
10799 a4 0x3000698 50333336
10800 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10801 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10802 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10804 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10808 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10815 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10820 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
10821 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
10822 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
10823 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
10825 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
10826 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
10827 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
10828 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
10829 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
10830 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
10831 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
10832 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
10833 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
10834 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
10836 @node save tracepoints
10837 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
10838 @kindex save tracepoints
10839 @kindex save-tracepoints
10840 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10842 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10843 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10844 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10845 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10846 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
10847 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
10849 @node Tracepoint Variables
10850 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10851 @cindex tracepoint variables
10852 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10855 @vindex $trace_frame
10856 @item (int) $trace_frame
10857 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10858 snapshot is selected.
10860 @vindex $tracepoint
10861 @item (int) $tracepoint
10862 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10864 @vindex $trace_line
10865 @item (int) $trace_line
10866 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10868 @vindex $trace_file
10869 @item (char []) $trace_file
10870 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10872 @vindex $trace_func
10873 @item (char []) $trace_func
10874 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10877 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10878 use @code{output} instead.
10880 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10881 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10882 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10883 which are managed by the target.
10886 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10888 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10889 > output $trace_file
10890 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10896 @section Using Trace Files
10897 @cindex trace files
10899 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10900 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10901 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10902 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10903 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10908 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10909 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10910 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10911 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10912 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10913 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10914 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10915 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10916 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10918 @kindex target tfile
10920 @item target tfile @var{filename}
10921 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10922 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10923 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10924 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10925 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10926 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10931 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10934 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10935 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10936 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10940 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10941 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10942 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10943 mapped by asking the inferior.
10944 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10947 @node How Overlays Work
10948 @section How Overlays Work
10949 @cindex mapped overlays
10950 @cindex unmapped overlays
10951 @cindex load address, overlay's
10952 @cindex mapped address
10953 @cindex overlay area
10955 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10956 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10957 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10958 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10959 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10961 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10962 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10963 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10964 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10965 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10966 largest overlay as well.
10968 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10969 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10970 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10973 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10974 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10975 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10979 Data Instruction Larger
10980 Address Space Address Space Address Space
10981 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10983 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10984 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10985 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
10986 | and heap | | | | | |
10987 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10988 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
10989 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10991 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10992 address | | | | | |
10993 | overlay | <-' | | |
10994 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10995 | | <---. | | load address
10996 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
11003 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
11007 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
11008 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
11009 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
11010 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
11011 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
11012 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
11013 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
11014 program and the overlay area.
11016 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
11017 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
11018 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
11019 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
11020 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
11021 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
11022 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
11024 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
11025 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
11026 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
11031 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
11032 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
11033 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
11034 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
11037 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
11038 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
11039 your program's performance.
11042 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
11043 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
11044 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
11045 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
11046 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
11047 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
11048 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
11051 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
11052 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
11053 instruction and data spaces.
11057 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
11058 improved in many ways:
11063 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
11064 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
11065 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
11066 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
11067 area in the usual way.
11070 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
11071 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
11074 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
11075 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
11076 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
11077 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
11078 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
11079 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
11080 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
11085 @node Overlay Commands
11086 @section Overlay Commands
11088 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
11089 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
11090 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
11091 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
11092 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
11093 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
11095 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
11096 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
11101 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
11102 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
11103 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
11104 overlay support is disabled.
11106 @item overlay manual
11107 @cindex manual overlay debugging
11108 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11109 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
11110 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
11111 commands described below.
11113 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
11114 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
11115 @cindex map an overlay
11116 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
11117 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
11118 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
11119 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
11120 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
11121 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
11123 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
11124 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
11125 @cindex unmap an overlay
11126 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
11127 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
11128 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
11129 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
11132 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11133 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
11134 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
11135 Overlay Debugging}.
11137 @item overlay load-target
11138 @itemx overlay load
11139 @cindex reloading the overlay table
11140 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
11141 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
11142 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
11143 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
11144 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
11146 @item overlay list-overlays
11147 @itemx overlay list
11148 @cindex listing mapped overlays
11149 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
11150 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
11154 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
11155 of the function the address falls in:
11158 (@value{GDBP}) print main
11159 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
11162 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
11163 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
11164 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
11165 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
11168 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11169 No sections are mapped.
11170 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11171 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
11174 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
11178 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11179 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
11180 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
11181 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11182 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
11185 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
11186 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
11187 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
11188 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
11189 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
11193 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
11194 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
11195 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
11196 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
11198 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
11199 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
11200 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
11201 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
11202 breakpoints properly.
11206 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
11207 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
11208 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
11210 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
11211 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
11212 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
11213 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
11214 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
11215 current state of the overlays.
11217 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
11218 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
11222 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
11223 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
11228 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
11231 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
11232 unsigned long size;
11234 /* The overlay's load address. */
11237 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
11239 unsigned long mapped;
11243 @item @code{_novlys}:
11244 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
11245 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
11249 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
11250 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
11251 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
11252 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
11253 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
11256 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
11257 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
11258 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
11259 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
11260 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
11261 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
11262 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
11263 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
11264 are not being executed.
11266 @node Overlay Sample Program
11267 @section Overlay Sample Program
11268 @cindex overlay example program
11270 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
11271 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
11272 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
11273 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
11274 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
11275 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
11276 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
11278 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
11279 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
11280 suite. The program consists of the following files from
11281 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
11285 The main program file.
11287 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
11292 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
11295 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
11296 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
11299 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
11300 cross-compiler like this:
11303 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
11304 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
11305 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
11306 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
11307 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
11308 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
11309 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
11310 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
11313 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
11314 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
11315 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
11319 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
11322 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
11323 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
11324 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
11325 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
11326 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
11327 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
11329 @cindex working language
11330 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
11331 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
11332 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
11333 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
11334 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
11338 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
11339 * Show:: Displaying the language
11340 * Checks:: Type and range checks
11341 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
11342 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
11346 @section Switching Between Source Languages
11348 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
11349 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
11350 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
11351 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
11352 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
11355 In addition to the working language, every source file that
11356 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
11357 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
11358 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
11359 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
11360 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
11361 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
11362 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
11363 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
11364 Displaying the Language}.
11366 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
11367 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
11368 another language. In that case, make the
11369 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
11370 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
11371 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
11374 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
11375 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
11376 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
11380 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
11382 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
11383 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
11401 C@t{++} source file
11407 Objective-C source file
11411 Fortran source file
11414 Modula-2 source file
11418 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
11419 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
11422 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
11423 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
11426 @subsection Setting the Working Language
11428 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
11429 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
11432 @kindex set language
11433 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
11434 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
11435 a language, such as
11436 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
11437 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
11439 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
11440 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
11441 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
11442 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
11443 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
11444 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
11452 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
11453 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
11454 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
11455 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
11457 @node Automatically
11458 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
11460 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
11461 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
11462 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
11463 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
11464 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
11465 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
11466 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
11467 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
11468 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
11470 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
11471 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
11472 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
11473 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
11474 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
11477 @section Displaying the Language
11479 The following commands help you find out which language is the
11480 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
11483 @item show language
11484 @kindex show language
11485 Display the current working language. This is the
11486 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
11487 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
11490 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
11491 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
11492 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
11493 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
11494 information listed here.
11497 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
11498 Display the source language of this source file.
11499 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
11500 information listed here.
11503 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
11504 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
11505 with a language explicitly:
11508 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
11509 @kindex set extension-language
11510 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
11511 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
11513 @item info extensions
11514 @kindex info extensions
11515 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
11519 @section Type and Range Checking
11522 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
11523 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
11524 section documents the intended facilities.
11526 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
11528 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
11529 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
11530 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
11531 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
11532 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
11533 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
11534 errors when your program is running.
11536 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
11537 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
11538 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
11539 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
11540 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
11541 automatically based on your program's source language.
11542 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
11543 settings of supported languages.
11546 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
11547 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
11550 @cindex type checking
11551 @cindex checks, type
11552 @node Type Checking
11553 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
11555 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
11556 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
11557 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
11558 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
11566 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
11567 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
11569 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
11570 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
11571 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
11572 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
11573 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
11574 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
11575 also issues a warning.
11577 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
11578 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
11579 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
11580 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
11581 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
11582 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
11584 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
11585 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
11586 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
11587 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
11588 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
11589 details on specific languages.
11591 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
11593 @kindex set check type
11594 @kindex show check type
11596 @item set check type auto
11597 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
11598 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11601 @item set check type on
11602 @itemx set check type off
11603 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11604 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
11605 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
11606 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
11607 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
11609 @item set check type warn
11610 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
11611 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
11612 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
11613 numbers and structures.
11616 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
11617 is setting it automatically.
11620 @cindex range checking
11621 @cindex checks, range
11622 @node Range Checking
11623 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
11625 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
11626 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
11627 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
11628 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
11629 not exceed the bounds of the array.
11631 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
11632 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
11633 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
11634 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
11636 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
11637 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
11638 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
11639 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
11640 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
11641 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
11644 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
11647 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
11648 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
11649 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
11651 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
11653 @kindex set check range
11654 @kindex show check range
11656 @item set check range auto
11657 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
11658 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11661 @item set check range on
11662 @itemx set check range off
11663 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11664 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
11665 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
11666 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
11668 @item set check range warn
11669 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
11670 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
11671 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
11672 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
11676 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
11677 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
11680 @node Supported Languages
11681 @section Supported Languages
11683 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, OpenCL C, Pascal,
11684 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
11685 @c This is false ...
11686 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
11687 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
11688 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
11689 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
11692 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
11693 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
11694 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
11695 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
11696 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
11697 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
11698 language reference or tutorial.
11701 * C:: C and C@t{++}
11703 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
11704 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
11705 * Fortran:: Fortran
11707 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
11712 @subsection C and C@t{++}
11714 @cindex C and C@t{++}
11715 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
11717 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
11718 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
11722 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
11723 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
11724 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
11725 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
11726 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
11727 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
11728 compiler (@code{aCC}).
11730 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
11731 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
11732 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
11733 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
11734 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
11735 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
11738 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
11739 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
11740 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
11741 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
11742 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
11743 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
11744 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
11745 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
11749 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
11751 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
11753 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11754 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11755 often defined on groups of types.
11757 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
11762 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
11763 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
11766 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
11767 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
11770 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
11773 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
11778 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
11779 in order of increasing precedence:
11783 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
11784 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
11785 expression being the last expression evaluated.
11788 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
11789 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
11792 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
11793 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
11794 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
11795 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
11796 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
11799 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
11800 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
11804 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11807 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11810 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11813 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11816 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11819 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11820 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11822 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11823 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11824 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11825 and non-zero for true.
11828 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11831 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11834 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11837 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11838 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11839 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11843 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11844 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11845 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11846 operation takes place.
11849 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11853 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11855 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11856 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11857 to examine the address
11858 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11862 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11863 precedence as @code{++}.
11866 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11870 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11875 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11876 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11877 pointer based on the stored type information.
11878 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11881 Dereferences of pointers to members.
11884 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11885 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11888 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11891 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11892 and @code{class} types.
11895 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11896 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11900 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11901 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11902 predefined meaning.
11905 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11907 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11909 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11914 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11915 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11916 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11917 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11921 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11922 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11923 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11924 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11925 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11926 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11927 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11928 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11929 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11933 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11934 integral equivalents.
11937 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11938 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11939 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11940 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11941 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11942 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11943 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11944 @samp{\n} for newline.
11947 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11948 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11949 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11950 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11954 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11955 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11958 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11959 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11960 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11961 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11964 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
11965 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11967 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11968 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11970 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11971 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
11972 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11973 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11975 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11976 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11977 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11978 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11979 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11980 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11981 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11982 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11983 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11989 @cindex member functions
11991 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11994 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11997 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11998 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
12000 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
12001 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
12002 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
12003 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
12005 @cindex call overloaded functions
12006 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
12007 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
12009 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
12010 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
12011 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
12012 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
12013 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
12016 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
12017 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
12018 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
12019 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
12020 number of function arguments.
12022 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
12023 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
12024 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
12026 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
12027 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
12029 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
12032 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
12033 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
12035 @cindex reference declarations
12037 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
12038 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
12041 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
12042 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
12043 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
12044 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
12045 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
12048 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
12049 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
12050 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
12051 necessary, for example in an expression like
12052 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
12053 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
12054 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
12057 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
12058 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
12059 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
12060 invoking user-defined operators.
12063 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
12065 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
12067 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
12068 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
12069 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12070 selects the working language.
12072 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
12073 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
12074 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
12075 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
12076 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
12077 for further details.
12079 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
12080 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
12081 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
12084 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
12086 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
12088 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
12089 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
12090 considers two variables type equivalent if:
12094 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
12098 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
12099 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
12102 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
12105 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
12106 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
12111 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
12112 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
12113 that is not itself an array.
12116 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
12118 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
12119 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
12120 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
12121 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
12123 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
12124 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
12127 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
12128 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
12130 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
12132 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
12133 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
12136 @cindex break in overloaded functions
12137 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
12138 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
12139 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
12140 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
12141 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
12143 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
12144 @item rbreak @var{regex}
12145 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
12146 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
12148 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12150 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
12153 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
12154 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
12156 @cindex inheritance
12157 @item ptype @var{typename}
12158 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
12160 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
12162 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
12163 @item set print demangle
12164 @itemx show print demangle
12165 @itemx set print asm-demangle
12166 @itemx show print asm-demangle
12167 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
12168 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
12169 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12171 @item set print object
12172 @itemx show print object
12173 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
12174 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12176 @item set print vtbl
12177 @itemx show print vtbl
12178 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
12179 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12180 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
12181 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
12183 @kindex set overload-resolution
12184 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
12185 @item set overload-resolution on
12186 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
12187 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
12188 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
12189 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
12190 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
12191 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
12193 @item set overload-resolution off
12194 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
12195 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12196 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
12197 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
12198 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12199 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
12202 @kindex show overload-resolution
12203 @item show overload-resolution
12204 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
12206 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
12207 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
12208 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
12209 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
12210 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
12211 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
12212 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
12215 @node Decimal Floating Point
12216 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
12217 @cindex decimal floating point format
12219 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
12220 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
12221 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
12222 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
12224 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
12225 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
12226 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
12229 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
12230 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
12231 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
12233 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
12234 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
12235 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
12237 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
12238 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
12239 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
12245 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
12246 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
12247 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
12250 @subsection Objective-C
12252 @cindex Objective-C
12253 This section provides information about some commands and command
12254 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
12255 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
12256 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
12259 * Method Names in Commands::
12260 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
12263 @node Method Names in Commands
12264 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
12266 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
12267 names as line specifications:
12269 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
12270 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
12271 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
12272 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
12273 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
12277 @item @code{info line}
12282 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
12285 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
12288 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
12289 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
12290 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
12291 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
12292 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
12293 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
12297 break -[Fruit create]
12300 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
12304 list +[NSText initialize]
12307 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
12308 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
12309 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
12310 is also possible to specify just a method name:
12316 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
12317 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
12318 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
12319 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
12322 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
12323 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
12326 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
12329 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
12330 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
12331 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
12332 @kindex print-object
12333 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
12335 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
12338 print -[@var{object} hash]
12341 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
12342 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
12344 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
12345 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
12346 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
12347 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
12348 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
12349 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
12352 @subsection OpenCL C
12355 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
12358 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
12359 * OpenCL C Expressions::
12360 * OpenCL C Operators::
12363 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
12364 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
12366 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
12367 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
12368 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
12369 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
12370 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
12372 @node OpenCL C Expressions
12373 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
12375 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
12376 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
12377 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
12378 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
12380 @node OpenCL C Operators
12381 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
12383 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
12384 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
12388 @subsection Fortran
12389 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
12391 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
12392 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
12394 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
12395 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
12396 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
12397 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
12398 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
12402 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
12403 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
12404 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
12407 @node Fortran Operators
12408 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
12410 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
12412 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12413 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
12414 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
12418 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
12422 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
12423 represent a section of array.
12426 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
12427 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
12428 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
12432 @node Fortran Defaults
12433 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
12435 @cindex Fortran Defaults
12437 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
12438 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
12439 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
12440 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
12442 @node Special Fortran Commands
12443 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
12445 @cindex Special Fortran commands
12447 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
12448 such as displaying common blocks.
12451 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
12452 @kindex info common
12453 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
12454 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
12455 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
12456 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
12463 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
12464 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
12465 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
12466 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
12469 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
12470 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
12471 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
12474 @subsection Modula-2
12476 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
12478 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
12479 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
12480 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
12481 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12482 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
12485 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
12487 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
12488 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
12489 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
12490 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
12491 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
12492 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
12493 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
12494 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12495 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12499 @subsubsection Operators
12500 @cindex Modula-2 operators
12502 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12503 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12504 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
12505 following definitions hold:
12510 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
12514 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
12517 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
12520 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
12524 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
12527 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
12530 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
12534 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
12535 increasing precedence:
12539 Function argument or array index separator.
12542 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
12546 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
12550 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
12551 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
12552 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
12554 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
12555 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
12556 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
12557 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
12561 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
12562 Same precedence as @code{<}.
12565 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12568 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12571 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12574 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
12575 and difference on set types.
12578 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
12582 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
12583 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
12586 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
12587 precedence as @code{*}.
12590 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
12593 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
12596 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
12600 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
12601 precedence as @code{^}.
12604 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
12607 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
12611 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
12615 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
12616 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
12617 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
12618 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
12622 @node Built-In Func/Proc
12623 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
12624 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
12626 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
12627 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
12632 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
12635 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
12638 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
12641 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
12642 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
12643 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
12646 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
12649 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
12655 represents a variable.
12658 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
12659 explanation of the function for details.
12662 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
12666 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
12669 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
12670 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
12673 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12676 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12678 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
12679 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12682 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12683 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
12686 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
12687 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
12689 @item HIGH(@var{a})
12690 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
12693 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12695 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
12696 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12699 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12700 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
12701 there. Returns the new set.
12704 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
12707 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
12710 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
12713 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
12714 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
12715 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
12716 integral, character and enumerated types.
12718 @item SIZE(@var{x})
12719 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12721 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
12722 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
12724 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
12725 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12727 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
12728 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12732 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
12733 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
12737 @cindex Modula-2 constants
12739 @subsubsection Constants
12741 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
12747 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
12748 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
12749 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
12750 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
12753 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
12754 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
12755 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
12756 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
12757 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
12761 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
12762 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
12763 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
12764 followed by a @samp{C}.
12767 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
12768 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
12769 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
12770 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
12774 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
12777 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
12781 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
12784 Set constants are not yet supported.
12788 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
12789 @cindex Modula-2 types
12791 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
12792 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
12793 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
12794 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
12795 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
12796 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
12798 The first example contains the following section of code:
12807 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
12808 @code{r} and @code{s}.
12811 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12813 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12815 (@value{GDBP}) print r
12817 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
12822 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
12826 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
12830 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
12833 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12834 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
12838 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
12839 expressions using the debugger.
12841 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
12842 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
12846 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
12850 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12851 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
12854 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12855 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12856 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12859 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12863 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12864 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12872 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12873 and value of a variable.
12876 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12878 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12879 type = [blue..yellow]
12883 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12884 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12885 their @code{C} counterparts.
12889 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12895 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12896 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12897 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12898 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12901 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12902 pointer types as shown in this example:
12906 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12913 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12916 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12917 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12920 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12921 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12932 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12933 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12935 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12939 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12943 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12944 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12947 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12952 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12953 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
12955 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12956 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12957 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12958 selected the working language.
12960 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12961 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12962 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12963 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12966 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12967 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12969 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12970 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12974 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12975 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12976 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12977 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12978 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12979 returned a pointer.)
12982 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12983 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12984 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12985 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12988 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12992 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12996 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12997 @cindex Modula-2 checks
13000 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
13003 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
13005 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
13009 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
13010 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
13013 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
13014 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
13017 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
13018 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
13020 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
13021 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
13024 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
13026 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
13027 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
13029 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
13030 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
13033 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
13036 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
13037 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
13042 @var{module} . @var{id}
13043 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
13047 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
13048 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
13049 identifier within your program, except another module.
13051 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
13052 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
13053 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
13054 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
13056 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
13057 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
13058 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
13059 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
13060 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
13064 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13066 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
13067 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
13068 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
13069 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
13070 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
13071 analogue in Modula-2.
13073 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
13074 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
13075 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
13076 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
13077 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
13078 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
13080 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
13081 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
13082 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
13088 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
13089 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
13090 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
13091 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13095 @cindex expressions in Ada
13097 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
13098 and semantics supported by Ada mode
13100 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
13101 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
13102 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
13103 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
13104 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13105 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
13107 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
13110 @node Ada Mode Intro
13111 @subsubsection Introduction
13112 @cindex Ada mode, general
13114 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
13115 syntax, with some extensions.
13116 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
13120 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
13121 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
13122 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
13123 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
13126 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
13127 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13130 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13133 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
13134 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
13135 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
13136 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
13137 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
13139 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
13140 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
13141 was translated from an Ada source file.
13143 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
13144 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
13145 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
13146 middle (to allow based literals).
13148 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
13149 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
13150 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
13151 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
13152 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
13153 functions to procedures elsewhere.
13155 @node Omissions from Ada
13156 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
13157 @cindex Ada, omissions from
13159 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
13163 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
13167 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
13168 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
13171 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
13174 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
13180 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
13181 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
13184 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
13185 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
13193 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
13194 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
13195 not currently available.
13198 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
13199 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
13200 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
13201 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
13202 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
13203 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
13204 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
13205 indeterminate values.
13208 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
13209 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
13210 are not implemented.
13213 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
13214 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
13215 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
13216 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
13217 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
13220 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
13221 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
13222 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
13223 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
13224 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
13225 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
13229 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
13230 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
13231 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
13232 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
13233 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
13234 declared to have a type such as:
13237 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
13239 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
13243 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
13247 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
13248 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
13251 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
13252 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
13253 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
13254 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
13255 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
13256 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
13257 redundant component associations, although which component values are
13258 assigned in such cases is not defined.
13261 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
13264 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
13265 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
13266 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
13267 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
13268 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
13269 the proper resolution.
13272 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
13275 Entry calls are not implemented.
13278 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
13279 formats are not supported.
13282 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
13285 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
13286 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
13288 Should your program
13289 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
13290 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
13293 @node Additions to Ada
13294 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
13295 @cindex Ada, deviations from
13297 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
13298 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
13302 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
13303 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
13304 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
13305 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
13306 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
13307 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
13308 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
13309 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
13312 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
13313 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
13314 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
13317 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
13318 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
13321 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
13322 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
13325 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
13326 additions specific to Ada:
13330 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
13331 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
13334 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
13335 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
13339 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
13340 the value of its right-hand operand.
13341 This allows, for example,
13342 complex conditional breaks:
13345 (@value{GDBP}) break f
13346 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
13350 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
13351 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
13352 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
13353 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
13354 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
13355 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
13356 in strings. For example,
13358 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
13361 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
13365 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
13366 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
13370 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
13374 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
13375 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
13376 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
13377 of 3 might print as
13384 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
13388 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
13389 multi-character subsequence of
13390 their names (an exact match gets preference).
13391 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
13392 in place of @t{a'length}.
13395 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
13396 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
13397 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
13398 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
13399 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
13400 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
13403 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
13407 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
13408 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
13409 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
13410 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
13415 @node Stopping Before Main Program
13416 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
13418 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
13419 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
13420 before reaching the main procedure.
13421 As defined in the Ada Reference
13422 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
13423 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
13424 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
13425 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
13428 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
13429 @cindex Ada, tasking
13431 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
13432 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
13437 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
13444 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13445 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13446 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13447 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
13448 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
13449 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
13454 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
13455 task currently being inspected.
13459 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
13465 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
13468 The base priority of the task.
13471 Current state of the task.
13475 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
13479 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
13480 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
13483 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
13484 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
13485 terminated themselves.
13487 @item Child Activation Wait
13488 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
13490 @item Accept Statement
13491 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
13493 @item Waiting on entry call
13494 The task is waiting on an entry call.
13496 @item Async Select Wait
13497 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
13501 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
13504 @item Child Termination Wait
13505 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
13506 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
13507 waiting on a terminate Phase.
13509 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
13510 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
13511 finish terminating.
13513 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
13514 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
13518 Name of the task in the program.
13522 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
13523 @item info task @var{taskno}
13524 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
13525 the following example:
13530 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13531 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13532 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13533 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
13534 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
13535 Ada Task: 0x807c468
13538 Parent: 1 (main_task)
13544 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
13545 @cindex current Ada task ID
13546 This command prints the ID of the current task.
13552 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13553 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13554 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13555 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13556 (@value{GDBP}) task
13557 [Current task is 2]
13560 @item task @var{taskno}
13561 @cindex Ada task switching
13562 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
13563 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
13564 from the current task to the given task.
13570 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13571 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13572 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13573 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13574 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
13575 [Switching to task 1]
13576 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13578 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13579 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
13580 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
13581 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
13582 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
13585 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
13586 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
13587 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
13588 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
13589 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
13590 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
13591 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
13592 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
13593 in @ref{Specify Location}.
13595 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
13596 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
13597 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
13598 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
13599 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
13601 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
13602 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
13605 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
13606 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
13607 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
13615 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13616 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13617 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13618 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
13619 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13620 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
13621 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
13622 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
13623 (@value{GDBP}) cont
13628 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
13630 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13631 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13632 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13633 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
13634 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13635 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
13639 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
13640 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13641 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
13643 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
13644 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
13645 the platform being used.
13646 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
13647 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
13650 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
13651 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
13652 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
13653 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
13654 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
13655 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
13657 @node Ravenscar Profile
13658 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
13659 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
13661 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
13662 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
13666 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
13667 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
13668 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
13669 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13670 Profile. This is the default.
13672 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
13673 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
13674 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13675 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
13676 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
13677 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
13678 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
13680 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
13681 @item show ravenscar task-switching
13682 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
13683 using the Ravenscar Profile.
13688 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
13689 @cindex Ada, problems
13691 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
13692 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
13694 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
13695 and the GNU Ada compiler.
13699 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
13700 storage are invisible to the debugger.
13703 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
13704 argument lists are treated as positional).
13707 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
13710 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
13711 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
13715 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
13716 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
13717 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
13718 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
13719 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
13720 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
13721 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
13722 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
13723 you can usually resolve the confusion
13724 by qualifying the problematic names with package
13725 @code{Standard} explicitly.
13728 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
13729 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
13730 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
13731 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
13732 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
13735 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13736 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13739 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
13740 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
13741 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
13742 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
13743 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
13744 This is the default.
13746 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
13747 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
13748 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
13749 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
13750 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
13751 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
13752 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
13756 @node Unsupported Languages
13757 @section Unsupported Languages
13759 @cindex unsupported languages
13760 @cindex minimal language
13761 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
13762 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
13763 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
13764 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
13765 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
13766 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
13768 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
13769 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
13773 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
13775 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
13776 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
13777 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
13778 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
13779 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
13780 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
13781 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13783 @cindex symbol names
13784 @cindex names of symbols
13785 @cindex quoting names
13786 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
13787 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
13788 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
13789 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
13790 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
13791 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
13792 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
13793 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
13800 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
13803 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
13804 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
13805 @kindex set case-sensitive
13806 @item set case-sensitive on
13807 @itemx set case-sensitive off
13808 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
13809 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
13810 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
13811 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
13812 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
13813 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
13814 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
13815 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
13816 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
13817 case-insensitive matches.
13819 @kindex show case-sensitive
13820 @item show case-sensitive
13821 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
13824 @kindex info address
13825 @cindex address of a symbol
13826 @item info address @var{symbol}
13827 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
13828 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
13829 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
13832 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
13833 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
13834 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
13836 @kindex info symbol
13837 @cindex symbol from address
13838 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
13839 @item info symbol @var{addr}
13840 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
13841 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
13842 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
13845 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
13846 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
13850 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
13851 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
13853 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
13854 library containing the symbol is also printed:
13857 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
13858 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
13859 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
13860 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
13864 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
13865 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
13866 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
13867 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
13868 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
13869 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
13870 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
13871 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
13872 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
13873 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
13874 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13877 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
13878 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13879 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13880 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13882 For example, for this variable declaration:
13885 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13889 the two commands give this output:
13893 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13894 type = struct complex
13895 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13896 type = struct complex @{
13904 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13905 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13907 @cindex incomplete type
13908 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13909 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13910 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13911 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13912 given these declarations:
13916 struct foo *fooptr;
13920 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13923 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13924 $1 = <incomplete type>
13928 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13929 completely specified.
13932 @item info types @var{regexp}
13934 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13935 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13936 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13937 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13938 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13939 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13940 name is @code{value}.
13942 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13943 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13944 lists all source files where a type is defined.
13947 @cindex local variables
13948 @item info scope @var{location}
13949 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13950 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13951 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13952 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13953 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13956 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13957 Scope for command_line_handler:
13958 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13959 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13960 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13961 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13962 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13963 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13964 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13968 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13969 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13972 @kindex info source
13974 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13975 the function containing the current point of execution:
13978 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13980 the directory it was compiled in,
13982 its length, in lines,
13984 which programming language it is written in,
13986 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13987 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13989 whether the debugging information includes information about
13990 preprocessor macros.
13994 @kindex info sources
13996 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13997 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13998 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
14000 @kindex info functions
14001 @item info functions
14002 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
14004 @item info functions @var{regexp}
14005 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
14006 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
14007 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
14008 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
14009 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
14010 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
14011 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
14013 @kindex info variables
14014 @item info variables
14015 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
14016 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
14018 @item info variables @var{regexp}
14019 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
14020 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
14023 @kindex info classes
14024 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
14026 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
14027 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
14028 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
14031 @kindex info selectors
14032 @item info selectors
14033 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
14034 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
14035 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
14039 This was never implemented.
14040 @kindex info methods
14042 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
14043 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
14044 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
14045 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
14046 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
14047 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
14048 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
14049 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
14052 @cindex reloading symbols
14053 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
14054 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
14055 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
14056 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
14057 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
14060 @kindex set symbol-reloading
14061 @item set symbol-reloading on
14062 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
14063 object file with a particular name is seen again.
14065 @item set symbol-reloading off
14066 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
14067 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
14068 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
14069 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
14070 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
14071 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
14074 @kindex show symbol-reloading
14075 @item show symbol-reloading
14076 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
14079 @cindex opaque data types
14080 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
14081 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
14082 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
14083 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
14084 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
14085 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
14086 another source file. The default is on.
14088 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
14089 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
14091 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
14092 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
14093 is printed as follows:
14095 @{<no data fields>@}
14098 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
14099 @item show opaque-type-resolution
14100 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
14102 @kindex maint print symbols
14103 @cindex symbol dump
14104 @kindex maint print psymbols
14105 @cindex partial symbol dump
14106 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
14107 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
14108 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
14109 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
14110 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
14111 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
14112 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
14113 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
14114 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
14115 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
14116 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
14117 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
14118 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
14119 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
14120 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
14121 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
14122 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
14124 @kindex maint info symtabs
14125 @kindex maint info psymtabs
14126 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
14127 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14128 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14129 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14130 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14131 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14133 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
14134 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
14135 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
14136 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
14137 structure in more detail. For example:
14140 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
14141 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14142 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14143 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14144 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
14147 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
14148 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
14149 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
14150 dependencies (none)
14153 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14157 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
14158 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
14159 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
14160 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
14161 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
14164 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
14165 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
14167 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14168 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14169 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14170 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14171 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
14174 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
14175 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
14176 debugformat DWARF 2
14185 @chapter Altering Execution
14187 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
14188 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
14189 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
14190 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
14193 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
14194 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
14195 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
14198 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
14199 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
14200 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
14201 * Returning:: Returning from a function
14202 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
14203 * Patching:: Patching your program
14207 @section Assignment to Variables
14210 @cindex setting variables
14211 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
14212 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
14219 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
14220 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
14221 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
14222 information on operators in supported languages.
14224 @kindex set variable
14225 @cindex variables, setting
14226 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
14227 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
14228 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
14229 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
14230 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
14232 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
14233 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
14234 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
14235 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
14236 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
14237 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
14238 command @code{set width}:
14241 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
14243 (@value{GDBP}) p width
14245 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
14246 Invalid syntax in expression.
14250 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
14251 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
14254 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
14257 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
14258 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
14259 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
14260 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
14261 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
14262 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
14266 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
14270 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
14274 The program being debugged has been started already.
14275 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
14276 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
14277 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
14278 Invalid bfd target.
14279 (@value{GDBP}) show g
14280 The current BFD target is "=4".
14285 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
14286 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
14290 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
14293 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
14294 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
14295 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
14296 same length or shorter.
14297 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
14298 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
14300 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
14301 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
14302 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
14303 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
14304 and representation in memory), and
14307 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
14311 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
14314 @section Continuing at a Different Address
14316 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
14317 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
14318 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
14322 @item jump @var{linespec}
14323 @itemx jump @var{location}
14324 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
14325 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
14326 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
14327 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
14328 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
14329 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14331 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
14332 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
14333 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
14334 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
14335 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
14336 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
14337 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
14338 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
14339 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
14342 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
14343 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
14344 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
14345 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
14346 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
14354 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
14355 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
14356 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
14358 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
14359 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
14360 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
14365 @section Giving your Program a Signal
14366 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
14370 @item signal @var{signal}
14371 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
14372 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
14373 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
14374 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
14376 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
14377 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
14378 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
14379 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
14382 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
14383 after executing the command.
14387 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
14388 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
14389 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
14390 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
14391 passes the signal directly to your program.
14395 @section Returning from a Function
14398 @cindex returning from a function
14401 @itemx return @var{expression}
14402 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
14403 command. If you give an
14404 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
14408 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
14409 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
14410 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
14411 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
14413 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
14414 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
14415 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
14416 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
14419 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
14420 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
14421 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
14422 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
14423 selected stack frame returns naturally.
14425 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
14426 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
14427 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
14428 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
14429 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
14430 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
14431 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
14432 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
14433 assignment into the right register(s).
14435 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
14436 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
14437 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
14438 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
14439 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
14440 into a @code{long long int}:
14443 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
14445 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14446 Make func return now? (y or n) y
14447 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
14448 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
14452 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
14453 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
14454 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
14455 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
14456 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
14457 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
14458 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
14459 an appropriate cast explicitly:
14462 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
14463 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14464 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
14465 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
14466 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
14467 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
14468 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
14473 @section Calling Program Functions
14476 @cindex calling functions
14477 @cindex inferior functions, calling
14478 @item print @var{expr}
14479 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
14480 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
14484 @item call @var{expr}
14485 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
14488 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
14489 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
14490 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
14491 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
14492 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
14496 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
14497 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
14498 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
14499 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
14501 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
14502 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
14503 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
14504 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
14505 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
14506 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
14507 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
14508 in that case is controlled by the
14509 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
14512 @item set unwindonsignal
14513 @kindex set unwindonsignal
14514 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
14515 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
14516 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
14517 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
14518 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
14519 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
14520 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
14523 @item show unwindonsignal
14524 @kindex show unwindonsignal
14525 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14528 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14529 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14530 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
14531 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
14532 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
14533 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
14534 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
14535 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
14536 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
14537 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
14539 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14540 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14541 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14546 @cindex weak alias functions
14547 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
14548 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
14549 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
14550 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
14551 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
14552 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
14556 @section Patching Programs
14558 @cindex patching binaries
14559 @cindex writing into executables
14560 @cindex writing into corefiles
14562 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
14563 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
14564 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
14565 patching your program's binary.
14567 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
14568 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
14569 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
14575 @itemx set write off
14576 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
14577 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
14578 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
14580 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
14581 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
14582 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
14586 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
14587 as well as reading.
14591 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
14593 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
14594 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
14595 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
14596 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
14599 * Files:: Commands to specify files
14600 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
14601 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
14602 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
14603 * Data Files:: GDB data files
14607 @section Commands to Specify Files
14609 @cindex symbol table
14610 @cindex core dump file
14612 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
14613 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
14614 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
14615 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
14617 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
14618 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
14619 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
14620 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
14621 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
14622 new files are useful.
14625 @cindex executable file
14627 @item file @var{filename}
14628 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
14629 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
14630 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
14631 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
14632 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
14633 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
14634 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
14635 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
14637 @cindex unlinked object files
14638 @cindex patching object files
14639 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
14640 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
14641 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
14642 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
14643 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
14644 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
14645 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
14646 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
14649 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
14650 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
14653 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14654 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
14655 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
14656 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
14657 discard information on the executable file.
14659 @kindex symbol-file
14660 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14661 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
14662 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
14663 table and program to run from the same file.
14665 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
14666 program's symbol table.
14668 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
14669 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
14670 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
14671 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
14674 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
14677 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
14678 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
14679 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
14680 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
14681 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
14682 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
14685 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
14686 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
14687 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
14688 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
14689 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
14691 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
14692 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
14693 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
14694 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
14695 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
14696 Warnings and Messages}.)
14698 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
14699 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
14700 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
14701 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
14705 @cindex reading symbols immediately
14706 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
14707 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14708 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14709 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
14710 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
14711 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14712 entire symbol table available.
14714 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
14715 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
14716 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
14717 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
14718 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
14719 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
14723 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
14725 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
14726 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
14727 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
14728 executable file itself for other parts.
14730 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
14733 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
14734 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
14735 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
14736 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
14737 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
14739 @kindex add-symbol-file
14740 @cindex dynamic linking
14741 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
14742 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
14743 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
14744 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
14745 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
14746 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
14747 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
14748 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
14749 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
14750 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
14751 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
14752 @var{address} as an expression.
14754 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
14755 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
14756 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
14757 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
14758 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
14760 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
14761 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
14762 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
14763 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
14764 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
14765 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
14766 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
14767 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
14768 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
14772 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
14773 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
14775 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
14776 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
14778 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
14779 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14783 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
14784 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
14785 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
14786 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
14787 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
14788 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
14789 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
14790 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
14791 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
14794 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
14796 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
14797 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
14798 @cindex load symbols from memory
14799 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
14800 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
14801 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
14802 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
14803 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
14804 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
14805 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
14806 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
14807 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
14809 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
14811 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
14812 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
14813 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
14814 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
14815 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
14816 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
14817 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
14818 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
14819 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
14820 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
14823 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
14824 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
14825 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
14826 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
14827 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
14828 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
14829 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
14833 @kindex info target
14836 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
14837 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
14838 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
14839 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
14840 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
14843 @kindex maint info sections
14844 @item maint info sections
14845 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
14846 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
14847 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
14848 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
14849 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
14850 may be arbitrarily combined):
14854 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
14855 @item @var{sections}
14856 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
14857 @item @var{section-flags}
14858 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
14859 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
14862 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
14863 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
14865 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
14866 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
14868 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
14870 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
14872 Section contains executable code only.
14874 Section contains data only (no executable code).
14876 Section will reside in ROM.
14878 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14880 Section is not empty.
14882 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14883 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14884 A notification to the linker that the section contains
14885 COFF shared library information.
14887 Section contains common symbols.
14890 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14891 @cindex read-only sections
14892 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
14893 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14894 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14895 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14896 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14897 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14898 enhancement to debugging performance.
14900 The default is off.
14902 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
14903 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14904 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14905 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14907 @item show trust-readonly-sections
14908 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14911 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14912 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14913 name and remembers it that way.
14915 @cindex shared libraries
14916 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
14917 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14918 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14920 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14921 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14923 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14924 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14925 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14926 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14927 debugging a core file).
14929 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14930 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14932 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14933 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14934 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14936 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14937 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14938 particularly large or there are many of them.
14940 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14944 @kindex set auto-solib-add
14945 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14946 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14947 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14948 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14949 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14950 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14951 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14953 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
14954 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14955 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14956 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14957 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14958 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14959 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14960 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14961 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14963 @kindex show auto-solib-add
14964 @item show auto-solib-add
14965 Display the current autoloading mode.
14968 @cindex load shared library
14969 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14973 @kindex info sharedlibrary
14975 @item info share @var{regex}
14976 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14977 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14978 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14979 all shared libraries that are loaded.
14981 @kindex sharedlibrary
14983 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14984 @itemx share @var{regex}
14985 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14986 Unix regular expression.
14987 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14988 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14989 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14992 @item nosharedlibrary
14993 @kindex nosharedlibrary
14994 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14995 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14996 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14997 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
15001 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
15002 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
15003 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
15006 @item set stop-on-solib-events
15007 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
15008 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
15009 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
15010 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
15013 @item show stop-on-solib-events
15014 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
15015 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
15016 library events happen.
15019 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
15020 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
15021 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
15022 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
15023 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
15024 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
15025 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
15028 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
15029 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
15030 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
15031 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
15032 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
15035 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
15036 @cindex system root, alternate
15037 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
15038 @kindex set sysroot
15039 @item set sysroot @var{path}
15040 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
15041 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
15042 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
15043 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
15044 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
15045 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
15048 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
15049 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
15050 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
15051 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
15052 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
15053 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
15054 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
15055 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
15056 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
15058 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
15059 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
15060 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
15061 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
15062 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
15065 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
15068 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
15069 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
15073 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
15076 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
15077 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
15078 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
15082 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
15085 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
15086 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
15087 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
15091 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
15092 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15093 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15097 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
15098 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
15099 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
15101 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
15102 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
15105 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
15108 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
15109 if you don't want or need to.
15111 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
15114 @cindex default system root
15115 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
15116 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
15117 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
15118 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15119 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
15120 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15123 @kindex show sysroot
15125 Display the current shared library prefix.
15127 @kindex set solib-search-path
15128 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
15129 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15130 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
15131 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
15132 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
15133 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
15134 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
15135 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
15136 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
15137 of shared library symbols.
15139 @kindex show solib-search-path
15140 @item show solib-search-path
15141 Display the current shared library search path.
15143 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
15144 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
15145 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
15146 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
15147 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
15149 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
15150 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
15151 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
15152 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
15153 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
15154 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
15155 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
15156 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
15157 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
15158 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
15159 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
15160 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
15161 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
15162 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
15163 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
15164 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
15165 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
15166 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
15167 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
15168 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
15169 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
15170 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
15174 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
15175 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
15176 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
15180 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
15181 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
15182 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
15183 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
15184 considered directory separators.
15187 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
15188 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
15189 This is the default.
15194 @node Separate Debug Files
15195 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
15196 @cindex separate debugging information files
15197 @cindex debugging information in separate files
15198 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
15199 @cindex debugging information directory, global
15200 @cindex global debugging information directory
15201 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
15202 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
15204 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
15205 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
15206 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
15207 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
15208 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
15209 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
15210 install only when they need to debug a problem.
15212 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
15217 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
15218 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
15219 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
15220 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
15221 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
15222 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
15223 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
15224 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
15227 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
15228 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
15229 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
15230 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
15231 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
15232 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
15233 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
15234 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
15238 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
15239 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
15243 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
15244 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
15245 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
15246 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
15247 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
15250 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
15251 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
15252 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
15253 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
15254 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
15255 hex characters, not 10.)
15258 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
15259 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
15260 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
15261 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
15262 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
15263 debug information files, in the indicated order:
15267 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
15269 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
15271 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
15273 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
15276 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
15277 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
15281 @kindex set debug-file-directory
15282 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
15283 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15284 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
15285 concatenating them by a directory separator.
15287 @kindex show debug-file-directory
15288 @item show debug-file-directory
15289 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15294 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
15295 @cindex debug link sections
15296 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
15297 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
15301 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
15304 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
15305 boundary within the section, and
15307 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
15308 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
15309 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
15310 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
15313 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
15314 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
15317 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
15318 @cindex build ID sections
15319 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
15320 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
15321 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
15322 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
15323 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
15324 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
15325 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
15326 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
15327 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
15329 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
15330 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
15331 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
15332 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
15333 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
15334 in an ordinary executable.
15336 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
15337 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
15338 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
15339 following commands:
15342 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
15347 These commands remove the debugging
15348 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
15349 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
15354 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
15355 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
15358 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
15361 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
15362 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
15363 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
15364 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
15367 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
15368 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
15369 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
15370 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
15375 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
15376 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
15377 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
15379 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
15380 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
15381 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
15386 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
15387 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
15393 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
15394 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
15398 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
15399 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
15400 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
15401 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
15404 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
15405 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
15406 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
15407 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
15408 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
15409 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
15411 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
15412 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
15413 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
15414 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
15417 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
15420 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
15421 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
15423 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
15425 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
15426 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
15427 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
15428 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
15429 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
15430 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
15431 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
15432 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
15433 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
15434 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
15435 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
15436 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
15437 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
15438 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
15439 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
15440 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
15441 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
15442 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
15443 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
15444 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
15445 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
15446 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
15447 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
15448 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
15449 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
15450 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
15451 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
15452 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
15453 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
15454 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
15455 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
15456 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
15457 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
15458 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
15459 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
15460 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
15461 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
15462 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
15463 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
15464 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
15465 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
15466 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
15467 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
15468 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
15469 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
15470 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
15471 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
15472 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
15473 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
15474 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
15475 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
15478 unsigned char *end;
15480 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15481 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
15482 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
15483 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15488 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
15492 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
15493 @cindex index files
15494 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
15496 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
15497 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
15498 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
15499 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
15500 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
15503 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
15504 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
15505 using @command{objcopy}.
15507 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
15510 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
15511 @kindex save gdb-index
15512 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
15513 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
15514 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
15518 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
15519 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
15522 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
15523 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
15526 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
15527 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
15528 currently work for programs using Ada.
15530 @node Symbol Errors
15531 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
15533 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
15534 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
15535 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
15536 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
15537 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
15538 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
15539 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
15540 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
15541 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
15542 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15545 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
15548 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
15550 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
15551 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
15552 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
15553 in its outer scope blocks.
15555 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
15556 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
15557 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
15560 @item block at @var{address} out of order
15562 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
15563 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
15566 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
15567 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
15568 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
15569 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15572 @item bad block start address patched
15574 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
15575 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
15576 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
15578 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
15579 starting on the previous source line.
15581 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
15584 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
15585 larger than the size of the string table.
15587 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
15588 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
15591 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
15593 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
15594 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
15595 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
15597 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
15598 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
15599 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
15600 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
15601 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
15602 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
15604 @item stub type has NULL name
15606 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
15608 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
15609 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
15610 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
15613 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
15615 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
15620 @section GDB Data Files
15622 @cindex prefix for data files
15623 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
15624 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
15626 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
15627 is currently using.
15630 @kindex set data-directory
15631 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
15632 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
15633 to @var{directory}.
15635 @kindex show data-directory
15636 @item show data-directory
15637 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
15640 @cindex default data directory
15641 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
15642 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
15643 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
15644 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15645 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
15646 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15649 The data directory may also be specified with the
15650 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
15651 @xref{Mode Options}.
15654 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
15656 @cindex debugging target
15657 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
15659 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
15660 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
15661 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
15662 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
15663 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
15664 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
15665 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
15666 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
15668 @cindex target architecture
15669 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
15670 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
15671 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
15675 @kindex set architecture
15676 @kindex show architecture
15677 @item set architecture @var{arch}
15678 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
15679 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
15680 supported architectures.
15682 @item show architecture
15683 Show the current target architecture.
15685 @item set processor
15687 @kindex set processor
15688 @kindex show processor
15689 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
15690 and @code{show architecture}.
15694 * Active Targets:: Active targets
15695 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
15696 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
15699 @node Active Targets
15700 @section Active Targets
15702 @cindex stacking targets
15703 @cindex active targets
15704 @cindex multiple targets
15706 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
15707 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
15708 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
15709 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
15710 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
15711 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
15712 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
15713 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
15714 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
15716 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
15717 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
15718 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
15719 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
15721 @node Target Commands
15722 @section Commands for Managing Targets
15725 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
15726 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
15727 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
15728 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
15729 protocol of the target machine.
15731 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
15732 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
15733 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
15735 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
15736 after executing the command.
15738 @kindex help target
15740 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
15741 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
15742 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15744 @item help target @var{name}
15745 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
15748 @kindex set gnutarget
15749 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
15750 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
15751 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
15752 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
15753 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
15754 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
15757 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
15758 you must know the actual BFD name.
15762 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
15764 @kindex show gnutarget
15765 @item show gnutarget
15766 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
15767 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
15768 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
15769 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
15772 @cindex common targets
15773 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
15778 @item target exec @var{program}
15779 @cindex executable file target
15780 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
15781 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
15783 @item target core @var{filename}
15784 @cindex core dump file target
15785 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
15786 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
15788 @item target remote @var{medium}
15789 @cindex remote target
15790 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
15791 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
15792 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
15794 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
15795 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
15798 target remote /dev/ttya
15801 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
15802 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
15803 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
15804 clobbered by the download.
15806 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
15807 @cindex built-in simulator target
15808 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
15816 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
15817 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
15818 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
15819 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
15824 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
15828 @item target nrom @var{dev}
15829 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
15830 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
15834 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
15835 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
15837 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
15838 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
15839 various aspects of this process.
15844 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15845 @cindex hash mark while downloading
15846 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
15847 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
15848 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
15852 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15853 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
15855 @item set debug monitor
15856 @kindex set debug monitor
15857 @cindex display remote monitor communications
15858 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
15859 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15861 @item show debug monitor
15862 @kindex show debug monitor
15863 Show the current status of displaying communications between
15864 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15869 @kindex load @var{filename}
15870 @item load @var{filename}
15872 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
15873 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
15874 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
15875 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
15876 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
15877 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15879 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
15880 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
15881 target is @dots{}}''
15883 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
15884 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
15885 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
15886 specifies a fixed address.
15887 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
15889 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
15890 load programs into flash memory.
15892 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
15896 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
15898 @cindex choosing target byte order
15899 @cindex target byte order
15901 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
15902 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
15903 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
15904 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
15905 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
15906 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
15910 @item set endian big
15911 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
15913 @item set endian little
15914 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
15916 @item set endian auto
15917 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
15921 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
15925 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
15926 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
15930 @node Remote Debugging
15931 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
15932 @cindex remote debugging
15934 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
15935 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
15936 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
15937 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
15938 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
15940 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
15941 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
15942 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
15943 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
15944 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
15945 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
15947 Other remote targets may be available in your
15948 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
15951 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
15952 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
15953 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
15954 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
15955 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
15959 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
15961 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
15962 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
15963 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
15964 program as the first argument.
15966 @cindex @code{target remote}
15967 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
15968 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
15969 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
15970 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
15971 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
15972 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
15976 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
15977 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
15978 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
15979 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
15982 target remote /dev/ttyb
15985 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
15986 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
15987 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
15988 @code{target} command.
15990 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
15991 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15992 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
15993 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
15994 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
15995 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
15996 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
15997 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
16000 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
16004 target remote manyfarms:2828
16007 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
16008 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
16009 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
16010 port 1234 on your local machine:
16013 target remote :1234
16017 Note that the colon is still required here.
16019 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
16020 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
16021 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
16022 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
16025 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
16028 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
16029 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
16030 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
16031 cause havoc with your debugging session.
16033 @item target remote | @var{command}
16034 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
16035 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
16036 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
16037 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
16038 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
16039 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
16040 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
16041 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
16043 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
16044 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
16045 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
16049 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
16050 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
16051 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
16052 need to use @kbd{run}.
16054 @cindex interrupting remote programs
16055 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
16056 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
16057 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
16058 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
16059 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
16060 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
16063 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
16064 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
16067 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
16068 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
16069 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
16070 goes back to waiting.
16073 @kindex detach (remote)
16075 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
16076 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
16077 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
16078 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
16079 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
16083 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
16084 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
16085 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
16086 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
16089 @cindex send command to remote monitor
16090 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
16091 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
16093 @item monitor @var{cmd}
16094 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
16095 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
16096 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
16097 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
16101 @node File Transfer
16102 @section Sending files to a remote system
16103 @cindex remote target, file transfer
16104 @cindex file transfer
16105 @cindex sending files to remote systems
16107 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
16108 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
16109 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
16110 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
16111 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
16112 the only way to upload or download files.
16114 Not all remote targets support these commands.
16118 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
16119 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
16120 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
16123 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
16124 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
16125 on the host system.
16127 @kindex remote delete
16128 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
16129 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
16134 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
16137 @cindex remote connection without stubs
16138 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
16139 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
16140 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
16142 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
16143 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
16144 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
16145 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
16146 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
16147 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
16148 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
16149 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
16150 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
16151 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
16152 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
16153 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
16154 choice for debugging.
16156 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
16157 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
16161 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
16162 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
16163 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
16164 target system with the same privileges as the user running
16168 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
16169 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
16170 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
16172 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
16173 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
16174 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
16175 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
16176 system does all the symbol handling.
16178 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
16179 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
16183 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
16186 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
16187 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
16188 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
16192 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
16195 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
16198 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
16201 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
16204 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
16205 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
16206 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
16207 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
16208 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
16209 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
16210 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
16211 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
16212 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
16213 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
16214 @code{target remote} command.
16216 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
16217 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
16218 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
16220 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
16221 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
16224 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
16227 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
16228 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
16231 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
16232 @code{pidof} utility:
16235 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
16238 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
16239 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
16240 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
16242 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
16243 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
16244 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
16246 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
16247 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
16248 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
16249 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
16251 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
16252 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
16253 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
16254 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
16255 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
16256 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
16257 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
16258 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
16259 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
16261 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
16262 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
16263 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
16264 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
16265 the program you want to debug.
16267 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
16268 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
16269 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
16270 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
16271 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
16272 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
16274 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
16276 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
16278 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
16279 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
16280 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
16281 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
16282 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
16283 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
16284 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
16285 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
16287 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
16288 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
16289 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
16291 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
16292 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
16293 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
16294 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
16295 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
16296 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
16297 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
16298 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
16299 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
16300 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
16301 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
16302 instance closes its port after the first connection.
16304 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
16306 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
16307 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
16308 status information about the debugging process.
16309 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
16310 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
16311 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
16312 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
16314 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
16315 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
16316 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
16317 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
16318 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
16320 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
16321 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
16322 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
16323 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
16325 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
16326 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
16327 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
16328 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
16330 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
16331 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
16335 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
16338 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
16340 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
16342 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
16343 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
16344 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
16345 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
16347 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
16348 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
16349 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
16350 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
16351 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
16352 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
16355 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
16356 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
16357 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
16358 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
16359 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
16360 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
16361 already on the target.
16363 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
16364 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
16365 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
16367 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
16368 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
16369 Here are the available commands.
16373 List the available monitor commands.
16375 @item monitor set debug 0
16376 @itemx monitor set debug 1
16377 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
16379 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
16380 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
16381 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
16382 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
16384 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
16385 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
16386 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16387 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
16388 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
16389 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
16391 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
16392 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
16395 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
16396 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
16397 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
16398 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
16399 of a multi-process mode debug session.
16403 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16404 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16406 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
16407 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
16409 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
16410 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
16411 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
16412 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
16413 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
16414 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
16415 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
16416 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
16417 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
16418 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
16419 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
16420 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
16422 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
16425 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
16427 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
16428 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
16429 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
16431 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
16433 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
16434 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
16435 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
16436 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
16437 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
16438 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
16440 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
16442 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
16443 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
16444 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
16445 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
16446 command for that. For example:
16449 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
16452 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
16453 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
16456 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
16457 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
16458 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
16459 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
16460 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
16461 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
16462 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
16463 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
16464 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
16465 @code{gdbserver} like so:
16468 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
16471 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
16475 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
16476 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
16477 (@value{GDBP}) b main
16478 (@value{GDBP}) continue
16481 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
16482 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
16483 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
16484 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
16485 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
16488 @node Remote Configuration
16489 @section Remote Configuration
16492 @kindex show remote
16493 This section documents the configuration options available when
16494 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
16495 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
16496 system-call-allowed}.
16499 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
16500 @cindex address size for remote targets
16501 @cindex bits in remote address
16502 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
16503 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
16504 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
16505 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
16507 @item show remoteaddresssize
16508 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
16510 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
16511 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
16512 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
16513 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
16516 @item show remotebaud
16517 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
16519 @item set remotebreak
16520 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16521 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
16522 @anchor{set remotebreak}
16523 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
16524 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
16525 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
16526 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
16527 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
16529 @item show remotebreak
16530 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
16531 interrupt the remote program.
16533 @item set remoteflow on
16534 @itemx set remoteflow off
16535 @kindex set remoteflow
16536 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
16537 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
16539 @item show remoteflow
16540 @kindex show remoteflow
16541 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
16543 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
16544 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
16545 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
16546 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
16549 @item show remotelogbase
16550 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
16553 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
16554 @cindex record serial communications on file
16555 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
16556 default is not to record at all.
16558 @item show remotelogfile.
16559 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
16560 serial communications.
16562 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
16563 @cindex timeout for serial communications
16564 @cindex remote timeout
16565 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
16566 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
16568 @item show remotetimeout
16569 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
16572 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
16573 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
16574 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
16575 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
16576 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
16577 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
16578 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
16579 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
16581 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
16582 @itemx show remote exec-file
16583 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
16584 @cindex executable file, for remote target
16585 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
16586 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
16587 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
16588 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
16590 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
16591 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16592 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
16593 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
16594 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
16595 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
16596 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
16597 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
16598 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
16599 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
16601 @item show interrupt-sequence
16602 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
16603 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
16604 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
16605 also known as Magic SysRq g.
16607 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
16608 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
16609 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
16610 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
16611 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
16612 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
16614 @item show interrupt-on-connect
16615 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
16616 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
16620 @item set tcp auto-retry on
16621 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
16622 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
16623 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
16624 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
16625 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
16626 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
16627 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
16628 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
16630 @item set tcp auto-retry off
16631 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
16633 @item show tcp auto-retry
16634 Show the current auto-retry setting.
16636 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
16637 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
16638 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
16639 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
16640 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
16641 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
16642 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
16645 @item show tcp connect-timeout
16646 Show the current connection timeout setting.
16649 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
16650 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
16651 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
16652 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
16653 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
16654 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
16655 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
16656 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
16657 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
16659 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
16660 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
16661 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
16662 @value{GDBN} developers.
16664 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
16665 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
16668 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
16671 @tab Related Features
16673 @item @code{fetch-register}
16675 @tab @code{info registers}
16677 @item @code{set-register}
16681 @item @code{binary-download}
16683 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
16685 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
16686 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
16687 @tab @code{info auxv}
16689 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
16690 @tab @code{qSymbol}
16691 @tab Detecting multiple threads
16693 @item @code{attach}
16694 @tab @code{vAttach}
16697 @item @code{verbose-resume}
16699 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
16705 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
16709 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
16713 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
16717 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
16721 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
16725 @item @code{target-features}
16726 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
16727 @tab @code{set architecture}
16729 @item @code{library-info}
16730 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
16731 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
16733 @item @code{memory-map}
16734 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
16735 @tab @code{info mem}
16737 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
16738 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
16739 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
16741 @item @code{read-spu-object}
16742 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
16743 @tab @code{info spu}
16745 @item @code{write-spu-object}
16746 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
16747 @tab @code{info spu}
16749 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
16750 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
16751 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
16753 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
16754 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
16755 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
16757 @item @code{threads}
16758 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
16759 @tab @code{info threads}
16761 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
16762 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
16763 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
16765 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
16766 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
16767 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
16769 @item @code{search-memory}
16770 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
16773 @item @code{supported-packets}
16774 @tab @code{qSupported}
16775 @tab Remote communications parameters
16777 @item @code{pass-signals}
16778 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
16779 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
16781 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
16782 @tab @code{vFile:close}
16783 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16785 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
16786 @tab @code{vFile:open}
16787 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16789 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
16790 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
16791 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16793 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
16794 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
16795 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16797 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
16798 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
16799 @tab @code{remote delete}
16801 @item @code{noack-packet}
16802 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
16803 @tab Packet acknowledgment
16805 @item @code{osdata}
16806 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
16807 @tab @code{info os}
16809 @item @code{query-attached}
16810 @tab @code{qAttached}
16811 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
16813 @item @code{traceframe-info}
16814 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
16815 @tab Traceframe info
16819 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
16821 @cindex debugging stub, example
16822 @cindex remote stub, example
16823 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
16824 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
16825 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
16826 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
16827 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
16828 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
16829 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
16830 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
16832 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
16833 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
16834 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
16835 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
16840 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
16841 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
16842 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
16845 A C subroutine library to support your program's
16846 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
16849 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
16850 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
16851 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
16855 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
16856 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
16857 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
16861 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
16862 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
16863 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
16865 @item On the target,
16866 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
16867 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
16868 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
16870 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
16871 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
16872 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
16875 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
16876 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
16879 @cindex remote serial stub list
16880 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
16885 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
16888 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
16891 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
16892 @cindex Motorola 680x0
16894 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
16897 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
16900 For Renesas SH architectures.
16903 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
16905 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
16907 @item sparcl-stub.c
16908 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
16911 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
16915 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
16916 recently added stubs.
16919 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
16920 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
16921 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
16924 @node Stub Contents
16925 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
16927 @cindex remote serial stub
16928 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
16932 @item set_debug_traps
16933 @findex set_debug_traps
16934 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
16935 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
16936 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
16937 beginning of your program.
16939 @item handle_exception
16940 @findex handle_exception
16941 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
16942 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
16943 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
16944 run when a trap is triggered.
16946 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
16947 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
16948 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
16949 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
16950 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
16951 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
16952 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
16953 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
16954 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
16958 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
16959 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
16960 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
16961 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
16962 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
16963 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
16964 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
16965 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
16966 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
16967 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
16968 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
16970 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
16971 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
16972 start of your debugging session.
16975 @node Bootstrapping
16976 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
16978 @cindex remote stub, support routines
16979 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
16980 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
16981 debugging target machine.
16983 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
16987 @item int getDebugChar()
16988 @findex getDebugChar
16989 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
16990 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
16991 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16993 @item void putDebugChar(int)
16994 @findex putDebugChar
16995 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
16996 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
16997 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
17000 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
17001 @cindex interrupting remote targets
17002 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
17003 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
17004 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
17005 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
17006 remote system to stop.
17008 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
17009 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
17010 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
17011 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
17013 Other routines you need to supply are:
17016 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
17017 @findex exceptionHandler
17018 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
17019 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
17020 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
17021 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
17022 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
17023 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
17024 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
17025 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
17026 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
17027 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
17028 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
17029 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
17030 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
17032 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
17033 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
17034 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
17035 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
17036 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
17038 @item void flush_i_cache()
17039 @findex flush_i_cache
17040 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
17041 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
17042 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
17044 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
17045 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
17049 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
17052 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
17054 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
17055 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
17056 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
17057 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
17060 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
17061 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
17062 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
17063 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
17066 @node Debug Session
17067 @subsection Putting it All Together
17069 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
17070 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
17075 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
17076 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
17078 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
17079 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
17083 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
17091 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
17092 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
17095 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
17099 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
17100 function in your program, that function is called when
17101 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
17102 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
17103 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
17106 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
17107 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
17110 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
17111 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
17114 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
17115 @c document that. FIXME.
17116 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
17117 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
17120 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
17121 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17125 @node Configurations
17126 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
17128 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
17129 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
17130 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
17132 There are three major categories of configurations: native
17133 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
17134 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
17135 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
17136 are quite different from each other.
17141 * Embedded Processors::
17148 This section describes details specific to particular native
17153 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
17154 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
17155 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
17156 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
17157 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
17158 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
17159 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
17165 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
17166 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
17167 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
17170 @node BSD libkvm Interface
17171 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
17174 @cindex kernel memory image
17175 @cindex kernel crash dump
17177 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
17178 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
17179 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
17180 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
17181 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
17182 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
17183 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
17187 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
17190 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
17194 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
17197 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
17203 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
17206 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
17207 modern FreeBSD systems.
17210 @node SVR4 Process Information
17211 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
17213 @cindex examine process image
17214 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
17216 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
17217 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
17218 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
17219 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
17220 proc} is available to report information about the process running
17221 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
17222 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
17223 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
17224 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
17230 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
17231 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
17232 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
17233 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
17234 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
17235 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
17236 executable file's absolute file name.
17238 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
17239 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
17240 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
17241 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
17242 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
17243 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
17245 @item info proc mappings
17246 @cindex memory address space mappings
17247 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
17248 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
17249 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
17250 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
17251 memory access rights to that range.
17253 @item info proc stat
17254 @itemx info proc status
17255 @cindex process detailed status information
17256 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
17257 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
17258 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
17259 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
17260 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
17261 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
17262 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
17264 @item info proc all
17265 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
17266 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
17269 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
17270 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
17271 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
17272 @kindex info proc times
17273 @item info proc times
17274 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
17277 @kindex info proc id
17279 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
17280 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
17283 @item set procfs-trace
17284 @kindex set procfs-trace
17285 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
17286 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
17288 @item show procfs-trace
17289 @kindex show procfs-trace
17290 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
17292 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
17293 @kindex set procfs-file
17294 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
17295 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
17296 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
17299 @item show procfs-file
17300 @kindex show procfs-file
17301 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
17303 @item proc-trace-entry
17304 @itemx proc-trace-exit
17305 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
17306 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
17307 @kindex proc-trace-entry
17308 @kindex proc-trace-exit
17309 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
17310 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
17311 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
17312 from the @code{syscall} interface.
17315 @kindex info pidlist
17316 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
17317 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
17318 processes and all the threads within each process.
17321 @kindex info meminfo
17322 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
17323 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
17327 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
17328 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
17329 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
17330 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
17333 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
17334 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
17335 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
17336 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
17338 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
17339 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
17340 subsection describes those commands.
17345 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
17346 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17349 @cindex MS-DOS system info
17350 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
17351 @item info dos sysinfo
17352 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
17353 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
17354 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
17359 @cindex segment descriptor tables
17360 @cindex descriptor tables display
17362 @itemx info dos ldt
17363 @itemx info dos idt
17364 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
17365 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
17366 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
17367 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
17368 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
17369 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
17372 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
17373 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
17374 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
17375 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
17376 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
17378 @cindex garbled pointers
17379 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
17380 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
17381 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
17382 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
17383 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
17384 debugged program's data segment:
17387 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
17388 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
17392 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
17393 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
17395 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
17397 @itemx info dos pte
17398 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
17399 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
17400 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
17401 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
17402 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
17403 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
17404 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
17405 that is currently in use.
17407 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
17408 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
17409 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
17410 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
17411 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
17412 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
17413 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
17415 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
17416 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
17417 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
17420 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
17422 @cindex physical address from linear address
17423 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
17424 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
17425 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
17426 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
17427 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
17428 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
17429 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
17432 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
17433 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
17434 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
17438 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
17439 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
17440 attributes of that page.
17442 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
17443 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
17444 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
17445 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
17446 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
17447 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
17449 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
17453 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
17454 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
17455 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
17459 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
17460 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
17461 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
17462 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
17463 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
17465 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
17468 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
17469 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
17470 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
17471 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
17474 @kindex set com1base
17475 @kindex set com1irq
17476 @kindex set com2base
17477 @kindex set com2irq
17478 @kindex set com3base
17479 @kindex set com3irq
17480 @kindex set com4base
17481 @kindex set com4irq
17482 @item set com1base @var{addr}
17483 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
17486 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
17487 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
17488 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
17490 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
17491 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
17494 @kindex show com1base
17495 @kindex show com1irq
17496 @kindex show com2base
17497 @kindex show com2irq
17498 @kindex show com3base
17499 @kindex show com3irq
17500 @kindex show com4base
17501 @kindex show com4irq
17502 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
17503 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
17504 lines used by the COM ports.
17507 @kindex info serial
17508 @cindex DOS serial port status
17509 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
17510 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
17511 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
17512 counts of various errors encountered so far.
17516 @node Cygwin Native
17517 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
17518 @cindex MS Windows debugging
17519 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
17520 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
17522 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
17523 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
17525 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
17526 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
17527 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
17528 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
17529 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
17530 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
17531 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
17534 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
17535 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
17536 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
17541 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
17542 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17544 @item info w32 selector
17545 This command displays information returned by
17546 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
17547 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
17548 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
17549 Without argument, this command displays information
17550 about the six segment registers.
17552 @item info w32 thread-information-block
17553 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
17554 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
17555 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
17559 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
17561 @kindex dll-symbols
17563 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
17564 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
17566 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
17567 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
17568 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
17569 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
17570 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
17571 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
17572 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
17573 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
17574 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
17575 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
17576 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
17578 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
17579 @item show cygwin-exceptions
17580 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
17581 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
17583 @kindex set new-console
17584 @item set new-console @var{mode}
17585 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
17586 be started in a new console on next start.
17587 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
17588 be started in the same console as the debugger.
17590 @kindex show new-console
17591 @item show new-console
17592 Displays whether a new console is used
17593 when the debuggee is started.
17595 @kindex set new-group
17596 @item set new-group @var{mode}
17597 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
17598 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
17599 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
17602 @kindex show new-group
17603 @item show new-group
17604 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
17606 @kindex set debugevents
17607 @item set debugevents
17608 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
17609 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
17610 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
17611 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
17612 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
17614 @kindex set debugexec
17615 @item set debugexec
17616 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
17617 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
17619 @kindex set debugexceptions
17620 @item set debugexceptions
17621 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
17622 debuggee seen by the debugger.
17624 @kindex set debugmemory
17625 @item set debugmemory
17626 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
17627 and writes by the debugger.
17631 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
17632 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
17636 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
17641 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
17644 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
17645 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
17646 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
17647 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
17649 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
17650 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
17651 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
17652 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
17653 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
17654 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
17655 ``minimal symbols''.
17657 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
17658 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
17659 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
17660 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
17661 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
17662 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
17663 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
17664 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
17665 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
17666 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
17668 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
17670 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
17671 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
17672 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
17673 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
17674 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
17675 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
17676 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
17677 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
17678 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
17680 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
17681 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
17682 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
17683 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
17684 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
17685 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
17688 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
17689 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
17691 Non-debugging symbols:
17692 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
17693 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
17697 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
17698 All functions matching regular expression "!":
17700 Non-debugging symbols:
17701 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
17702 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
17703 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
17707 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
17709 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
17710 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
17711 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
17712 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
17713 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
17714 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
17715 a function within a DLL without a running program.
17717 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
17718 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
17719 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
17720 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
17724 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
17729 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
17730 0x10021610: "\230y\""
17733 And two possible solutions:
17736 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
17737 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17741 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
17742 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
17743 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
17744 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
17745 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
17746 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17749 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
17750 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
17751 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
17752 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
17753 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
17756 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
17757 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
17760 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
17761 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
17765 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
17766 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
17768 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
17769 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
17774 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
17775 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17776 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
17777 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
17778 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
17783 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
17784 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17785 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
17787 @item set signal-thread
17788 @itemx set sigthread
17789 @kindex set signal-thread
17790 @kindex set sigthread
17791 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
17792 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
17793 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
17796 @item show signal-thread
17797 @itemx show sigthread
17798 @kindex show signal-thread
17799 @kindex show sigthread
17800 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
17801 delivered a signal.
17804 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17805 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
17806 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
17807 continued by delivering a signal to it.
17810 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17811 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
17814 @item set exceptions
17815 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17816 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
17817 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
17818 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
17821 @item show exceptions
17822 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17823 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
17825 @item set task pause
17826 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
17827 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17828 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17829 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
17830 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
17831 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
17832 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
17833 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
17834 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
17836 @item show task pause
17837 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
17838 Show the current state of task suspension.
17840 @item set task detach-suspend-count
17841 @cindex task suspend count
17842 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17843 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
17844 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
17846 @item show task detach-suspend-count
17847 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
17849 @item set task exception-port
17850 @itemx set task excp
17851 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17852 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
17853 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
17854 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
17856 @item set noninvasive
17857 @cindex noninvasive task options
17858 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
17859 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
17860 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
17861 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
17863 @item info send-rights
17864 @itemx info receive-rights
17865 @itemx info port-rights
17866 @itemx info port-sets
17867 @itemx info dead-names
17870 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17871 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17872 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17873 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17874 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17875 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
17876 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
17877 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
17878 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
17880 @item set thread pause
17881 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
17882 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17883 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17884 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
17885 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
17886 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
17887 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
17888 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
17889 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
17890 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
17891 only the current thread.
17893 @item show thread pause
17894 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
17895 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
17897 @item set thread run
17898 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17900 @item show thread run
17901 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17903 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
17904 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17905 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17906 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
17907 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
17908 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
17909 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
17911 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
17912 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
17915 @item set thread exception-port
17916 @itemx set thread excp
17917 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
17918 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
17919 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
17921 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
17922 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
17923 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
17924 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
17926 @item set thread default
17927 @itemx show thread default
17928 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17929 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
17930 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
17931 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
17932 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
17933 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
17934 the non-default commands.
17939 @subsection QNX Neutrino
17940 @cindex QNX Neutrino
17942 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
17946 @item set debug nto-debug
17947 @kindex set debug nto-debug
17948 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
17951 @item show debug nto-debug
17952 @kindex show debug nto-debug
17953 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
17960 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
17963 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
17964 @kindex set debug darwin
17965 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
17966 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
17968 @item show debug darwin
17969 @kindex show debug darwin
17970 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
17972 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
17973 @kindex set debug mach-o
17974 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
17975 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
17976 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
17977 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
17978 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
17981 @item show debug mach-o
17982 @kindex show debug mach-o
17983 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
17985 @item set mach-exceptions on
17986 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
17987 @kindex set mach-exceptions
17988 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
17989 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
17990 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
17991 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
17993 @item show mach-exceptions
17994 @kindex show mach-exceptions
17995 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
18000 @section Embedded Operating Systems
18002 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
18003 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
18007 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
18010 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
18011 various real-time operating systems.
18014 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
18020 @kindex target vxworks
18021 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
18022 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
18023 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
18027 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
18028 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
18030 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
18031 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
18032 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18033 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
18034 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
18035 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
18036 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
18039 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
18040 @kindex vxworks-timeout
18041 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
18042 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18043 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
18044 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
18045 of a thin network line.
18048 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
18049 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
18052 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
18053 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
18054 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
18055 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
18056 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
18057 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
18058 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
18059 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
18061 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
18063 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
18064 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18065 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
18066 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
18068 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18075 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
18076 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
18077 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
18080 @node VxWorks Connection
18081 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
18083 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
18084 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
18087 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
18091 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18094 Attaching remote machine across net...
18099 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
18100 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
18101 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
18102 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
18103 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
18106 prog.o: No such file or directory.
18109 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
18110 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
18113 @node VxWorks Download
18114 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
18116 @cindex download to VxWorks
18117 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
18118 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
18119 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
18120 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
18121 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
18122 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
18123 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
18124 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
18125 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
18126 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
18127 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
18128 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
18129 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
18130 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
18131 program, type this on VxWorks:
18134 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
18138 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18141 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
18142 (vxgdb) load prog.o
18145 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
18148 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
18151 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
18152 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
18153 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
18154 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
18155 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
18156 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
18159 @node VxWorks Attach
18160 @subsubsection Running Tasks
18162 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
18163 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
18167 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
18171 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
18172 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
18173 the time of attachment.
18175 @node Embedded Processors
18176 @section Embedded Processors
18178 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
18181 @cindex send command to simulator
18182 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
18183 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
18186 @item sim @var{command}
18187 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
18188 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
18189 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
18190 acceptable commands.
18196 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
18197 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
18198 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
18199 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
18200 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
18201 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
18202 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
18203 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
18204 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
18205 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
18208 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
18217 @item target rdi @var{dev}
18218 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
18219 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
18220 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
18223 @item target rdp @var{dev}
18228 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
18231 @item set arm disassembler
18233 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
18234 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
18236 @item show arm disassembler
18238 Show the current disassembly style.
18240 @item set arm apcs32
18241 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
18242 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
18244 @item show arm apcs32
18245 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
18247 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
18248 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
18249 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
18253 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
18255 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
18258 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
18260 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
18266 Show the current type of the FPU.
18269 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
18272 Show the currently used ABI.
18274 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18275 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
18276 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
18277 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
18278 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
18279 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
18282 @item show arm fallback-mode
18283 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
18285 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18286 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
18287 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
18288 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
18289 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
18291 @item show arm force-mode
18292 Show the current forced instruction mode.
18294 @item set debug arm
18295 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
18296 target support subsystem.
18298 @item show debug arm
18299 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
18302 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
18303 using the RDI interface:
18306 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18308 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
18309 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
18310 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
18311 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
18314 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
18315 @kindex rdilogenable
18316 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
18317 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
18318 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
18319 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
18320 are logged to a file.
18322 @item set rdiromatzero
18323 @kindex set rdiromatzero
18324 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
18325 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
18326 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
18327 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
18328 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
18330 @item show rdiromatzero
18331 @kindex show rdiromatzero
18332 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
18334 @item set rdiheartbeat
18335 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
18336 @cindex RDI heartbeat
18337 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
18338 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
18339 well as the Angel monitor.
18341 @item show rdiheartbeat
18342 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
18343 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
18347 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
18348 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
18351 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
18352 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
18353 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
18354 The default value is @code{all}.
18367 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
18370 @kindex target m32r
18371 @item target m32r @var{dev}
18372 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
18374 @kindex target m32rsdi
18375 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
18376 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
18379 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
18382 @item set download-path @var{path}
18383 @kindex set download-path
18384 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
18385 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18387 @item show download-path
18388 @kindex show download-path
18389 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18391 @item set board-address @var{addr}
18392 @kindex set board-address
18393 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
18394 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
18396 @item show board-address
18397 @kindex show board-address
18398 Show the current IP address of the target board.
18400 @item set server-address @var{addr}
18401 @kindex set server-address
18402 @cindex download server address (M32R)
18403 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
18406 @item show server-address
18407 @kindex show server-address
18408 Display the IP address of the download server.
18410 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18411 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
18412 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
18413 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
18414 executable file is uploaded.
18416 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18417 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
18418 Test the @code{upload} command.
18421 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
18426 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
18427 This command resets the SDI connection.
18431 This command shows the SDI connection status.
18434 @kindex debug_chaos
18435 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
18436 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
18438 @item use_debug_dma
18439 @kindex use_debug_dma
18440 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
18443 @kindex use_mon_code
18444 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
18447 @kindex use_ib_break
18448 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
18450 @item use_dbt_break
18451 @kindex use_dbt_break
18452 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
18458 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
18459 target command for the following ROM monitor.
18463 @kindex target dbug
18464 @item target dbug @var{dev}
18465 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
18470 @subsection MicroBlaze
18471 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
18472 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
18474 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
18475 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
18476 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
18477 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
18478 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
18479 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
18480 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
18481 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
18482 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
18483 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
18484 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
18486 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
18489 @item target remote :1234
18490 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
18491 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
18493 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
18494 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
18495 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
18498 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
18500 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
18501 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
18503 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
18504 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
18507 @node MIPS Embedded
18508 @subsection MIPS Embedded
18510 @cindex MIPS boards
18511 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
18512 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
18513 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
18516 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
18519 @item target mips @var{port}
18520 @kindex target mips @var{port}
18521 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
18522 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
18523 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
18524 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
18525 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
18526 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
18528 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
18529 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
18533 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
18534 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
18535 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
18536 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
18540 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
18541 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
18542 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
18543 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
18544 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
18546 @item target pmon @var{port}
18547 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
18550 @item target ddb @var{port}
18551 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
18552 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
18554 @item target lsi @var{port}
18555 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
18556 LSI variant of PMON.
18558 @kindex target r3900
18559 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
18560 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
18562 @kindex target array
18563 @item target array @var{dev}
18564 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
18570 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
18573 @item set mipsfpu double
18574 @itemx set mipsfpu single
18575 @itemx set mipsfpu none
18576 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
18577 @itemx show mipsfpu
18578 @kindex set mipsfpu
18579 @kindex show mipsfpu
18580 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
18581 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
18582 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
18583 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
18584 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
18585 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
18586 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
18587 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
18588 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
18589 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
18590 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
18591 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
18592 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
18594 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
18595 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
18596 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
18598 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
18599 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
18601 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
18602 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
18603 @itemx show timeout
18604 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
18605 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
18606 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
18607 @kindex set timeout
18608 @kindex show timeout
18609 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
18610 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
18611 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
18612 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
18613 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
18614 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
18615 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
18616 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
18617 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
18618 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
18620 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
18621 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
18622 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
18623 to run before stopping.
18625 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
18626 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18627 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
18628 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
18629 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
18630 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
18632 @item show syn-garbage-limit
18633 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18634 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
18635 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
18637 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
18638 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18639 @cindex remote monitor prompt
18640 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
18641 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
18651 @item show monitor-prompt
18652 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18653 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
18656 @item set monitor-warnings
18657 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18658 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
18659 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
18660 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
18661 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
18663 @item show monitor-warnings
18664 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18665 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
18667 @item pmon @var{command}
18668 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
18669 @cindex send PMON command
18670 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
18671 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
18674 @node OpenRISC 1000
18675 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
18676 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
18678 @cindex or1k boards
18679 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
18680 about platform and commands.
18684 @kindex target jtag
18685 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
18687 Connects to remote JTAG server.
18688 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
18689 connected via parallel port to the board.
18691 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
18694 @item or1ksim @var{command}
18695 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
18696 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
18698 @kindex info or1k spr
18699 @item info or1k spr
18700 Displays spr groups.
18702 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
18703 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
18704 Displays register names in selected group.
18706 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
18707 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
18708 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
18709 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
18710 Shows information about specified spr register.
18713 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
18714 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
18715 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
18716 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
18717 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
18720 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
18721 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
18722 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
18723 triggers can be set using:
18726 Load effective address/data
18728 Store effective address/data
18730 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
18735 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
18736 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
18738 @code{htrace} commands:
18739 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
18742 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
18743 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
18744 or Data. For example:
18746 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18748 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18752 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
18754 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
18755 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
18757 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
18758 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
18760 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
18761 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
18763 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
18764 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
18767 @item htrace enable
18768 @itemx htrace disable
18769 Enables/disables the HW trace.
18771 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
18772 Clears currently recorded trace data.
18774 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
18775 will be written there.
18777 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
18778 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
18780 @item htrace mode continuous
18781 Set continuous trace mode.
18783 @item htrace mode suspend
18784 Set suspend trace mode.
18788 @node PowerPC Embedded
18789 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
18791 @cindex DVC register
18792 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
18793 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
18796 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
18797 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
18800 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
18801 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
18802 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
18803 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
18804 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
18807 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
18808 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
18809 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
18810 watching variables of scalar types.
18812 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
18813 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
18816 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
18817 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
18820 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
18821 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
18823 @cindex ranged breakpoint
18824 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
18825 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
18826 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
18827 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
18828 use the @code{break-range} command.
18830 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
18833 @kindex break-range
18834 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
18835 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
18836 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
18837 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
18838 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
18839 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
18840 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
18841 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
18842 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
18844 @kindex set powerpc
18845 @item set powerpc soft-float
18846 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
18847 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
18848 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
18849 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18851 @item set powerpc vector-abi
18852 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
18853 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
18854 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
18855 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
18856 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
18857 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
18858 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18860 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
18861 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
18862 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
18863 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
18864 address of its first byte.
18866 @kindex target dink32
18867 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
18868 DINK32 ROM monitor.
18870 @kindex target ppcbug
18871 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
18872 @kindex target ppcbug1
18873 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
18874 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
18877 @item target sds @var{dev}
18878 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
18881 @cindex SDS protocol
18882 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
18886 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
18887 @kindex set sdstimeout
18888 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
18889 default is 2 seconds.
18891 @item show sdstimeout
18892 @kindex show sdstimeout
18893 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
18895 @item sds @var{command}
18896 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
18897 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
18902 @subsection HP PA Embedded
18906 @kindex target op50n
18907 @item target op50n @var{dev}
18908 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
18910 @kindex target w89k
18911 @item target w89k @var{dev}
18912 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
18917 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
18921 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
18922 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
18923 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18924 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
18925 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
18928 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
18929 @kindex remotetimeout
18930 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
18931 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18932 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
18935 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
18936 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
18937 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
18938 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
18939 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
18942 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
18945 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
18948 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
18951 @cindex running, on Sparclet
18953 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18954 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
18955 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
18957 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18964 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
18965 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
18966 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
18967 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
18970 @node Sparclet File
18971 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
18973 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
18976 (gdbslet) file prog
18980 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
18981 @value{GDBN} locates
18982 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
18984 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
18985 files will be searched as well.
18986 @value{GDBN} locates
18987 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
18988 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
18990 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
18993 prog: No such file or directory.
18996 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
18997 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
18998 @code{target} command again.
19000 @node Sparclet Connection
19001 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
19003 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
19004 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
19007 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
19008 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
19009 main () at ../prog.c:3
19013 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
19019 @node Sparclet Download
19020 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
19022 @cindex download to Sparclet
19023 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
19024 you can use the @value{GDBN}
19025 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
19026 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
19028 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
19029 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
19030 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
19031 of each of the file's sections.
19032 For instance, if the program
19033 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
19034 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
19037 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
19038 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
19041 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
19042 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
19043 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
19045 @node Sparclet Execution
19046 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
19048 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
19049 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
19050 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
19051 manual for the list of commands.
19055 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
19057 Starting program: prog
19058 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
19059 3 char *symarg = 0;
19061 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
19066 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
19070 @kindex target sparclite
19071 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
19072 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
19073 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
19074 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
19080 @subsection Zilog Z8000
19083 @cindex simulator, Z8000
19084 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
19086 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
19089 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
19090 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
19091 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
19092 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
19095 @item target sim @var{args}
19097 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
19098 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
19099 options, specify them via @var{args}.
19103 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
19104 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
19105 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
19106 to run your program, and so on.
19108 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
19109 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
19110 additional items of information as specially named registers:
19115 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
19118 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
19121 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
19125 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
19126 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
19127 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
19128 simulated clock ticks.
19131 @subsection Atmel AVR
19134 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
19135 following AVR-specific commands:
19138 @item info io_registers
19139 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
19140 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
19141 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
19142 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
19149 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
19150 following CRIS-specific commands:
19153 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
19154 @cindex CRIS version
19155 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
19156 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
19157 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
19159 @item show cris-version
19160 Show the current CRIS version.
19162 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
19163 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
19164 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
19165 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
19168 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
19169 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
19171 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
19173 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
19174 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
19175 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
19177 @item show cris-mode
19178 Show the current CRIS mode.
19182 @subsection Renesas Super-H
19185 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
19190 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
19191 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
19193 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
19194 @kindex set sh calling-convention
19195 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
19196 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
19197 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
19198 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
19199 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
19200 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
19201 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
19202 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
19203 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
19204 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
19206 @item show sh calling-convention
19207 @kindex show sh calling-convention
19208 Show the current calling convention setting.
19213 @node Architectures
19214 @section Architectures
19216 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
19217 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
19224 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
19225 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19230 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
19233 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
19234 @kindex set struct-convention
19235 @cindex struct return convention
19236 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
19237 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
19238 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
19239 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
19240 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
19241 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
19242 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
19243 be returned in a register.
19245 @item show struct-convention
19246 @kindex show struct-convention
19247 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
19256 @kindex set rstack_high_address
19257 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
19258 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
19259 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
19260 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
19261 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
19262 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
19263 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
19264 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
19265 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
19266 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
19267 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
19270 @kindex show rstack_high_address
19271 @item show rstack_high_address
19272 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
19280 See the following section.
19285 @cindex stack on Alpha
19286 @cindex stack on MIPS
19287 @cindex Alpha stack
19289 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
19290 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
19291 find the beginning of a function.
19293 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
19294 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
19295 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
19296 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
19300 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
19301 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
19302 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
19303 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
19304 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
19305 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
19306 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
19307 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
19309 @item show heuristic-fence-post
19310 Display the current limit.
19314 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
19315 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
19317 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
19321 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
19322 @kindex set mips abi
19323 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
19324 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
19325 values of @var{arg} are:
19329 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
19340 @item show mips abi
19341 @kindex show mips abi
19342 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
19345 @itemx show mipsfpu
19346 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
19348 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
19349 @kindex set mips mask-address
19350 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
19351 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
19352 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
19353 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
19354 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
19356 @item show mips mask-address
19357 @kindex show mips mask-address
19358 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
19361 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19362 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19363 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
19364 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
19365 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
19366 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
19368 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19369 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19370 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
19372 @item set debug mips
19373 @kindex set debug mips
19374 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
19375 target code in @value{GDBN}.
19377 @item show debug mips
19378 @kindex show debug mips
19379 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
19385 @cindex HPPA support
19387 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
19388 following special commands:
19391 @item set debug hppa
19392 @kindex set debug hppa
19393 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
19394 messages are to be displayed.
19396 @item show debug hppa
19397 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
19399 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
19400 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
19401 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
19402 given @var{address}.
19408 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19409 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
19412 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
19413 it provides the following special commands:
19416 @item info spu event
19418 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
19419 and pending event status.
19421 @item info spu signal
19422 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
19423 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
19424 notification channels.
19426 @item info spu mailbox
19427 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
19428 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
19429 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
19432 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19433 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19434 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19436 @item info spu proxydma
19437 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19438 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19439 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19443 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
19444 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
19448 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
19450 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
19451 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
19452 function. The default is @code{off}.
19454 @item show spu stop-on-load
19456 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
19458 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
19459 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
19460 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
19461 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
19462 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
19463 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
19465 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
19466 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
19471 @subsection PowerPC
19472 @cindex PowerPC architecture
19474 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
19475 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
19476 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
19477 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
19478 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
19480 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
19481 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
19482 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
19484 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
19485 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
19488 @node Controlling GDB
19489 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
19491 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
19492 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
19493 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
19498 * Editing:: Command editing
19499 * Command History:: Command history
19500 * Screen Size:: Screen size
19501 * Numbers:: Numbers
19502 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
19503 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
19504 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
19505 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
19513 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
19514 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
19515 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
19516 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
19517 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
19518 which one you are talking to.
19520 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
19521 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
19522 or a prompt that does not.
19526 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
19527 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
19529 @kindex show prompt
19531 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
19535 @section Command Editing
19537 @cindex command line editing
19539 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
19540 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
19541 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
19542 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
19543 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
19544 debugging sessions.
19546 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
19547 command @code{set}.
19550 @kindex set editing
19553 @itemx set editing on
19554 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
19556 @item set editing off
19557 Disable command line editing.
19559 @kindex show editing
19561 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
19564 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19565 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
19567 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19568 @xref{Command Line Editing},
19570 for more details about the Readline
19571 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
19572 encouraged to read that chapter.
19574 @node Command History
19575 @section Command History
19576 @cindex command history
19578 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
19579 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
19580 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
19583 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
19584 package, to provide the history facility.
19585 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19586 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
19588 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19589 @xref{Using History Interactively},
19591 for the detailed description of the History library.
19593 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
19594 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
19595 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
19596 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
19597 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
19598 pressed on a line by itself.
19600 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
19601 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
19602 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
19603 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
19605 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
19609 @cindex history substitution
19610 @cindex history file
19611 @kindex set history filename
19612 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
19613 @item set history filename @var{fname}
19614 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
19615 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
19616 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
19617 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
19618 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
19619 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
19620 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
19623 @cindex save command history
19624 @kindex set history save
19625 @item set history save
19626 @itemx set history save on
19627 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
19628 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
19630 @item set history save off
19631 Stop recording command history in a file.
19633 @cindex history size
19634 @kindex set history size
19635 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
19636 @item set history size @var{size}
19637 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
19638 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
19639 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
19642 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
19643 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19644 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
19646 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19647 @xref{Event Designators},
19651 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
19652 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
19653 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
19654 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
19655 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
19656 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
19657 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
19658 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
19660 The commands to control history expansion are:
19663 @item set history expansion on
19664 @itemx set history expansion
19665 @kindex set history expansion
19666 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
19668 @item set history expansion off
19669 Disable history expansion.
19672 @kindex show history
19674 @itemx show history filename
19675 @itemx show history save
19676 @itemx show history size
19677 @itemx show history expansion
19678 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
19679 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
19684 @kindex show commands
19685 @cindex show last commands
19686 @cindex display command history
19687 @item show commands
19688 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
19690 @item show commands @var{n}
19691 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
19693 @item show commands +
19694 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
19698 @section Screen Size
19699 @cindex size of screen
19700 @cindex pauses in output
19702 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
19703 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
19704 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
19705 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
19706 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
19707 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
19708 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
19709 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
19711 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
19712 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
19713 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
19714 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
19715 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
19722 @kindex show height
19723 @item set height @var{lpp}
19725 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
19727 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
19728 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
19729 commands display the current settings.
19731 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
19732 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
19733 file or to an editor buffer.
19735 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
19736 from wrapping its output.
19738 @item set pagination on
19739 @itemx set pagination off
19740 @kindex set pagination
19741 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
19742 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
19743 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
19744 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
19746 @item show pagination
19747 @kindex show pagination
19748 Show the current pagination mode.
19753 @cindex number representation
19754 @cindex entering numbers
19756 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
19757 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
19758 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
19759 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
19760 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
19761 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
19762 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
19763 both input and output with the commands described below.
19766 @kindex set input-radix
19767 @item set input-radix @var{base}
19768 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
19769 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19770 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
19774 set input-radix 012
19775 set input-radix 10.
19776 set input-radix 0xa
19780 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
19781 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
19782 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
19783 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
19784 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
19787 @kindex set output-radix
19788 @item set output-radix @var{base}
19789 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
19790 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19791 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
19793 @kindex show input-radix
19794 @item show input-radix
19795 Display the current default base for numeric input.
19797 @kindex show output-radix
19798 @item show output-radix
19799 Display the current default base for numeric display.
19801 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
19805 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
19806 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
19807 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
19808 default value of 10.
19813 @section Configuring the Current ABI
19815 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
19816 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
19817 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
19824 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
19825 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
19826 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
19827 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
19828 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
19829 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
19830 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
19835 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
19838 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
19840 @item set osabi @var{abi}
19841 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
19844 @cindex float promotion
19846 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
19847 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
19848 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
19849 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
19850 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
19851 @code{double} and then passed.
19853 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
19854 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
19855 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
19858 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
19859 @item set coerce-float-to-double
19860 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
19861 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
19862 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
19864 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
19865 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
19868 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
19869 @item show coerce-float-to-double
19870 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
19874 @kindex show cp-abi
19875 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
19876 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
19877 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
19878 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
19879 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
19880 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
19881 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
19882 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
19883 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
19884 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
19889 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
19892 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
19894 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
19895 @itemx set cp-abi auto
19896 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
19899 @node Messages/Warnings
19900 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
19902 @cindex verbose operation
19903 @cindex optional warnings
19904 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
19905 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
19906 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
19907 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
19909 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
19910 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
19911 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
19914 @kindex set verbose
19915 @item set verbose on
19916 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19918 @item set verbose off
19919 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19921 @kindex show verbose
19923 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
19926 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
19927 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
19928 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
19933 @kindex set complaints
19934 @item set complaints @var{limit}
19935 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
19936 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
19937 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
19938 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
19940 @kindex show complaints
19941 @item show complaints
19942 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
19946 @anchor{confirmation requests}
19947 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
19948 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
19949 you try to run a program which is already running:
19953 The program being debugged has been started already.
19954 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
19957 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
19958 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
19962 @kindex set confirm
19964 @cindex confirmation
19965 @cindex stupid questions
19966 @item set confirm off
19967 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
19968 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
19969 automatically disables confirmation requests.
19971 @item set confirm on
19972 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
19974 @kindex show confirm
19976 Displays state of confirmation requests.
19980 @cindex command tracing
19981 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
19982 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
19983 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
19984 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
19987 @kindex set trace-commands
19988 @cindex command scripts, debugging
19989 @item set trace-commands on
19990 Enable command tracing.
19991 @item set trace-commands off
19992 Disable command tracing.
19993 @item show trace-commands
19994 Display the current state of command tracing.
19997 @node Debugging Output
19998 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
19999 @cindex optional debugging messages
20001 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
20002 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
20003 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
20004 section documents those commands.
20007 @kindex set exec-done-display
20008 @item set exec-done-display
20009 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
20010 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
20011 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
20012 @kindex show exec-done-display
20013 @item show exec-done-display
20014 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
20017 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
20018 @cindex architecture debugging info
20019 @item set debug arch
20020 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
20022 @item show debug arch
20023 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
20024 @item set debug aix-thread
20025 @cindex AIX threads
20026 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
20028 @item show debug aix-thread
20029 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
20030 @item set debug check-physname
20032 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
20033 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
20034 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
20035 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
20036 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
20037 both ways and display any discrepancies.
20038 @item show debug check-physname
20039 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
20040 @item set debug dwarf2-die
20041 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
20042 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
20043 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
20044 A value of zero turns off the display.
20045 @item show debug dwarf2-die
20046 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
20047 @item set debug displaced
20048 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
20049 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
20050 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
20051 @item show debug displaced
20052 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
20053 related to displaced stepping.
20054 @item set debug event
20055 @cindex event debugging info
20056 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
20058 @item show debug event
20059 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
20061 @item set debug expression
20062 @cindex expression debugging info
20063 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
20064 expression parsing. The default is off.
20065 @item show debug expression
20066 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
20067 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
20068 @item set debug frame
20069 @cindex frame debugging info
20070 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
20072 @item show debug frame
20073 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
20075 @item set debug gnu-nat
20076 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
20077 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
20078 @item show debug gnu-nat
20079 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
20080 @item set debug infrun
20081 @cindex inferior debugging info
20082 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
20083 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
20084 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
20085 @item show debug infrun
20086 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
20087 @item set debug jit
20088 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
20089 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
20090 @item show debug jit
20091 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
20092 @item set debug lin-lwp
20093 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
20094 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
20095 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
20096 @item show debug lin-lwp
20097 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
20098 @item set debug observer
20099 @cindex observer debugging info
20100 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
20101 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
20102 @item show debug observer
20103 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
20104 @item set debug overload
20105 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
20106 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
20107 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
20109 @item show debug overload
20110 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
20112 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
20113 @cindex debug expression parser
20114 @item set debug parser
20115 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
20116 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
20117 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
20118 details. The default is off.
20119 @item show debug parser
20120 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
20121 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
20122 @cindex serial connections, debugging
20123 @cindex debug remote protocol
20124 @cindex remote protocol debugging
20125 @cindex display remote packets
20126 @item set debug remote
20127 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
20128 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
20129 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
20130 @item show debug remote
20131 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
20132 @item set debug serial
20133 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
20135 @item show debug serial
20136 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
20138 @item set debug solib-frv
20139 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
20140 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
20141 @item show debug solib-frv
20142 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
20144 @item set debug target
20145 @cindex target debugging info
20146 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
20147 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
20148 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
20149 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
20150 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
20151 @item show debug target
20152 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
20154 @item set debug timestamp
20155 @cindex timestampping debugging info
20156 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
20157 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
20159 @item show debug timestamp
20160 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
20162 @item set debugvarobj
20163 @cindex variable object debugging info
20164 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
20165 info. The default is off.
20166 @item show debugvarobj
20167 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
20169 @item set debug xml
20170 @cindex XML parser debugging
20171 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
20172 @item show debug xml
20173 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
20176 @node Other Misc Settings
20177 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
20178 @cindex miscellaneous settings
20181 @kindex set interactive-mode
20182 @item set interactive-mode
20183 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
20184 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
20185 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
20186 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
20187 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
20188 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
20189 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
20190 is, non-interactively otherwise.
20192 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
20193 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
20194 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
20195 inside a cygwin window.
20197 @kindex show interactive-mode
20198 @item show interactive-mode
20199 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
20202 @node Extending GDB
20203 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
20204 @cindex extending GDB
20206 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
20207 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
20208 Python scripting language.
20210 To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
20211 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
20212 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
20213 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
20214 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20215 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
20217 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
20221 @kindex set script-extension
20222 @kindex show script-extension
20223 @item set script-extension off
20224 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20226 @item set script-extension soft
20227 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20228 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
20229 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
20230 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
20232 @item set script-extension strict
20233 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20234 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
20235 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
20237 @item show script-extension
20238 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
20243 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
20244 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20248 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
20250 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
20251 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
20252 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
20256 * Define:: How to define your own commands
20257 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
20258 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
20259 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
20263 @subsection User-defined Commands
20265 @cindex user-defined command
20266 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
20267 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
20268 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
20269 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
20270 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
20271 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
20275 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20280 To execute the command use:
20287 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
20288 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
20289 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
20292 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
20293 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
20294 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
20295 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
20300 print $arg0 + $arg1
20303 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20311 @item define @var{commandname}
20312 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
20313 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
20314 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
20315 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
20316 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
20317 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
20319 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
20320 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
20321 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20324 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
20325 @item document @var{commandname}
20326 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
20327 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
20328 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
20329 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
20330 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
20331 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
20333 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
20334 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
20335 does not change the documentation.
20337 @kindex dont-repeat
20338 @cindex don't repeat command
20340 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
20341 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
20342 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
20344 @kindex help user-defined
20345 @item help user-defined
20346 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
20351 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
20352 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
20353 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
20354 definitions for all user-defined commands.
20356 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
20357 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
20358 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
20359 @item show max-user-call-depth
20360 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
20361 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
20362 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
20363 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
20366 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
20367 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
20369 When user-defined commands are executed, the
20370 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
20371 stops execution of the user-defined command.
20373 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
20374 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
20375 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
20376 messages when used in a user-defined command.
20379 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
20380 @cindex command hooks
20381 @cindex hooks, for commands
20382 @cindex hooks, pre-command
20385 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
20386 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
20387 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
20388 before that command.
20390 @cindex hooks, post-command
20392 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
20393 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
20394 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
20395 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
20396 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
20398 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
20399 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
20401 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
20402 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
20404 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
20405 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
20406 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
20407 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
20408 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
20410 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
20411 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
20416 handle SIGALRM nopass
20420 handle SIGALRM pass
20423 define hook-continue
20424 handle SIGALRM pass
20428 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
20429 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
20437 define hookpost-echo
20441 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
20442 <<<---Hello World--->>>
20447 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
20448 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
20449 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
20450 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
20452 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
20453 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
20454 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
20456 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
20457 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
20458 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
20460 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
20461 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
20463 @node Command Files
20464 @subsection Command Files
20466 @cindex command files
20467 @cindex scripting commands
20468 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
20469 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
20470 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
20471 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
20474 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
20475 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
20476 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
20477 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
20478 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
20482 @cindex execute commands from a file
20483 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
20484 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
20487 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
20488 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
20489 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
20490 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
20491 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
20493 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
20494 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
20495 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
20496 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
20497 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
20498 is not relevant to scripts.
20500 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
20501 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
20502 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
20503 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
20504 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20505 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
20506 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
20507 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
20508 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20509 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
20510 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
20511 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
20512 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
20513 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
20515 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
20516 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
20517 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
20519 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
20520 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
20521 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
20522 when called from command files.
20524 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
20525 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
20526 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
20527 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
20531 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
20534 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
20535 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
20536 would be directed to @file{log}.
20538 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
20539 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
20540 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
20541 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
20542 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
20543 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
20544 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
20545 conditionally, etc.
20552 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
20553 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
20554 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
20555 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
20556 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
20557 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
20558 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20562 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
20563 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
20564 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
20565 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
20566 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
20567 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
20571 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
20572 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
20575 @kindex loop_continue
20576 @item loop_continue
20577 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
20578 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
20579 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
20580 the controlling expression.
20582 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
20584 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
20585 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
20590 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
20592 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
20593 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
20594 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
20595 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
20600 @item echo @var{text}
20601 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
20602 @c because it is not in ANSI.
20603 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
20604 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
20605 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
20606 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
20607 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
20608 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
20609 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
20610 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
20611 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
20613 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
20614 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
20617 echo This is some text\n\
20618 which is continued\n\
20619 onto several lines.\n
20622 produces the same output as
20625 echo This is some text\n
20626 echo which is continued\n
20627 echo onto several lines.\n
20631 @item output @var{expression}
20632 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
20633 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
20634 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
20637 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
20638 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
20639 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
20640 Formats}, for more information.
20643 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20644 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20645 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
20646 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
20647 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
20648 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
20649 executing the code below:
20652 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
20655 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
20656 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
20657 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
20658 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
20659 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
20662 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
20665 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
20668 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
20669 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
20670 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
20674 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
20677 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
20681 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
20682 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
20685 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
20689 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
20692 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
20696 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
20697 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
20698 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
20699 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
20701 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
20702 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
20703 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
20704 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
20707 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
20708 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
20709 together with a floating point specifier.
20714 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
20717 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
20720 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
20723 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
20724 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
20725 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
20727 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
20728 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
20730 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
20732 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
20736 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20737 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20738 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
20743 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20744 @cindex python scripting
20745 @cindex scripting with python
20747 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
20748 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
20749 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
20751 @cindex python directory
20752 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
20753 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
20754 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
20755 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
20756 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
20757 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
20760 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
20761 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
20762 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
20763 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
20766 @node Python Commands
20767 @subsection Python Commands
20768 @cindex python commands
20769 @cindex commands to access python
20771 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
20772 and one related setting:
20776 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
20777 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
20779 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
20780 argument as a Python command. For example:
20783 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
20787 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
20788 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
20789 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
20790 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
20791 containing @code{end}. For example:
20794 (@value{GDBP}) python
20796 End with a line saying just "end".
20802 @kindex maint set python print-stack
20803 @item maint set python print-stack
20804 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
20805 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
20806 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
20807 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
20811 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
20815 @item source @file{script-name}
20816 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
20817 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
20818 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
20820 @item python execfile ("script-name")
20821 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
20822 and thus is always available.
20826 @subsection Python API
20828 @cindex programming in python
20830 @cindex python stdout
20831 @cindex python pagination
20832 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
20833 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
20834 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
20835 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
20836 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
20839 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
20840 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
20841 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
20842 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
20843 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
20844 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
20845 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
20846 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
20847 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
20848 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
20849 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
20850 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
20851 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
20852 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
20853 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
20854 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20855 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
20856 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
20857 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
20858 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
20859 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
20863 @subsubsection Basic Python
20865 @cindex python functions
20866 @cindex python module
20868 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
20869 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
20870 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
20871 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
20873 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
20875 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
20878 @findex gdb.execute
20879 @defun execute command [from_tty] [to_string]
20880 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20881 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
20882 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
20884 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
20885 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
20886 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
20888 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
20889 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
20890 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
20891 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
20892 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
20893 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
20894 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
20897 @findex gdb.breakpoints
20899 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
20900 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
20903 @findex gdb.parameter
20904 @defun parameter parameter
20905 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
20906 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
20907 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
20908 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
20910 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
20911 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
20912 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
20913 type, and returned.
20916 @findex gdb.history
20917 @defun history number
20918 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
20919 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
20920 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
20921 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
20922 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
20923 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
20924 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
20927 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
20928 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
20931 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
20932 @defun parse_and_eval expression
20933 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
20934 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20935 @var{expression} must be a string.
20937 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
20938 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
20939 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
20940 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
20941 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20944 @findex gdb.post_event
20945 @defun post_event event
20946 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
20947 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
20948 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
20949 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
20950 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
20951 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
20953 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
20954 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
20955 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
20959 (@value{GDBP}) python
20963 > def __init__(self, message):
20964 > self.message = message;
20965 > def __call__(self):
20966 > gdb.write(self.message)
20968 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
20970 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
20972 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
20974 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
20976 >MyThread1().start()
20977 >MyThread2().start()
20979 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
20984 @defun write string @r{[}stream{]}
20985 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
20986 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
20987 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
20994 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
20999 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
21004 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
21007 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
21008 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
21014 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
21015 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
21016 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
21017 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
21018 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
21025 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
21030 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
21035 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
21039 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
21040 call this function for the relevant stream.
21043 @findex gdb.target_charset
21044 @defun target_charset
21045 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
21046 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
21047 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
21050 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
21051 @defun target_wide_charset
21052 Return the name of the current target wide character set
21053 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
21054 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
21058 @findex gdb.solib_name
21059 @defun solib_name address
21060 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
21061 as a string, or @code{None}.
21064 @findex gdb.decode_line
21065 @defun decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
21066 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
21067 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
21068 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
21069 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
21070 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
21071 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
21072 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
21073 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
21074 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
21075 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
21078 @node Exception Handling
21079 @subsubsection Exception Handling
21080 @cindex python exceptions
21081 @cindex exceptions, python
21083 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
21084 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
21085 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
21086 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
21087 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
21088 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
21089 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
21092 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
21093 Traceback (most recent call last):
21094 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
21095 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
21098 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
21099 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
21100 Python exception depends on the error.
21104 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
21105 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
21106 versions of @value{GDBN}.
21108 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
21109 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
21111 @item gdb.MemoryError
21112 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
21113 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
21115 @item KeyboardInterrupt
21116 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
21117 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
21120 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
21121 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
21122 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
21125 @findex gdb.GdbError
21126 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
21127 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
21128 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
21129 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
21130 to handle this case. Example:
21134 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
21135 > """Greet the whole world."""
21136 > def __init__ (self):
21137 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
21138 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
21139 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
21140 > if len (argv) != 0:
21141 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
21142 > print "Hello, World!"
21145 (gdb) hello-world 42
21146 hello-world takes no arguments
21149 @node Values From Inferior
21150 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
21151 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
21152 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
21154 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
21155 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
21156 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
21157 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
21158 fetching values when necessary.
21160 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
21161 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
21162 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
21169 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
21170 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
21172 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
21173 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
21174 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
21175 can access its @code{foo} element with:
21178 bar = some_val['foo']
21181 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
21183 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
21184 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
21185 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
21188 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
21189 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
21190 execute this function, call it like so:
21193 result = some_val (10,20)
21196 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
21199 The following attributes are provided:
21202 @defivar Value address
21203 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
21204 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
21205 this attribute holds @code{None}.
21208 @cindex optimized out value in Python
21209 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
21210 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
21211 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
21214 @defivar Value type
21215 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
21216 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
21219 @defivar Value dynamic_type
21220 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
21221 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
21222 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
21223 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
21224 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
21225 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
21226 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
21229 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
21230 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
21231 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
21232 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
21236 The following methods are provided:
21239 @defmethod Value __init__ @var{val}
21240 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
21241 this object initializer. Specifically:
21244 @item Python boolean
21245 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
21248 @item Python integer
21249 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
21250 current architecture.
21253 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
21254 current architecture.
21257 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
21258 current architecture.
21260 @item Python string
21261 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
21264 @item @code{gdb.Value}
21265 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
21267 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
21268 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
21269 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
21270 its result is used.
21274 @defmethod Value cast type
21275 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
21276 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
21277 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
21278 reason, this method throws an exception.
21281 @defmethod Value dereference
21282 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
21283 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
21284 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
21291 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
21292 @code{foo} points to like this:
21295 bar = foo.dereference ()
21298 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
21299 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
21302 @defmethod Value dynamic_cast type
21303 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
21304 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21307 @defmethod Value reinterpret_cast type
21308 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
21309 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21312 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21313 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21314 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
21315 throw an exception.
21317 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
21318 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
21321 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
21322 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
21323 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
21324 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
21325 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
21327 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21328 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
21329 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
21330 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
21331 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
21332 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
21333 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
21334 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
21335 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
21337 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
21338 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
21340 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21341 fetched and converted to the given length.
21344 @defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21345 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21346 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
21347 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
21349 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21350 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
21351 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
21352 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
21353 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
21355 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
21356 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
21357 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
21358 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
21359 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
21360 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
21362 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21363 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
21364 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
21365 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
21369 @node Types In Python
21370 @subsubsection Types In Python
21371 @cindex types in Python
21372 @cindex Python, working with types
21375 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
21378 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21381 @findex gdb.lookup_type
21382 @defun lookup_type name [block]
21383 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
21384 type to look up. It must be a string.
21386 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21387 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21389 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
21390 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
21393 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
21397 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
21398 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
21401 @defivar Type sizeof
21402 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
21403 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
21404 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
21408 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
21409 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
21410 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
21411 @code{None} is returned.
21415 The following methods are provided:
21418 @defmethod Type fields
21419 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
21420 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
21421 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
21422 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
21423 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
21424 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
21426 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
21429 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
21430 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
21431 position of the field.
21434 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
21437 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
21438 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
21439 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
21441 @item is_base_class
21442 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
21443 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
21444 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
21445 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
21448 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
21449 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
21450 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
21453 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
21454 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
21458 @defmethod Type array @var{n1} @r{[}@var{n2}@r{]}
21459 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
21460 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
21461 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
21462 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
21463 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
21464 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
21467 @defmethod Type const
21468 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21469 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
21472 @defmethod Type volatile
21473 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21474 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
21477 @defmethod Type unqualified
21478 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
21479 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
21483 @defmethod Type range
21484 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
21485 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
21486 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
21487 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
21490 @defmethod Type reference
21491 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
21495 @defmethod Type pointer
21496 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
21500 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
21501 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
21502 after removing all layers of typedefs.
21505 @defmethod Type target
21506 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
21509 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
21510 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
21511 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
21512 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
21513 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
21514 target type is the aliased type.
21516 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
21520 @defmethod Type template_argument n [block]
21521 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
21522 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
21523 @var{n}th template argument.
21525 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
21526 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
21528 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21529 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21534 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
21535 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
21536 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
21539 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
21540 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
21541 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
21542 The type is a pointer.
21544 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21545 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21546 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21547 The type is an array.
21549 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21550 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21551 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21552 The type is a structure.
21554 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
21555 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
21556 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
21557 The type is a union.
21559 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21560 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21561 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21562 The type is an enum.
21564 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21565 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21566 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21567 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
21569 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21570 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21571 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21572 The type is a function.
21574 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
21575 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
21576 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
21577 The type is an integer type.
21579 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
21580 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
21581 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
21582 A floating point type.
21584 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
21585 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
21586 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
21587 The special type @code{void}.
21589 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
21590 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
21591 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
21594 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21595 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21596 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21597 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
21599 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
21600 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
21601 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
21602 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
21603 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
21605 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21606 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21607 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21610 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21611 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21612 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21613 An unknown or erroneous type.
21615 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21616 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21617 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21618 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
21620 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21621 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21622 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21623 A pointer-to-member-function.
21625 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21626 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21627 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21628 A pointer-to-member.
21630 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
21631 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
21632 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
21635 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21636 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21637 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21640 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21641 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21642 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21645 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21646 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21647 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21648 A complex float type.
21650 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21651 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21652 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21653 A typedef to some other type.
21655 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21656 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21657 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21658 A C@t{++} namespace.
21660 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21661 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21662 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21663 A decimal floating point type.
21665 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21666 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21667 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21668 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
21669 convenience functions.
21672 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
21673 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
21675 @node Pretty Printing API
21676 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
21678 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
21680 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
21681 specific interface, defined here.
21683 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
21684 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
21685 children of the pretty-printer's value.
21687 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
21688 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
21689 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
21690 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
21691 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
21693 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
21694 as though the value has no children.
21697 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
21698 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
21699 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
21700 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
21703 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
21706 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
21710 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
21711 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
21712 @code{set print array}.
21715 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
21716 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
21720 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
21721 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
21722 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
21723 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
21724 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
21725 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
21729 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
21730 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
21731 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
21733 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
21734 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
21735 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
21736 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
21737 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
21738 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
21739 the result of @code{children}.
21741 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
21743 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
21744 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
21745 another pretty-printer.
21747 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
21748 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
21749 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
21750 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
21751 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
21753 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
21754 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
21756 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
21759 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
21760 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
21762 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
21763 @defun default_visualizer value
21764 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
21765 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
21766 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
21769 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
21770 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
21772 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
21773 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
21774 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
21775 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
21776 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
21777 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
21780 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
21781 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
21782 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
21783 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
21786 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
21787 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
21788 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
21789 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
21790 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
21791 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
21792 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
21793 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
21794 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
21795 object is returned.
21797 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
21798 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
21799 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
21800 object is returned.
21802 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
21803 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
21804 the pretty-printer is out of date.
21806 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
21807 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
21808 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
21809 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
21810 with a broken printer.
21812 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
21813 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
21814 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
21815 the printer is enabled.
21817 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
21818 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
21819 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
21821 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
21822 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
21824 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
21825 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
21829 class StdStringPrinter(object):
21830 "Print a std::string"
21832 def __init__(self, val):
21835 def to_string(self):
21836 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
21838 def display_hint(self):
21842 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
21843 example above might be written.
21846 def str_lookup_function(val):
21847 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
21848 if lookup_tag == None:
21850 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
21851 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
21852 return StdStringPrinter(val)
21856 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
21857 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
21858 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
21859 returns @code{None}.
21861 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
21862 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
21863 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
21864 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
21865 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
21868 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
21869 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
21870 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
21871 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
21872 the current objfile.
21874 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
21875 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
21876 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
21877 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
21878 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
21879 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
21880 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
21881 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
21884 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
21885 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
21888 def register_printers(objfile):
21889 objfile.pretty_printers.add(str_lookup_function)
21893 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
21896 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
21897 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
21900 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
21901 There are a few things that can be improved on.
21902 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
21903 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
21904 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
21906 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
21907 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
21908 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
21909 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
21910 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
21911 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
21913 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
21914 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
21915 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
21917 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
21920 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
21921 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
21924 Here are the printers:
21928 """Print a foo object."""
21930 def __init__(self, val):
21933 def to_string(self):
21934 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
21935 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
21938 """Print a bar object."""
21940 def __init__(self, val):
21943 def to_string(self):
21944 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
21945 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
21948 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
21949 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
21950 the object that handles the lookup.
21953 import gdb.printing
21955 def build_pretty_printer():
21956 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
21958 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
21959 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
21963 And here is the autoload support:
21966 import gdb.printing
21968 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
21969 gdb.current_objfile(),
21970 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
21973 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
21974 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
21977 (gdb) info pretty-printer
21984 @node Inferiors In Python
21985 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
21986 @cindex inferiors in Python
21988 @findex gdb.Inferior
21989 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
21990 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
21991 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
21992 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
21994 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21998 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
22001 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
22004 @defivar Inferior num
22005 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
22008 @defivar Inferior pid
22009 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
22013 @defivar Inferior was_attached
22014 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
22015 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
22019 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
22022 @defmethod Inferior is_valid
22023 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
22024 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
22025 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
22026 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
22027 at the time the method is called.
22030 @defmethod Inferior threads
22031 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
22032 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
22033 return an empty tuple.
22036 @findex gdb.read_memory
22037 @defmethod Inferior read_memory address length
22038 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
22039 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
22040 or a string. It can be modified and given to the @code{gdb.write_memory}
22044 @findex gdb.write_memory
22045 @defmethod Inferior write_memory address buffer @r{[}length@r{]}
22046 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
22047 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
22048 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
22049 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
22050 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
22053 @findex gdb.search_memory
22054 @defmethod Inferior search_memory address length pattern
22055 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
22056 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
22057 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
22058 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
22059 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
22060 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
22061 the pattern could not be found.
22065 @node Events In Python
22066 @subsubsection Events In Python
22067 @cindex inferior events in Python
22069 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
22070 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
22073 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
22074 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
22075 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
22077 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
22078 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
22079 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
22080 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
22083 @defmethod EventRegistry connect object
22084 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
22085 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
22088 @defmethod EventRegistry disconnect object
22089 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
22090 will no longer receive notifications of events.
22094 Here is an example:
22097 def exit_handler (event):
22098 print "event type: exit"
22099 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
22101 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
22104 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
22105 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
22106 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
22107 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
22108 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
22111 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
22112 details of the events they emit:
22117 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22119 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
22120 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
22121 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
22122 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
22123 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
22124 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
22127 @defivar ThreadEvent inferior_thread
22128 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
22129 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
22133 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22135 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
22136 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
22138 @item events.exited
22139 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
22140 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has one optional attribute. This attribute
22141 will exist only in the case that the inferior exited with some
22144 @defivar ExitedEvent exit_code
22145 An integer representing the exit code which the inferior has returned.
22150 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
22152 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
22153 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
22154 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
22155 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
22157 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
22159 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
22160 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
22163 @defivar SignalEvent stop_signal
22164 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
22165 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
22166 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
22170 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
22172 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that a breakpoint has been hit, and
22173 has the following attributes:
22176 @defivar BreakpointEvent breakpoint
22177 A reference to the breakpoint that was hit of type @code{gdb.Breakpoint}.
22178 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
22184 @node Threads In Python
22185 @subsubsection Threads In Python
22186 @cindex threads in python
22188 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
22189 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
22190 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
22192 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22195 @findex gdb.selected_thread
22196 @defun selected_thread
22197 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
22198 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
22201 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
22204 @defivar InferiorThread name
22205 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
22206 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
22207 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
22208 returns @code{None}.
22210 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
22211 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
22212 user-specified thread name.
22215 @defivar InferiorThread num
22216 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
22219 @defivar InferiorThread ptid
22220 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
22221 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
22222 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
22223 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
22224 does not use that identifier.
22228 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
22231 @defmethod InferiorThread is_valid
22232 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
22233 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
22234 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
22235 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
22236 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22239 @defmethod InferiorThread switch
22240 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
22244 @defmethod InferiorThread is_stopped
22245 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
22248 @defmethod InferiorThread is_running
22249 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
22252 @defmethod InferiorThread is_exited
22253 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
22257 @node Commands In Python
22258 @subsubsection Commands In Python
22260 @cindex commands in python
22261 @cindex python commands
22262 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
22263 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
22264 class, most commonly using a subclass.
22266 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
22267 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
22268 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
22269 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22271 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
22272 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22273 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
22274 an exception is raised.
22276 There is no support for multi-line commands.
22278 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22279 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
22280 new command in the help system.
22282 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
22283 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
22284 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
22285 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
22286 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
22287 error will occur when completion is attempted.
22289 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
22290 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
22293 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
22294 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
22295 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
22296 not documented.'' is used.
22299 @cindex don't repeat Python command
22300 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
22301 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
22302 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
22303 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
22304 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
22307 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
22308 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
22310 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
22311 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
22313 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
22314 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
22315 that the command came from elsewhere.
22317 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
22318 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
22320 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
22321 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
22322 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
22323 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
22324 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
22325 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
22329 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
22330 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
22335 @cindex completion of Python commands
22336 @defmethod Command complete text word
22337 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
22338 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
22339 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
22340 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
22343 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
22344 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
22345 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
22346 using a word-breaking heuristic.
22348 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
22351 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
22352 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
22353 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
22354 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
22355 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
22356 sequence are ignored.
22359 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
22360 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
22361 function is invoked, and its result is used.
22364 All other results are treated as though there were no available
22369 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
22370 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
22371 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
22372 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
22373 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
22374 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22377 @findex COMMAND_NONE
22378 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
22380 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
22381 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
22383 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
22384 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
22385 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
22386 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
22387 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
22388 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22389 commands in this category.
22391 @findex COMMAND_DATA
22392 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
22394 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
22395 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
22396 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
22399 @findex COMMAND_STACK
22400 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
22401 @item COMMAND_STACK
22402 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
22403 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
22404 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
22405 list of commands in this category.
22407 @findex COMMAND_FILES
22408 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
22409 @item COMMAND_FILES
22410 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
22411 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
22412 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22413 commands in this category.
22415 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
22416 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
22417 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
22418 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
22419 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
22420 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
22421 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
22422 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22423 commands in this category.
22425 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
22426 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
22427 @item COMMAND_STATUS
22428 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
22429 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
22430 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
22431 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
22433 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22434 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22435 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22436 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
22437 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22438 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
22441 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22442 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22443 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22444 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
22445 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
22446 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22447 commands in this category.
22449 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
22450 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
22451 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
22452 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
22453 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
22454 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22455 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
22458 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22459 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22460 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22461 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
22462 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
22463 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22464 commands in this category.
22467 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
22468 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
22469 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
22470 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22473 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
22474 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
22475 @item COMPLETE_NONE
22476 This constant means that no completion should be done.
22478 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
22479 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
22480 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
22481 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
22483 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
22484 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
22485 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
22486 This constant means that location completion should be done.
22487 @xref{Specify Location}.
22489 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
22490 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
22491 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
22492 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
22495 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22496 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22497 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22498 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
22502 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
22503 implemented in Python:
22506 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22507 """Greet the whole world."""
22509 def __init__ (self):
22510 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
22512 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
22513 print "Hello, World!"
22518 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22519 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22520 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22521 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22523 @node Parameters In Python
22524 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
22526 @cindex parameters in python
22527 @cindex python parameters
22528 @tindex gdb.Parameter
22530 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
22531 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
22534 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
22535 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
22537 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
22538 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
22539 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
22540 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
22541 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
22543 @defmethod Parameter __init__ name @var{command-class} @var{parameter-class} @r{[}@var{enum-sequence}@r{]}
22544 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
22545 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
22546 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22548 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
22549 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22550 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
22551 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
22552 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
22553 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
22554 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
22556 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
22557 can be found, an exception is raised.
22559 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22560 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
22561 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
22563 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
22564 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
22565 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
22568 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
22569 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
22570 represent the possible values for the parameter.
22572 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
22573 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
22575 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
22576 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
22577 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
22580 @defivar Parameter set_doc
22581 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22582 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
22583 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22587 @defivar Parameter show_doc
22588 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22589 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
22590 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22594 @defivar Parameter value
22595 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
22596 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
22597 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
22600 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
22601 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
22603 @defop Operation {parameter} get_set_string self
22604 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
22605 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
22606 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
22607 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
22610 @defop Operation {parameter} get_show_string self svalue
22611 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
22612 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
22613 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
22614 current value. This method must return a string.
22617 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
22618 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
22622 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
22623 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
22624 @item PARAM_BOOLEAN
22625 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
22626 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
22628 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22629 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22630 @item PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22631 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
22632 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
22633 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
22635 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
22636 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
22637 @item PARAM_UINTEGER
22638 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
22639 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
22641 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
22642 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
22643 @item PARAM_INTEGER
22644 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
22645 to mean ``unlimited''.
22647 @findex PARAM_STRING
22648 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
22650 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
22651 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
22652 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
22655 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22656 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22657 @item PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22658 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
22659 passed through untranslated.
22661 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22662 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22663 @item PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22664 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
22666 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
22667 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
22668 @item PARAM_FILENAME
22669 The value is a filename. This is just like
22670 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
22672 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
22673 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
22674 @item PARAM_ZINTEGER
22675 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
22676 is interpreted as itself.
22679 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
22681 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
22682 constants provided when the parameter is created.
22685 @node Functions In Python
22686 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
22688 @cindex writing convenience functions
22689 @cindex convenience functions in python
22690 @cindex python convenience functions
22691 @tindex gdb.Function
22693 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
22694 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
22695 class @code{gdb.Function}.
22697 @defmethod Function __init__ name
22698 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
22699 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
22700 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
22701 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
22702 the given @var{name}.
22704 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
22705 string for the new class.
22708 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
22709 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
22710 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
22711 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
22712 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
22713 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
22714 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
22715 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
22717 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
22718 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
22719 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
22722 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
22723 be implemented in Python:
22726 class Greet (gdb.Function):
22727 """Return string to greet someone.
22728 Takes a name as argument."""
22730 def __init__ (self):
22731 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
22733 def invoke (self, name):
22734 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
22739 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22740 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22741 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22742 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22744 @node Progspaces In Python
22745 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
22747 @cindex progspaces in python
22748 @tindex gdb.Progspace
22750 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
22751 of an address space.
22752 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
22753 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22754 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
22755 about program spaces.
22757 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
22760 @findex gdb.current_progspace
22761 @defun current_progspace
22762 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
22763 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
22766 @findex gdb.progspaces
22768 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
22771 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
22774 @defivar Progspace filename
22775 The file name of the progspace as a string.
22778 @defivar Progspace pretty_printers
22779 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22780 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22781 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22782 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22783 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22787 @node Objfiles In Python
22788 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
22790 @cindex objfiles in python
22791 @tindex gdb.Objfile
22793 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
22794 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
22795 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
22796 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
22797 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
22799 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
22802 @findex gdb.current_objfile
22803 @defun current_objfile
22804 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
22805 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
22806 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
22807 this function returns @code{None}.
22810 @findex gdb.objfiles
22812 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
22813 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22816 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
22819 @defivar Objfile filename
22820 The file name of the objfile as a string.
22823 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
22824 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22825 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22826 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22827 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22828 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22832 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
22834 @defmethod Objfile is_valid
22835 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
22836 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
22837 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
22838 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
22839 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22842 @node Frames In Python
22843 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22845 @cindex frames in python
22846 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
22847 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
22848 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
22849 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
22850 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
22851 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
22853 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
22857 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
22861 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
22863 @findex gdb.selected_frame
22864 @defun selected_frame
22865 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
22868 @findex gdb.newest_frame
22869 @defun newest_frame
22870 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
22873 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
22874 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
22875 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
22876 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
22879 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
22882 @defmethod Frame is_valid
22883 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
22884 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
22885 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
22886 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22889 @defmethod Frame name
22890 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
22894 @defmethod Frame type
22895 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
22897 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
22898 An ordinary stack frame.
22900 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
22901 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
22902 inferior function call.
22904 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
22905 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
22906 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
22908 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
22909 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
22910 it calls into a signal handler.
22912 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
22913 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
22915 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
22916 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
22921 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
22922 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
22923 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
22924 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
22925 function to a string.
22928 @defmethod Frame pc
22929 Returns the frame's resume address.
22932 @defmethod Frame block
22933 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
22936 @defmethod Frame function
22937 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
22938 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
22941 @defmethod Frame older
22942 Return the frame that called this frame.
22945 @defmethod Frame newer
22946 Return the frame called by this frame.
22949 @defmethod Frame find_sal
22950 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
22951 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
22954 @defmethod Frame read_var variable @r{[}block@r{]}
22955 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
22956 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
22957 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
22958 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
22959 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
22960 @code{gdb.Block} object.
22963 @defmethod Frame select
22964 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
22969 @node Blocks In Python
22970 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22972 @cindex blocks in python
22975 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
22976 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
22977 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
22978 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
22979 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
22980 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
22983 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22986 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
22987 @defun block_for_pc pc
22988 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
22989 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
22990 will return @code{None}.
22993 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
22996 @defmethod Block is_valid
22997 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
22998 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
22999 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
23000 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
23001 the time the method is called. This method is also made available to
23002 the Python iterator object that @code{gdb.Block} provides in an iteration
23003 context and via the Python @code{iter} built-in function.
23007 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
23010 @defivar Block start
23011 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
23015 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
23018 @defivar Block function
23019 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
23020 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
23021 attribute is not writable.
23024 @defivar Block superblock
23025 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
23026 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23030 @node Symbols In Python
23031 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
23033 @cindex symbols in python
23036 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
23037 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
23038 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
23039 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
23041 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
23044 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
23045 @defun lookup_symbol name @r{[}block@r{]} @r{[}domain@r{]}
23046 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
23047 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
23050 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
23051 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
23052 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
23053 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
23054 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
23055 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
23056 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
23059 The result is a tuple of two elements.
23060 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
23062 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
23063 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
23064 otherwise it is @code{False}.
23065 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
23068 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
23069 @defun lookup_global_symbol name @r{[}domain@r{]}
23070 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
23071 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
23073 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
23074 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
23075 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
23076 module and described later in this chapter.
23078 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
23082 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
23085 @defivar Symbol symtab
23086 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
23087 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
23088 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
23091 @defivar Symbol name
23092 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
23095 @defivar Symbol linkage_name
23096 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
23097 This attribute is not writable.
23100 @defivar Symbol print_name
23101 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
23102 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
23103 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
23106 @defivar Symbol addr_class
23107 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
23108 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
23109 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
23112 @defivar Symbol is_argument
23113 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
23116 @defivar Symbol is_constant
23117 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
23120 @defivar Symbol is_function
23121 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
23124 @defivar Symbol is_variable
23125 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
23129 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
23132 @defmethod Symbol is_valid
23133 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
23134 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
23135 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
23136 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
23137 invalid at the time the method is called.
23141 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
23142 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
23145 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23146 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23147 @item SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
23148 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
23149 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
23150 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
23151 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23152 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23153 @item SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
23154 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
23156 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23157 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23158 @item SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
23159 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
23160 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23161 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23162 @item SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
23163 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
23164 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23165 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23166 @item SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
23167 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
23168 contains everything minus functions and types.
23169 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
23170 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
23171 @item SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
23172 This domain contains all functions.
23173 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23174 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23175 @item SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
23176 This domain contains all types.
23179 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
23180 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
23183 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23184 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23185 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
23186 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
23187 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
23188 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23189 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23190 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
23191 Value is constant int.
23192 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23193 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23194 @item SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
23195 Value is at a fixed address.
23196 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23197 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23198 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
23199 Value is in a register.
23200 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23201 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23202 @item SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
23203 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
23204 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
23205 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23206 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23207 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
23208 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
23209 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
23210 offset, not the value itself.
23211 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23212 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23213 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
23214 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
23215 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
23217 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23218 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23219 @item SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
23220 Value is a local variable.
23221 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23222 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23223 @item SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
23224 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
23226 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23227 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23228 @item SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
23230 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23231 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23232 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
23233 Value is a byte-sequence.
23234 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23235 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23236 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
23237 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
23238 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
23240 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23241 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23242 @item SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
23243 The value does not actually exist in the program.
23244 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23245 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23246 @item SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
23247 The value's address is a computed location.
23250 @node Symbol Tables In Python
23251 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
23253 @cindex symbol tables in python
23255 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
23257 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
23258 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
23259 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
23260 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
23261 @xref{Frames In Python}.
23263 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
23264 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
23266 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
23269 @defivar Symtab_and_line symtab
23270 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
23271 This attribute is not writable.
23274 @defivar Symtab_and_line pc
23275 Indicates the current program counter address. This attribute is not
23279 @defivar Symtab_and_line line
23280 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
23281 attribute is not writable.
23285 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
23288 @defmethod Symtab_and_line is_valid
23289 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
23290 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
23291 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
23292 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
23293 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
23294 invalid at the time the method is called.
23298 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
23301 @defivar Symtab filename
23302 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
23305 @defivar Symtab objfile
23306 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
23307 This attribute is not writable.
23311 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
23314 @defmethod Symtab is_valid
23315 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
23316 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
23317 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
23318 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
23319 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
23322 @defmethod Symtab fullname
23323 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
23327 @node Breakpoints In Python
23328 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
23330 @cindex breakpoints in python
23331 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
23333 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
23336 @defmethod Breakpoint __init__ spec @r{[}type@r{]} @r{[}wp_class@r{]} @r{[}internal@r{]}
23337 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
23338 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
23339 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
23340 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
23341 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
23342 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
23343 either: @code{BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
23344 defaults to @code{BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
23345 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
23346 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
23347 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
23348 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
23349 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
23350 @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
23351 assumed to be a @var{WP_WRITE} class.
23354 @defop Operation {gdb.Breakpoint} stop (self)
23355 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
23356 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
23357 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
23358 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
23359 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
23360 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
23361 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
23363 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
23364 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
23365 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
23366 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
23367 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
23368 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
23370 Example @code{stop} implementation:
23373 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
23375 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
23382 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
23387 @findex gdb.WP_READ
23389 Read only watchpoint.
23392 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
23394 Write only watchpoint.
23397 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
23399 Read/Write watchpoint.
23402 @defmethod Breakpoint is_valid
23403 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
23404 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
23405 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
23406 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
23407 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
23408 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
23411 @defmethod Breakpoint delete
23412 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
23413 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
23414 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
23417 @defivar Breakpoint enabled
23418 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
23419 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23422 @defivar Breakpoint silent
23423 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
23424 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
23426 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
23427 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
23428 @code{silent} attribute.
23431 @defivar Breakpoint thread
23432 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
23433 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
23434 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23437 @defivar Breakpoint task
23438 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
23439 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
23440 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
23444 @defivar Breakpoint ignore_count
23445 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23446 This attribute is writable.
23449 @defivar Breakpoint number
23450 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
23451 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
23454 @defivar Breakpoint type
23455 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
23456 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
23460 @defivar Breakpoint visible
23461 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
23462 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
23463 attribute is not writable.
23466 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
23470 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
23471 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
23472 @item BP_BREAKPOINT
23473 Normal code breakpoint.
23475 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
23476 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
23477 @item BP_WATCHPOINT
23478 Watchpoint breakpoint.
23480 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23481 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23482 @item BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
23483 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
23485 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23486 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23487 @item BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23488 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
23490 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23491 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23492 @item BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23493 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
23496 @defivar Breakpoint hit_count
23497 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23498 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
23501 @defivar Breakpoint location
23502 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
23503 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
23504 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
23505 attribute is not writable.
23508 @defivar Breakpoint expression
23509 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
23510 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
23511 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
23512 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23515 @defivar Breakpoint condition
23516 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
23517 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
23518 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23521 @defivar Breakpoint commands
23522 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
23523 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
23524 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
23525 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23528 @node Lazy Strings In Python
23529 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
23531 @cindex lazy strings in python
23532 @tindex gdb.LazyString
23534 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
23535 encoded until it is needed.
23537 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
23538 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
23539 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
23540 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
23541 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
23542 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
23543 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
23544 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
23545 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
23547 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
23549 @defmethod LazyString value
23550 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
23551 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
23552 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
23553 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
23556 @defivar LazyString address
23557 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
23561 @defivar LazyString length
23562 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
23563 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
23564 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
23567 @defivar LazyString encoding
23568 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
23569 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
23570 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
23571 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
23575 @defivar LazyString type
23576 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
23577 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
23578 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
23579 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
23584 @subsection Auto-loading
23585 @cindex auto-loading, Python
23587 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
23588 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
23589 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
23590 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
23593 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23594 * .debug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23595 * Which flavor to choose?::
23598 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
23599 debugging commands and scripts.
23601 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
23602 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
23605 @kindex set auto-load-scripts
23606 @item set auto-load-scripts [yes|no]
23607 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
23609 @kindex show auto-load-scripts
23610 @item show auto-load-scripts
23611 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
23613 @kindex info auto-load-scripts
23614 @cindex print list of auto-loaded scripts
23615 @item info auto-load-scripts [@var{regexp}]
23616 Print the list of all scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
23618 Also printed is the list of scripts that were mentioned in
23619 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
23620 (@pxref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}).
23621 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
23622 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
23623 an error message for each one is problematic.
23625 If @var{regexp} is supplied only scripts with matching names are printed.
23630 (gdb) info auto-load-scripts
23632 Yes py-section-script.py
23633 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
23634 Missing my-foo-pretty-printers.py
23638 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
23639 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
23640 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
23641 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
23643 @node objfile-gdb.py file
23644 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23645 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
23647 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
23648 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
23649 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
23650 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
23651 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
23652 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
23654 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
23655 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
23656 then @value{GDBN} will look for @var{real-name} in all of the
23657 directories mentioned in the value of @code{debug-file-directory}.
23659 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
23660 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
23661 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
23662 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
23663 is the object file's real name, as described above.
23665 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
23666 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
23667 @var{objfile} is opened.
23668 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
23669 is evaluated more than once.
23671 @node .debug_gdb_scripts section
23672 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23673 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23675 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
23676 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
23677 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
23678 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
23680 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
23681 current directory and then along the source search path
23682 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
23683 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
23684 directory is not relevant to scripts.
23686 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
23687 for example, this GCC macro:
23690 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
23691 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
23693 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
23695 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
23701 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
23704 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
23707 The script name may include directories if desired.
23709 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
23710 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
23712 @node Which flavor to choose?
23713 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
23715 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
23716 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
23718 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
23722 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
23725 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
23727 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
23728 in the source search path.
23729 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
23730 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
23733 Doesn't require source code additions.
23736 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
23740 Works with static linking.
23742 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
23743 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
23744 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
23745 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
23748 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
23750 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
23751 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
23754 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
23756 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
23757 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
23758 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
23759 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
23760 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
23761 top of the source tree to the source search path.
23764 @node Python modules
23765 @subsection Python modules
23766 @cindex python modules
23768 @value{GDBN} comes with a module to assist writing Python code.
23771 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
23772 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
23776 @subsubsection gdb.printing
23777 @cindex gdb.printing
23779 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23783 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
23784 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
23785 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
23786 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
23788 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23789 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
23790 corresponding API for the subprinters.
23792 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23793 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
23794 regular expressions.
23795 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
23797 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer})
23798 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
23802 @subsubsection gdb.types
23805 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23806 @code{gdb.Types} objects.
23809 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
23810 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
23811 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
23816 typedef const int const_int;
23818 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
23819 int main () @{ return 0; @}
23826 (gdb) python import gdb.types
23827 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
23828 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
23832 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
23833 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
23834 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
23836 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
23837 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
23841 @chapter Command Interpreters
23842 @cindex command interpreters
23844 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
23845 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
23846 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
23848 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
23849 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
23850 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
23851 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
23853 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
23854 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
23855 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
23856 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
23860 @cindex console interpreter
23861 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
23862 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
23863 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
23866 @cindex mi interpreter
23867 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
23868 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
23869 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
23873 @cindex mi2 interpreter
23874 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
23877 @cindex mi1 interpreter
23878 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
23882 @cindex invoke another interpreter
23883 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
23884 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
23885 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
23886 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
23887 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
23888 the IDE inoperable!
23890 @kindex interpreter-exec
23891 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
23892 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
23893 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
23894 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
23897 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
23900 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
23901 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
23904 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
23906 @cindex Text User Interface
23909 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
23910 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
23911 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
23912 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
23913 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
23916 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
23917 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
23918 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
23919 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
23920 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
23923 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
23924 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
23925 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
23926 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
23927 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
23928 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
23931 @section TUI Overview
23933 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
23937 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
23938 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
23939 managed using readline.
23942 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
23943 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
23946 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
23949 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
23950 when their values change.
23953 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
23954 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
23955 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
23956 indicates the breakpoint type:
23960 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23963 Breakpoint which was never hit.
23966 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23969 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
23972 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
23976 Breakpoint is enabled.
23979 Breakpoint is disabled.
23982 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
23983 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
23986 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
23987 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
23998 source and assembly,
24001 source and registers, or
24004 assembly and registers.
24007 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
24011 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
24012 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
24015 Gives the current process or thread number.
24016 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
24019 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
24020 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
24021 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
24022 the string @code{??} is displayed.
24025 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
24026 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
24029 Indicates the current program counter address.
24033 @section TUI Key Bindings
24034 @cindex TUI key bindings
24036 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
24037 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
24038 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
24040 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
24041 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
24043 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
24044 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
24053 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
24054 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
24055 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
24056 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
24057 The screen is then refreshed.
24061 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
24062 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
24063 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
24065 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
24069 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
24070 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
24071 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
24072 previous layout and the new one.
24074 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
24078 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
24079 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
24080 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
24082 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
24086 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
24087 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
24090 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
24095 Scroll the active window one page up.
24099 Scroll the active window one page down.
24103 Scroll the active window one line up.
24107 Scroll the active window one line down.
24111 Scroll the active window one column left.
24115 Scroll the active window one column right.
24119 Refresh the screen.
24122 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
24123 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
24124 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
24125 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
24126 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
24128 @node TUI Single Key Mode
24129 @section TUI Single Key Mode
24130 @cindex TUI single key mode
24132 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
24133 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
24134 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
24137 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24141 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24145 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24149 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24153 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24155 exit the SingleKey mode.
24157 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24161 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24165 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24169 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24173 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
24178 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
24179 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
24180 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
24181 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
24182 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
24183 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
24187 @section TUI-specific Commands
24188 @cindex TUI commands
24190 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
24191 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
24192 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
24193 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
24195 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
24196 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
24197 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
24198 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
24199 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
24204 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
24208 Display the next layout.
24211 Display the previous layout.
24214 Display the source window only.
24217 Display the assembly window only.
24220 Display the source and assembly window.
24223 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
24227 Make the next window active for scrolling.
24230 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
24233 Make the source window active for scrolling.
24236 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
24239 Make the register window active for scrolling.
24242 Make the command window active for scrolling.
24246 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
24248 @item tui reg float
24250 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
24252 @item tui reg general
24253 Show the general registers in the register window.
24256 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
24257 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
24258 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
24259 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
24261 @item tui reg system
24262 Show the system registers in the register window.
24266 Update the source window and the current execution point.
24268 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
24269 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
24271 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
24272 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
24275 @item tabset @var{nchars}
24277 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
24280 @node TUI Configuration
24281 @section TUI Configuration Variables
24282 @cindex TUI configuration variables
24284 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
24287 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
24288 @kindex set tui border-kind
24289 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
24290 The possible values are the following:
24293 Use a space character to draw the border.
24296 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
24299 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
24300 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
24303 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
24304 @kindex set tui border-mode
24305 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
24306 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
24307 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
24308 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
24311 Use normal attributes to display the border.
24317 Use reverse video mode.
24320 Use half bright mode.
24322 @item half-standout
24323 Use half bright and standout mode.
24326 Use extra bright or bold mode.
24328 @item bold-standout
24329 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
24334 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
24337 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
24338 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
24339 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
24342 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
24343 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
24344 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
24345 created Emacs buffer.
24346 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
24348 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
24353 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
24356 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
24357 and output done by the program you are debugging.
24359 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
24360 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
24363 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
24364 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
24365 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
24369 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
24371 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
24372 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
24373 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
24374 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
24377 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
24378 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
24381 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
24382 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
24383 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
24384 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
24386 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
24387 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
24388 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
24389 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
24390 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
24391 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
24392 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
24393 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
24394 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
24396 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
24397 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
24398 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
24399 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
24401 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
24402 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
24403 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
24404 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
24407 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
24408 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
24412 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
24415 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
24416 update the display window to show the current file and location.
24419 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
24420 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
24421 to show the current file and location.
24424 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
24425 display window accordingly.
24428 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
24429 @code{finish} command.
24432 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
24436 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
24437 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
24438 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
24441 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
24442 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
24445 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
24446 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
24448 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
24449 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
24450 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
24451 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
24452 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
24453 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
24454 speedbar displays watch expressions.
24456 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
24457 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
24458 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
24459 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
24462 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
24463 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
24464 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
24465 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
24466 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
24467 to correspond properly with the code.
24469 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
24470 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
24473 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
24474 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
24476 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
24480 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
24481 called the @code{epoch}
24482 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
24483 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
24484 each value is printed in its own window.
24489 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
24491 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
24493 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
24494 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
24495 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
24496 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
24497 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
24498 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
24500 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
24501 in the form of a reference manual.
24503 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
24504 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
24505 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
24507 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
24509 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
24510 This chapter uses the following notation:
24514 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
24517 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
24518 it may or may not be given.
24521 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24522 may repeat zero or more times.
24525 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24526 may repeat one or more times.
24529 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
24533 @heading Dependencies
24537 * GDB/MI General Design::
24538 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
24539 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
24540 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
24541 * GDB/MI Output Records::
24542 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
24543 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
24544 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
24545 * GDB/MI Program Context::
24546 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
24547 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
24548 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
24549 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
24550 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
24551 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
24552 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
24553 * GDB/MI File Commands::
24555 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
24556 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
24557 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
24559 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
24560 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
24561 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
24564 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24565 @node GDB/MI General Design
24566 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
24567 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
24569 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
24570 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
24571 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
24572 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
24573 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
24574 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
24575 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
24576 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
24577 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
24578 a command and reported as part of that command response.
24580 The important examples of notifications are:
24584 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
24585 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
24586 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
24587 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
24588 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
24589 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
24590 command itself was successfully executed.
24593 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
24594 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
24595 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
24596 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
24597 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
24598 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
24601 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
24602 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
24603 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
24604 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
24605 orthogonal frontend design.
24609 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
24610 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
24611 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
24612 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
24613 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
24614 the user interface.
24618 * Context management::
24619 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
24623 @node Context management
24624 @subsection Context management
24626 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
24627 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
24628 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
24629 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
24630 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
24631 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
24632 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
24633 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
24634 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
24636 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
24637 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
24638 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
24639 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
24640 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
24641 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
24642 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
24643 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
24644 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
24645 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
24646 for thread and frame to operate on.
24648 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
24649 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
24650 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
24651 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
24652 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
24653 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
24654 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
24655 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
24656 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
24657 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
24659 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
24660 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
24661 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
24662 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
24663 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
24664 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
24665 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
24666 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
24667 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
24668 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
24669 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
24670 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
24671 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
24672 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
24673 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
24674 @samp{--frame} options.
24676 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
24677 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
24679 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
24680 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
24681 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
24682 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
24683 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
24684 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
24685 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
24686 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
24687 @code{-list-target-features} command.
24689 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
24690 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
24691 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
24692 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
24693 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
24696 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
24697 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
24698 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
24699 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
24700 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
24701 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
24702 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
24703 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
24704 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
24705 @samp{--thread} option).
24707 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
24708 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
24709 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
24710 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
24712 @node Thread groups
24713 @subsection Thread groups
24714 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
24715 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
24716 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
24717 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
24718 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
24720 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
24721 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
24722 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
24723 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
24724 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
24725 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
24726 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
24729 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
24730 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
24731 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
24732 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
24733 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
24734 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
24735 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
24736 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
24737 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
24738 the members of specific thread group.
24740 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
24741 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
24742 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
24743 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
24744 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
24745 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
24746 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
24747 after attaching to that thread group.
24749 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
24750 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
24751 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
24752 such thread groups.
24754 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24755 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
24756 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
24759 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
24760 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
24763 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
24764 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
24766 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
24767 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
24769 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
24770 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
24772 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
24773 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
24774 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
24776 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
24777 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
24778 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
24780 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24781 "any sequence of digits"
24783 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
24784 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
24786 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
24787 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
24789 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
24790 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
24792 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
24793 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
24794 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
24796 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
24797 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
24799 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24808 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
24809 output is described below.
24812 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
24816 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
24817 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
24818 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
24819 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
24820 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
24827 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
24830 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
24833 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
24834 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
24836 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
24837 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
24838 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
24839 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
24840 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
24841 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
24843 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
24844 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
24848 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
24849 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
24851 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
24852 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24854 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
24855 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
24857 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
24858 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
24860 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
24861 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
24863 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
24864 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
24866 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
24867 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
24869 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
24870 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24872 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
24873 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
24875 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
24876 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
24877 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
24879 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
24880 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
24882 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
24883 @code{ @var{string} }
24885 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
24886 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
24888 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
24889 @code{@var{c-string}}
24891 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
24892 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
24894 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
24895 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
24896 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
24898 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
24899 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
24901 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
24902 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
24904 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
24905 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
24907 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
24908 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
24910 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24913 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24914 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
24922 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
24925 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
24926 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
24927 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
24928 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
24929 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
24930 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
24934 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24935 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
24936 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
24937 prefixed by @samp{+}.
24940 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24941 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
24942 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
24946 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24947 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
24948 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
24949 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
24952 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24953 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
24954 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
24955 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
24958 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24959 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
24960 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
24963 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24964 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
24965 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
24966 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
24969 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24970 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
24976 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
24977 details about the various output records.
24979 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24980 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
24981 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
24983 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
24984 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
24986 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
24987 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
24988 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
24989 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
24990 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
24991 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
24993 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
24994 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
24995 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
24997 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24998 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
24999 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
25000 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
25002 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
25003 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
25005 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
25006 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
25007 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
25008 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
25011 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
25012 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
25013 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
25014 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
25018 New MI commands may be added.
25021 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
25024 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
25025 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
25027 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
25028 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
25030 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
25031 @c resolve inconsistencies.
25034 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
25035 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
25036 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
25037 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
25038 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
25040 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
25043 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
25044 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
25045 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
25046 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
25047 @cindex mailing lists
25049 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25050 @node GDB/MI Output Records
25051 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
25054 * GDB/MI Result Records::
25055 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
25056 * GDB/MI Async Records::
25057 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
25058 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
25059 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
25062 @node GDB/MI Result Records
25063 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
25065 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25066 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
25067 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
25068 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
25072 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
25073 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
25078 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
25079 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
25080 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
25081 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
25082 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
25083 which threads are resumed.
25087 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
25089 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
25091 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
25096 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
25100 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
25101 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
25103 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
25104 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25105 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
25106 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
25107 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
25109 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
25110 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
25111 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
25112 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
25113 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
25116 @item "~" @var{string-output}
25117 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
25118 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
25120 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
25121 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
25122 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
25123 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
25125 @item "&" @var{string-output}
25126 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
25130 @node GDB/MI Async Records
25131 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
25133 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
25134 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
25135 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
25136 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
25137 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
25138 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
25140 The following is the list of possible async records:
25144 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
25145 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
25146 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
25147 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
25148 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
25149 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
25150 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
25151 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
25152 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
25153 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
25155 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
25156 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
25160 @item breakpoint-hit
25161 A breakpoint was reached.
25162 @item watchpoint-trigger
25163 A watchpoint was triggered.
25164 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
25165 A read watchpoint was triggered.
25166 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
25167 An access watchpoint was triggered.
25168 @item function-finished
25169 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
25170 @item location-reached
25171 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
25172 @item watchpoint-scope
25173 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
25174 @item end-stepping-range
25175 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
25176 similar CLI command was accomplished.
25177 @item exited-signalled
25178 The inferior exited because of a signal.
25180 The inferior exited.
25181 @item exited-normally
25182 The inferior exited normally.
25183 @item signal-received
25184 A signal was received by the inferior.
25187 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
25188 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
25189 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
25190 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
25191 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
25192 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
25193 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
25194 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
25195 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
25196 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
25197 if such information is not available.
25199 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
25200 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
25201 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
25202 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
25203 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
25204 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
25205 cannot be used in any way.
25207 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
25208 A thread group became associated with a running program,
25209 either because the program was just started or the thread group
25210 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
25211 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
25212 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
25214 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
25215 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
25216 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
25217 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
25218 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
25219 only when the inferior exited with some code.
25221 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
25222 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
25223 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
25224 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
25225 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
25227 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
25228 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
25229 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
25230 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
25231 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
25232 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
25233 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
25235 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
25236 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
25239 @item =library-loaded,...
25240 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
25241 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
25242 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
25243 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
25244 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
25245 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
25246 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
25247 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
25248 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
25249 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
25250 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
25251 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
25254 @item =library-unloaded,...
25255 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
25256 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
25257 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
25258 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
25259 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
25260 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
25263 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
25264 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
25265 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,bkpt=@{...@}
25266 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
25267 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
25270 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
25271 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}.
25273 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
25274 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
25278 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
25279 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
25281 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
25282 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
25287 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
25288 zero. This field is always present.
25291 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
25292 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
25295 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
25298 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
25299 address. This field may be absent.
25302 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
25306 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
25307 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
25311 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
25312 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
25314 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
25315 uses a tuple with the following fields:
25319 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
25323 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
25326 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
25327 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
25328 frontend. This field is optional.
25331 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
25332 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
25335 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
25336 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
25339 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
25340 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
25342 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
25343 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
25344 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
25345 the @code{exception-name} field.
25347 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25348 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
25349 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
25350 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
25352 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
25353 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
25354 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
25355 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
25357 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
25358 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
25360 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
25362 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
25363 information of the breakpoint.
25366 -> -break-insert main
25367 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25368 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
25369 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
25373 @subheading Program Execution
25375 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
25376 reason that execution stopped.
25382 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
25383 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
25384 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
25385 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
25390 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
25394 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
25396 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
25404 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
25405 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
25406 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
25407 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
25408 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
25409 fails to exit in reasonable time.
25411 @subheading A Bad Command
25413 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
25417 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
25422 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25423 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
25424 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
25426 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
25427 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
25429 @subheading Motivation
25431 The motivation for this collection of commands.
25433 @subheading Introduction
25435 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
25437 @subheading Commands
25439 For each command in the block, the following is described:
25441 @subsubheading Synopsis
25444 -command @var{args}@dots{}
25447 @subsubheading Result
25449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
25453 @subsubheading Example
25455 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
25456 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
25459 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25460 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
25461 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
25463 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
25464 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
25465 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
25468 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
25469 @findex -break-after
25471 @subsubheading Synopsis
25474 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
25477 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
25478 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
25479 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
25480 @samp{-break-list} command below.
25482 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25484 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
25486 @subsubheading Example
25491 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25492 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25493 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25500 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25501 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25502 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25503 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25504 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25505 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25506 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25507 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25508 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25509 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25514 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
25515 @findex -break-catch
25518 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
25519 @findex -break-commands
25521 @subsubheading Synopsis
25524 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
25527 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
25528 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
25529 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
25530 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
25531 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
25532 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
25534 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25536 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
25538 @subsubheading Example
25543 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25544 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25545 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25547 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
25552 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
25553 @findex -break-condition
25555 @subsubheading Synopsis
25558 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
25561 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
25562 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
25563 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
25566 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25568 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
25570 @subsubheading Example
25574 -break-condition 1 1
25578 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25579 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25580 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25581 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25582 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25583 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25584 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25585 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25586 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25587 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25591 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
25592 @findex -break-delete
25594 @subsubheading Synopsis
25597 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25600 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
25601 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
25603 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25605 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
25607 @subsubheading Example
25615 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25616 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25617 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25618 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25619 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25620 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25621 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25626 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
25627 @findex -break-disable
25629 @subsubheading Synopsis
25632 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25635 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
25636 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
25638 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25640 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
25642 @subsubheading Example
25650 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25651 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25652 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25653 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25654 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25655 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25656 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25657 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
25658 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25659 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25663 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
25664 @findex -break-enable
25666 @subsubheading Synopsis
25669 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25672 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
25674 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25676 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
25678 @subsubheading Example
25686 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25687 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25688 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25689 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25690 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25691 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25692 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25693 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25694 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25695 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25699 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
25700 @findex -break-info
25702 @subsubheading Synopsis
25705 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
25709 Get information about a single breakpoint.
25711 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25713 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
25715 @subsubheading Example
25718 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
25719 @findex -break-insert
25721 @subsubheading Synopsis
25724 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
25725 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
25726 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
25730 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
25737 @item filename:linenum
25738 @item filename:function
25742 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
25746 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
25748 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
25749 @item -c @var{condition}
25750 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
25751 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
25752 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
25754 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
25755 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
25756 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
25757 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
25760 Create a disabled breakpoint.
25762 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
25763 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
25766 @subsubheading Result
25768 The result is in the form:
25771 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
25772 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
25773 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
25774 times="@var{times}"@}
25778 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
25779 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
25780 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
25781 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
25782 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
25783 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
25784 which use the same output).
25786 Note: this format is open to change.
25787 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
25789 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25791 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
25792 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
25794 @subsubheading Example
25799 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
25800 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
25802 -break-insert -t foo
25803 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
25804 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
25807 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25808 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25809 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25810 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25811 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25812 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25813 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25814 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25815 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
25816 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
25817 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
25818 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
25819 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
25821 -break-insert -r foo.*
25822 ~int foo(int, int);
25823 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
25824 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
25828 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
25829 @findex -break-list
25831 @subsubheading Synopsis
25837 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
25841 number of the breakpoint
25843 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
25845 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
25848 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
25850 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
25852 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
25855 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
25858 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
25859 @code{body} field is an empty list.
25861 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25863 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
25865 @subsubheading Example
25870 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25871 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25872 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25873 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25874 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25875 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25876 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25877 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25878 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
25879 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25880 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25881 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
25885 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
25890 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25891 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25892 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25893 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25894 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25895 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25896 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25901 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
25902 @findex -break-passcount
25904 @subsubheading Synopsis
25907 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
25910 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
25911 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
25912 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
25913 command @samp{passcount}.
25915 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
25916 @findex -break-watch
25918 @subsubheading Synopsis
25921 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
25924 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
25925 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
25926 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
25927 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
25928 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
25929 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
25930 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
25931 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
25933 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
25934 breakpoints inserted.
25936 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25938 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
25941 @subsubheading Example
25943 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
25948 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
25953 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
25954 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
25955 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
25956 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
25960 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
25961 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
25962 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
25967 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
25972 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
25973 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25974 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25975 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25976 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25981 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
25982 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25983 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25984 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25985 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25989 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
25990 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
25996 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
25999 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
26000 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26001 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26002 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26003 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26004 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26005 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26006 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26007 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26008 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26009 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
26010 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
26011 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
26016 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
26017 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
26018 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26019 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26020 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
26023 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
26024 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26025 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26026 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26027 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26028 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26029 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26030 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26031 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26032 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26033 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
26034 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
26035 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
26039 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
26040 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
26041 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26042 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26043 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26046 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
26047 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
26048 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
26049 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
26050 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
26051 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
26052 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
26053 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
26054 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26055 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26056 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
26061 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26062 @node GDB/MI Program Context
26063 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
26065 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
26066 @findex -exec-arguments
26069 @subsubheading Synopsis
26072 -exec-arguments @var{args}
26075 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
26078 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26080 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
26082 @subsubheading Example
26086 -exec-arguments -v word
26093 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
26094 @findex -exec-show-arguments
26096 @subsubheading Synopsis
26099 -exec-show-arguments
26102 Print the arguments of the program.
26104 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26106 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
26108 @subsubheading Example
26113 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
26114 @findex -environment-cd
26116 @subsubheading Synopsis
26119 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
26122 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
26124 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26126 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
26128 @subsubheading Example
26132 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
26138 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
26139 @findex -environment-directory
26141 @subsubheading Synopsis
26144 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
26147 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
26148 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
26149 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
26150 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
26152 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
26153 multiple directories in a single command
26154 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
26155 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
26156 If blanks are needed as
26157 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
26158 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
26159 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
26160 character must not be used
26161 in any directory name.
26162 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
26164 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26166 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
26168 @subsubheading Example
26172 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
26173 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
26175 -environment-directory ""
26176 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
26178 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
26179 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
26181 -environment-directory -r
26182 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
26187 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
26188 @findex -environment-path
26190 @subsubheading Synopsis
26193 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
26196 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
26197 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
26198 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
26199 supplied in addition to the
26200 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
26202 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
26203 multiple directories in a single command
26204 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
26205 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
26206 If blanks are needed as
26207 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
26208 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
26209 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
26210 character must not be used
26211 in any directory name.
26212 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
26215 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26217 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
26219 @subsubheading Example
26224 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
26226 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
26227 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
26229 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
26230 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
26235 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
26236 @findex -environment-pwd
26238 @subsubheading Synopsis
26244 Show the current working directory.
26246 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26248 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
26250 @subsubheading Example
26255 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
26259 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26260 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
26261 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
26264 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
26265 @findex -thread-info
26267 @subsubheading Synopsis
26270 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
26273 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
26274 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
26275 threads. When printing information about all threads,
26276 also reports the current thread.
26278 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26280 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
26283 @subsubheading Result
26285 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
26286 defined for a given thread:
26290 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
26293 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
26296 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
26299 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
26303 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
26304 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
26305 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
26306 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
26310 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
26313 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
26318 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
26322 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
26328 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
26329 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
26333 @subsubheading Example
26338 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
26339 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
26340 args=[]@},state="running"@},
26341 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
26342 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
26343 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
26344 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
26345 state="running"@}],
26346 current-thread-id="1"
26350 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
26351 @findex -thread-list-ids
26353 @subsubheading Synopsis
26359 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
26360 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
26362 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
26363 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
26365 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26367 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
26369 @subsubheading Example
26374 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26375 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
26380 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
26381 @findex -thread-select
26383 @subsubheading Synopsis
26386 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
26389 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
26390 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
26392 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
26393 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
26395 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26397 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
26399 @subsubheading Example
26406 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
26407 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
26411 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
26412 number-of-threads="3"
26415 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
26416 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
26417 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
26418 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
26422 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26423 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
26424 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
26426 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
26427 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
26428 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
26431 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
26432 @findex -exec-continue
26434 @subsubheading Synopsis
26437 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
26440 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
26441 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
26442 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
26443 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
26446 breakpoints or watchpoints
26448 signals or exceptions
26450 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
26452 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
26454 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
26455 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
26456 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
26457 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
26458 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
26459 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
26461 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26463 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
26465 @subsubheading Example
26472 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
26473 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
26479 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
26480 @findex -exec-finish
26482 @subsubheading Synopsis
26485 -exec-finish [--reverse]
26488 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
26489 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
26490 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
26491 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
26492 function was called.
26494 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26496 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
26498 @subsubheading Example
26500 Function returning @code{void}.
26507 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26508 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
26512 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
26513 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
26520 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
26521 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
26522 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26523 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
26528 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
26529 @findex -exec-interrupt
26531 @subsubheading Synopsis
26534 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
26537 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
26538 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
26539 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
26540 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
26541 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
26543 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
26544 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
26545 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
26546 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
26548 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
26549 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
26550 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
26551 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
26553 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26555 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
26557 @subsubheading Example
26568 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
26569 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26570 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
26575 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
26579 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
26582 @subsubheading Synopsis
26585 -exec-jump @var{location}
26588 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
26589 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
26590 different forms of @var{location}.
26592 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26594 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
26596 @subsubheading Example
26599 -exec-jump foo.c:10
26600 *running,thread-id="all"
26605 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
26608 @subsubheading Synopsis
26611 -exec-next [--reverse]
26614 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26615 of the next source line is reached.
26617 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26618 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
26619 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
26620 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
26621 source line where the function was called.
26624 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26626 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
26628 @subsubheading Example
26634 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
26639 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
26640 @findex -exec-next-instruction
26642 @subsubheading Synopsis
26645 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
26648 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
26649 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
26650 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
26653 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26654 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
26655 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
26656 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
26657 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
26659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
26663 @subsubheading Example
26667 -exec-next-instruction
26671 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26672 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
26677 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
26678 @findex -exec-return
26680 @subsubheading Synopsis
26686 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
26687 Displays the new current frame.
26689 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26691 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
26693 @subsubheading Example
26697 200-break-insert callee4
26698 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
26699 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26704 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26705 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26706 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26707 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26713 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
26714 args=[@{name="strarg",
26715 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26716 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26717 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26722 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
26725 @subsubheading Synopsis
26728 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
26731 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
26732 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
26733 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
26734 the program has exited exceptionally.
26736 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
26737 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
26738 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
26739 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
26741 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26743 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
26745 @subsubheading Examples
26750 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26755 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26756 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
26757 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26762 Program exited normally:
26770 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26775 Program exited exceptionally:
26783 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
26787 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
26788 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
26792 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
26793 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
26797 @c @subheading -exec-signal
26800 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
26803 @subsubheading Synopsis
26806 -exec-step [--reverse]
26809 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26810 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
26811 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
26812 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
26813 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
26814 previously executed source line.
26816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26818 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
26820 @subsubheading Example
26822 Stepping into a function:
26828 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26829 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
26830 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
26831 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
26841 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
26846 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
26847 @findex -exec-step-instruction
26849 @subsubheading Synopsis
26852 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
26855 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
26856 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
26857 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
26858 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
26859 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
26860 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
26863 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26865 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
26867 @subsubheading Example
26871 -exec-step-instruction
26875 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26876 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26877 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26879 -exec-step-instruction
26883 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26884 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26885 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26890 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
26891 @findex -exec-until
26893 @subsubheading Synopsis
26896 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
26899 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
26900 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
26901 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
26902 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
26904 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26906 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
26908 @subsubheading Example
26912 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
26916 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26917 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
26922 @subheading -file-clear
26923 Is this going away????
26926 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26927 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
26928 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
26931 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
26932 @findex -stack-info-frame
26934 @subsubheading Synopsis
26940 Get info on the selected frame.
26942 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26944 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
26945 (without arguments).
26947 @subsubheading Example
26952 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26953 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26954 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
26958 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
26959 @findex -stack-info-depth
26961 @subsubheading Synopsis
26964 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
26967 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
26968 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
26970 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26972 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
26974 @subsubheading Example
26976 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
26983 -stack-info-depth 4
26986 -stack-info-depth 12
26989 -stack-info-depth 11
26992 -stack-info-depth 13
26997 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
26998 @findex -stack-list-arguments
27000 @subsubheading Synopsis
27003 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
27004 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
27007 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
27008 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
27009 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
27010 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
27011 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
27012 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
27013 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
27014 which case only existing frames will be returned.
27016 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27017 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27018 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27019 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27020 structures and unions.
27022 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
27023 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
27025 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27027 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
27028 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
27029 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
27031 @subsubheading Example
27038 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
27039 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27040 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
27041 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
27042 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27043 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
27044 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
27045 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27046 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
27047 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
27048 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27049 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
27050 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
27051 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
27052 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
27054 -stack-list-arguments 0
27057 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
27058 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
27059 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
27060 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
27061 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
27063 -stack-list-arguments 1
27066 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
27068 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
27069 frame=@{level="2",args=[
27070 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27071 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
27072 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
27073 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27074 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
27075 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
27076 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
27078 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
27079 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
27081 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
27082 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
27083 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
27084 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
27088 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
27091 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
27092 @findex -stack-list-frames
27094 @subsubheading Synopsis
27097 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
27100 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
27105 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
27107 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
27111 File name of the source file where the function lives.
27112 @item @var{fullname}
27113 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
27115 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
27117 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
27118 if the frame's function is not known.
27121 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
27122 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
27123 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
27124 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
27125 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
27126 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
27127 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
27129 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27131 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
27133 @subsubheading Example
27135 Full stack backtrace:
27141 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
27142 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
27143 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27144 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27145 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27146 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27147 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27148 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27149 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27150 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27151 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27152 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27153 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27154 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27155 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27156 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27157 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27158 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27159 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27160 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27161 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27162 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27163 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
27164 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
27168 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
27172 -stack-list-frames 3 5
27174 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27175 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27176 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27177 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
27178 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27179 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
27183 Show a single frame:
27187 -stack-list-frames 3 3
27189 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
27190 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
27195 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
27196 @findex -stack-list-locals
27198 @subsubheading Synopsis
27201 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
27204 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
27205 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27206 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27207 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27208 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27209 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
27210 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
27211 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
27214 This command is deprecated in favor of the
27215 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
27217 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27219 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
27221 @subsubheading Example
27225 -stack-list-locals 0
27226 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
27228 -stack-list-locals --all-values
27229 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
27230 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
27231 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
27232 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
27233 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
27237 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
27238 @findex -stack-list-variables
27240 @subsubheading Synopsis
27243 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
27246 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
27247 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
27248 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
27249 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
27250 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
27251 structures and unions.
27253 @subsubheading Example
27257 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
27258 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
27263 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
27264 @findex -stack-select-frame
27266 @subsubheading Synopsis
27269 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
27272 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
27275 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
27276 option to every command.
27278 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27280 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
27281 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
27283 @subsubheading Example
27287 -stack-select-frame 2
27292 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27293 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
27294 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
27298 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
27300 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
27301 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
27302 used by @code{Insight}.
27304 The two main reasons for that are:
27308 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
27311 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
27315 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
27316 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
27317 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
27318 hints about their use.
27320 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
27321 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
27322 least, the following operations:
27325 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
27326 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
27327 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
27328 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
27333 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
27335 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
27337 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
27338 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
27339 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
27340 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
27341 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
27342 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
27343 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
27344 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
27345 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
27346 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
27347 object, or to change display format.
27349 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
27350 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
27351 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
27352 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
27353 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
27354 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
27355 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
27356 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
27357 child will be created.
27359 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
27360 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
27361 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
27362 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
27363 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
27365 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
27366 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
27367 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
27368 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
27369 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
27370 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
27371 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
27372 variables that frontend has created.
27374 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
27375 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
27376 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
27377 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
27378 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
27379 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
27380 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
27381 implicitly updated.
27383 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
27384 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
27385 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
27386 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
27387 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
27388 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
27389 frame. Consider this example:
27394 struct work_state state;
27401 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
27402 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
27403 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
27404 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
27405 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
27407 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
27408 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
27409 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
27410 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
27411 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
27412 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
27414 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
27415 access this functionality:
27417 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
27418 @item @strong{Operation}
27419 @tab @strong{Description}
27421 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
27422 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
27423 @item @code{-var-create}
27424 @tab create a variable object
27425 @item @code{-var-delete}
27426 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
27427 @item @code{-var-set-format}
27428 @tab set the display format of this variable
27429 @item @code{-var-show-format}
27430 @tab show the display format of this variable
27431 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
27432 @tab tells how many children this object has
27433 @item @code{-var-list-children}
27434 @tab return a list of the object's children
27435 @item @code{-var-info-type}
27436 @tab show the type of this variable object
27437 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
27438 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
27439 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
27440 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
27441 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
27442 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
27443 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
27444 @tab get the value of this variable
27445 @item @code{-var-assign}
27446 @tab set the value of this variable
27447 @item @code{-var-update}
27448 @tab update the variable and its children
27449 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
27450 @tab set frozeness attribute
27451 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
27452 @tab set range of children to display on update
27455 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
27456 how it can be used.
27458 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
27460 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
27461 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
27464 -enable-pretty-printing
27467 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
27468 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
27469 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
27470 request that this functionality be enabled.
27472 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
27474 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
27475 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
27477 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
27478 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
27480 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
27481 @findex -var-create
27483 @subsubheading Synopsis
27486 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
27487 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
27490 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
27491 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
27494 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
27495 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
27496 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
27497 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
27498 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
27500 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
27501 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
27502 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
27503 object must be created.
27505 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
27506 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
27510 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
27513 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
27516 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
27519 @cindex dynamic varobj
27520 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
27521 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
27522 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
27523 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
27524 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
27525 compatibility for existing clients.
27527 @subsubheading Result
27529 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
27534 The name of the varobj.
27537 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
27538 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
27539 @samp{has_more} attribute.
27542 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
27543 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
27544 will not be interesting.
27547 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
27548 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
27551 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
27552 thread's identifier.
27555 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
27556 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
27559 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27560 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27561 then this attribute will not be present.
27564 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27565 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27566 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27569 Typical output will look like this:
27572 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
27573 has_more="@var{has_more}"
27577 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
27578 @findex -var-delete
27580 @subsubheading Synopsis
27583 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
27586 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
27587 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
27589 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
27592 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
27593 @findex -var-set-format
27595 @subsubheading Synopsis
27598 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
27601 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
27604 @anchor{-var-set-format}
27605 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
27608 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
27609 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
27612 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
27613 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
27614 for pointers, etc.).
27616 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
27617 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
27619 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
27620 @findex -var-show-format
27622 @subsubheading Synopsis
27625 -var-show-format @var{name}
27628 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
27631 @var{format} @expansion{}
27636 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
27637 @findex -var-info-num-children
27639 @subsubheading Synopsis
27642 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
27645 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
27651 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
27652 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
27656 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
27657 @findex -var-list-children
27659 @subsubheading Synopsis
27662 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
27664 @anchor{-var-list-children}
27666 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
27667 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
27668 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
27669 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
27670 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
27671 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
27672 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
27675 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
27676 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
27677 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
27678 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
27681 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
27682 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
27683 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
27684 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
27685 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
27686 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
27687 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
27688 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
27691 For each child the following results are returned:
27696 Name of the variable object created for this child.
27699 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
27700 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
27702 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
27703 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
27705 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
27706 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
27707 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
27708 type and value are not present.
27710 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
27711 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
27712 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
27715 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
27719 The type of the child.
27722 If values were requested, this is the value.
27725 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
27726 Otherwise this result is not present.
27729 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
27732 The result may have its own attributes:
27736 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27737 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27738 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27741 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
27742 remaining after the end of the selected range.
27745 @subsubheading Example
27749 -var-list-children n
27750 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27751 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27753 -var-list-children --all-values n
27754 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27755 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27759 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
27760 @findex -var-info-type
27762 @subsubheading Synopsis
27765 -var-info-type @var{name}
27768 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
27769 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
27773 type=@var{typename}
27777 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
27778 @findex -var-info-expression
27780 @subsubheading Synopsis
27783 -var-info-expression @var{name}
27786 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
27787 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
27788 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
27790 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
27791 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
27794 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
27795 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
27799 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
27801 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
27802 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
27805 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
27806 @findex -var-info-path-expression
27808 @subsubheading Synopsis
27811 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
27814 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
27815 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
27816 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
27817 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
27818 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
27819 watchpoint from a variable object.
27821 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
27822 and will give an error when invoked on one.
27824 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
27825 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
27826 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
27827 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
27828 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
27830 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
27831 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
27834 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
27835 @findex -var-show-attributes
27837 @subsubheading Synopsis
27840 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
27843 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
27846 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
27850 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
27852 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
27853 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
27855 @subsubheading Synopsis
27858 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
27861 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
27862 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
27863 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
27864 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
27865 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
27866 the current display format will be used. The current display format
27867 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
27873 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
27874 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
27876 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
27877 @findex -var-assign
27879 @subsubheading Synopsis
27882 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
27885 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
27886 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
27887 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
27888 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
27890 @subsubheading Example
27898 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
27902 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
27903 @findex -var-update
27905 @subsubheading Synopsis
27908 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
27911 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
27912 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
27913 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
27914 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
27915 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
27916 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
27917 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
27918 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
27919 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
27920 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
27921 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
27922 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
27923 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
27925 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
27926 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
27929 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
27930 only the selected range of children will be reported.
27932 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
27935 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
27939 The name of the varobj.
27942 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
27943 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
27946 @anchor{-var-update}
27947 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
27951 The variable object's current value is valid.
27954 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
27955 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
27959 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
27960 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
27961 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
27962 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
27966 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
27967 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
27970 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
27971 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
27975 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
27978 @item new_num_children
27979 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
27980 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
27982 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
27983 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
27984 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
27985 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
27986 children which may be available.
27988 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
27989 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
27990 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
27991 only happen at the end of the update range).
27994 The display hint, if any.
27997 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
27998 available outside the varobj's update range.
28001 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
28002 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
28003 then this attribute will not be present.
28006 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
28007 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
28008 be listed in this attribute.
28011 @subsubheading Example
28018 -var-update --all-values var1
28019 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
28020 type_changed="false"@}]
28024 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
28025 @findex -var-set-frozen
28026 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
28028 @subsubheading Synopsis
28031 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
28034 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
28035 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
28036 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
28037 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
28038 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
28039 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
28040 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
28041 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
28042 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
28043 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
28044 @code{-var-update} does.
28046 @subsubheading Example
28050 -var-set-frozen V 1
28055 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
28056 @findex -var-set-update-range
28057 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
28059 @subsubheading Synopsis
28062 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
28065 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
28066 @code{-var-update}.
28068 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
28069 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
28070 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
28071 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
28073 @subsubheading Example
28077 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
28081 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
28082 @findex -var-set-visualizer
28083 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
28085 @subsubheading Synopsis
28088 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
28091 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
28093 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
28094 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
28096 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
28097 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
28098 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
28099 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
28100 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
28101 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
28102 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
28104 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
28105 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
28106 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
28107 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
28109 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
28110 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
28111 can be used to check this.
28113 @subsubheading Example
28115 Resetting the visualizer:
28119 -var-set-visualizer V None
28123 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
28127 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
28131 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
28132 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
28136 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
28140 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28141 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
28142 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
28144 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
28145 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
28146 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
28147 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
28149 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
28150 @c @subheading -data-assign
28151 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
28152 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
28154 @c @subsubheading Example
28157 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
28158 @findex -data-disassemble
28160 @subsubheading Synopsis
28164 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
28165 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
28173 @item @var{start-addr}
28174 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
28175 @item @var{end-addr}
28177 @item @var{filename}
28178 is the name of the file to disassemble
28179 @item @var{linenum}
28180 is the line number to disassemble around
28182 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
28183 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
28184 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
28185 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
28186 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
28187 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
28188 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
28191 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
28192 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
28193 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
28196 @subsubheading Result
28198 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
28207 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
28208 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
28210 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28212 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
28214 @subsubheading Example
28216 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
28220 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
28223 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28224 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28225 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28226 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28227 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
28228 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
28229 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
28230 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28231 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
28232 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
28236 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
28240 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
28242 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28243 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
28244 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28245 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28246 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28247 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
28249 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
28250 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
28254 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
28258 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
28260 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28261 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
28262 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28263 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28264 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28265 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
28269 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
28273 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
28275 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
28276 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
28277 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
28278 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
28279 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
28280 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
28281 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
28282 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
28283 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
28284 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
28285 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
28286 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
28291 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
28292 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
28294 @subsubheading Synopsis
28297 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
28300 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
28301 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
28302 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
28304 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28306 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
28307 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
28308 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
28310 @subsubheading Example
28312 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
28313 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
28314 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
28318 211-data-evaluate-expression A
28321 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
28322 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
28324 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
28327 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
28333 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
28334 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
28336 @subsubheading Synopsis
28339 -data-list-changed-registers
28342 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
28344 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28346 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
28347 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
28349 @subsubheading Example
28351 On a PPC MBX board:
28359 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
28360 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
28363 -data-list-changed-registers
28364 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
28365 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
28366 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
28371 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
28372 @findex -data-list-register-names
28374 @subsubheading Synopsis
28377 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
28380 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
28381 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
28382 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
28383 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
28384 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
28385 include empty register names.
28387 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28389 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
28390 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
28391 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
28393 @subsubheading Example
28395 For the PPC MBX board:
28398 -data-list-register-names
28399 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
28400 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
28401 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
28402 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
28403 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
28404 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
28405 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
28407 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
28408 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
28412 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
28413 @findex -data-list-register-values
28415 @subsubheading Synopsis
28418 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
28421 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
28422 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
28423 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
28424 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
28426 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
28443 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28445 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
28446 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
28448 @subsubheading Example
28450 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
28451 don't appear in the actual output):
28455 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
28456 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28457 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
28459 -data-list-register-values x
28460 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
28461 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28462 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
28463 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
28464 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
28465 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
28466 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
28467 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
28468 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
28469 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
28470 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
28471 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
28472 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
28473 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
28474 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
28475 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
28476 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
28477 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
28478 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
28479 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
28480 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
28481 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
28482 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
28483 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
28484 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
28485 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
28486 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
28487 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
28488 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
28489 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
28490 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
28491 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
28492 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
28493 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
28494 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
28495 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
28500 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
28501 @findex -data-read-memory
28503 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
28505 @subsubheading Synopsis
28508 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28509 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
28510 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
28517 @item @var{address}
28518 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28519 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28520 quoted using the C convention.
28522 @item @var{word-format}
28523 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
28524 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
28527 @item @var{word-size}
28528 The size of each memory word in bytes.
28530 @item @var{nr-rows}
28531 The number of rows in the output table.
28533 @item @var{nr-cols}
28534 The number of columns in the output table.
28537 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
28538 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
28539 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
28540 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
28542 @item @var{byte-offset}
28543 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
28546 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
28547 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
28548 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
28549 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
28550 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
28551 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
28552 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
28555 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
28556 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
28559 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28561 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
28562 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
28564 @subsubheading Example
28566 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
28567 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
28568 word. Display each word in hex.
28572 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
28573 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
28574 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
28575 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
28576 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
28577 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
28578 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
28582 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
28583 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
28587 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
28588 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
28589 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
28590 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
28591 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
28595 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
28596 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
28597 used as the non-printable character.
28601 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
28602 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
28603 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
28604 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
28605 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28606 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28607 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28608 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28609 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
28610 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
28611 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
28612 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
28616 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
28617 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
28619 @subsubheading Synopsis
28622 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28623 @var{address} @var{count}
28630 @item @var{address}
28631 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28632 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28633 quoted using the C convention.
28636 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
28638 @item @var{byte-offset}
28639 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
28640 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
28641 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
28642 perform address arithmetics itself.
28646 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
28647 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
28648 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
28649 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
28650 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
28651 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
28653 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
28654 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
28655 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
28656 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
28657 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
28658 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
28659 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
28660 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
28662 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
28663 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
28664 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
28665 and has the following fields:
28669 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28672 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28675 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
28676 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
28679 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
28685 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28687 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
28689 @subsubheading Example
28693 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
28694 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
28696 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
28701 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
28702 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
28704 @subsubheading Synopsis
28707 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
28714 @item @var{address}
28715 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28716 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28717 quoted using the C convention.
28719 @item @var{contents}
28720 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
28724 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28726 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28728 @subsubheading Example
28732 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
28738 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28739 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
28740 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
28742 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
28743 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
28745 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
28746 @findex -trace-find
28748 @subsubheading Synopsis
28751 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
28754 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
28755 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
28756 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
28761 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
28764 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
28767 @item tracepoint-number
28768 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
28769 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
28772 An address is required as parameter. Finds
28773 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
28776 @item pc-inside-range
28777 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
28778 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
28779 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28781 @item pc-outside-range
28782 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
28783 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
28784 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28787 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
28788 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
28789 the specified location.
28793 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
28794 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
28798 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
28799 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
28802 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
28803 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28806 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
28807 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28810 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
28811 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
28812 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
28816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28818 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
28820 @subheading -trace-define-variable
28821 @findex -trace-define-variable
28823 @subsubheading Synopsis
28826 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
28829 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
28830 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
28831 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
28832 with the @samp{$} character.
28834 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28836 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
28838 @subheading -trace-list-variables
28839 @findex -trace-list-variables
28841 @subsubheading Synopsis
28844 -trace-list-variables
28847 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
28848 table has the following fields:
28852 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
28855 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
28856 field is always present.
28859 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
28860 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
28861 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
28866 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28868 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
28870 @subsubheading Example
28874 -trace-list-variables
28875 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
28876 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
28877 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
28878 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
28879 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
28880 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
28884 @subheading -trace-save
28885 @findex -trace-save
28887 @subsubheading Synopsis
28890 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
28893 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
28894 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
28895 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
28896 to perform the save.
28898 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28900 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
28903 @subheading -trace-start
28904 @findex -trace-start
28906 @subsubheading Synopsis
28912 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
28915 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28917 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
28919 @subheading -trace-status
28920 @findex -trace-status
28922 @subsubheading Synopsis
28928 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
28929 the following fields:
28934 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
28935 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
28936 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
28937 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
28938 started. This field is always present.
28941 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
28942 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
28943 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28946 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
28947 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
28948 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
28949 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
28950 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
28951 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
28952 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
28953 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
28954 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28956 @item stopping-tracepoint
28957 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
28958 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
28962 @itemx frames-created
28963 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
28964 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
28965 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
28966 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
28970 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
28971 remaining space. These fields are optional.
28974 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
28975 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
28976 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
28980 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
28981 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
28982 that the trace run will stop.
28986 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28988 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
28990 @subheading -trace-stop
28991 @findex -trace-stop
28993 @subsubheading Synopsis
28999 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
29000 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
29001 @samp{running} fields are not output.
29003 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29005 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
29008 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29009 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
29010 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
29014 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
29015 @findex -symbol-info-address
29017 @subsubheading Synopsis
29020 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
29023 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
29025 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29027 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
29029 @subsubheading Example
29033 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
29034 @findex -symbol-info-file
29036 @subsubheading Synopsis
29042 Show the file for the symbol.
29044 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29046 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
29047 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
29049 @subsubheading Example
29053 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
29054 @findex -symbol-info-function
29056 @subsubheading Synopsis
29059 -symbol-info-function
29062 Show which function the symbol lives in.
29064 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29066 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
29068 @subsubheading Example
29072 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
29073 @findex -symbol-info-line
29075 @subsubheading Synopsis
29081 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
29083 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29085 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
29086 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
29088 @subsubheading Example
29092 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
29093 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
29095 @subsubheading Synopsis
29098 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
29101 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
29103 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29105 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
29107 @subsubheading Example
29111 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
29112 @findex -symbol-list-functions
29114 @subsubheading Synopsis
29117 -symbol-list-functions
29120 List the functions in the executable.
29122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29124 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
29125 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29127 @subsubheading Example
29132 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
29133 @findex -symbol-list-lines
29135 @subsubheading Synopsis
29138 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
29141 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
29142 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
29143 ascending PC order.
29145 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29147 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
29149 @subsubheading Example
29152 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
29153 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
29159 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
29160 @findex -symbol-list-types
29162 @subsubheading Synopsis
29168 List all the type names.
29170 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29172 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
29173 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29175 @subsubheading Example
29179 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
29180 @findex -symbol-list-variables
29182 @subsubheading Synopsis
29185 -symbol-list-variables
29188 List all the global and static variable names.
29190 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29192 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
29194 @subsubheading Example
29198 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
29199 @findex -symbol-locate
29201 @subsubheading Synopsis
29207 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29209 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
29211 @subsubheading Example
29215 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
29216 @findex -symbol-type
29218 @subsubheading Synopsis
29221 -symbol-type @var{variable}
29224 Show type of @var{variable}.
29226 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29228 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
29229 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
29231 @subsubheading Example
29236 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29237 @node GDB/MI File Commands
29238 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
29240 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
29241 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
29243 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
29244 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
29246 @subsubheading Synopsis
29249 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
29252 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
29253 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
29254 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
29255 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
29256 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
29259 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29261 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
29263 @subsubheading Example
29267 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29273 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
29274 @findex -file-exec-file
29276 @subsubheading Synopsis
29279 -file-exec-file @var{file}
29282 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
29283 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
29284 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
29285 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
29288 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29290 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
29292 @subsubheading Example
29296 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29303 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
29304 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
29306 @subsubheading Synopsis
29309 -file-list-exec-sections
29312 List the sections of the current executable file.
29314 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29316 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
29317 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
29318 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
29320 @subsubheading Example
29325 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
29326 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
29328 @subsubheading Synopsis
29331 -file-list-exec-source-file
29334 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
29335 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
29336 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
29337 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
29339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29341 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
29343 @subsubheading Example
29347 123-file-list-exec-source-file
29348 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
29353 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
29354 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
29356 @subsubheading Synopsis
29359 -file-list-exec-source-files
29362 List the source files for the current executable.
29364 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
29365 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
29367 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29369 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
29370 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
29372 @subsubheading Example
29375 -file-list-exec-source-files
29377 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
29378 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
29379 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
29384 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
29385 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
29387 @subsubheading Synopsis
29390 -file-list-shared-libraries
29393 List the shared libraries in the program.
29395 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29397 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
29399 @subsubheading Example
29403 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
29404 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
29406 @subsubheading Synopsis
29409 -file-list-symbol-files
29414 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29416 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
29418 @subsubheading Example
29423 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
29424 @findex -file-symbol-file
29426 @subsubheading Synopsis
29429 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
29432 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
29433 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
29434 produced, except for a completion notification.
29436 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29438 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
29440 @subsubheading Example
29444 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
29450 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29451 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
29452 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
29454 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
29456 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
29458 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
29460 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
29462 @c @subheading -overlay-map
29464 @c @subheading -overlay-off
29466 @c @subheading -overlay-on
29468 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
29470 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29471 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
29472 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
29474 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
29476 @c @subheading -signal-handle
29478 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
29480 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
29484 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29485 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
29486 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
29489 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
29490 @findex -target-attach
29492 @subsubheading Synopsis
29495 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
29498 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
29499 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
29500 group, the id previously returned by
29501 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
29503 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29505 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
29507 @subsubheading Example
29511 =thread-created,id="1"
29512 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
29518 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
29519 @findex -target-compare-sections
29521 @subsubheading Synopsis
29524 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
29527 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
29528 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
29530 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29532 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
29534 @subsubheading Example
29539 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
29540 @findex -target-detach
29542 @subsubheading Synopsis
29545 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
29548 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
29549 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
29550 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
29552 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29554 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
29556 @subsubheading Example
29566 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
29567 @findex -target-disconnect
29569 @subsubheading Synopsis
29575 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
29576 generally not resumed.
29578 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29580 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
29582 @subsubheading Example
29592 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
29593 @findex -target-download
29595 @subsubheading Synopsis
29601 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
29602 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
29606 The name of the section.
29608 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
29610 The size of the section.
29612 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
29614 The size of the overall executable to download.
29618 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
29619 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
29621 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
29622 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
29626 The name of the section.
29628 The size of the section.
29630 The size of the overall executable to download.
29634 At the end, a summary is printed.
29636 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29638 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
29640 @subsubheading Example
29642 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
29643 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
29648 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
29649 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
29650 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
29651 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
29652 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
29653 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
29654 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
29655 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
29656 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
29657 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
29658 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
29659 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
29660 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
29661 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
29662 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
29663 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
29664 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
29665 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
29666 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
29667 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
29668 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
29669 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
29670 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
29671 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
29672 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
29673 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
29674 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
29675 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29676 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29677 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
29678 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
29679 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
29680 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
29681 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
29682 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
29683 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
29684 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
29685 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
29686 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
29687 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
29688 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
29689 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
29690 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
29697 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
29698 @findex -target-exec-status
29700 @subsubheading Synopsis
29703 -target-exec-status
29706 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
29707 not, for instance).
29709 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29711 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29713 @subsubheading Example
29717 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
29718 @findex -target-list-available-targets
29720 @subsubheading Synopsis
29723 -target-list-available-targets
29726 List the possible targets to connect to.
29728 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29730 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
29732 @subsubheading Example
29736 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
29737 @findex -target-list-current-targets
29739 @subsubheading Synopsis
29742 -target-list-current-targets
29745 Describe the current target.
29747 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29749 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
29752 @subsubheading Example
29756 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
29757 @findex -target-list-parameters
29759 @subsubheading Synopsis
29762 -target-list-parameters
29768 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29772 @subsubheading Example
29776 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
29777 @findex -target-select
29779 @subsubheading Synopsis
29782 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
29785 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
29789 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
29790 @item @var{parameters}
29791 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
29792 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
29795 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
29796 which the target program is, in the following form:
29799 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
29800 args=[@var{arg list}]
29803 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29805 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
29807 @subsubheading Example
29811 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
29812 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
29816 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29817 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
29818 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
29821 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
29822 @findex -target-file-put
29824 @subsubheading Synopsis
29827 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
29830 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
29831 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
29833 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29835 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
29837 @subsubheading Example
29841 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
29847 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
29848 @findex -target-file-get
29850 @subsubheading Synopsis
29853 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
29856 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
29857 on the host system.
29859 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29861 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
29863 @subsubheading Example
29867 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
29873 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
29874 @findex -target-file-delete
29876 @subsubheading Synopsis
29879 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
29882 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
29884 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29886 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
29888 @subsubheading Example
29892 -target-file-delete remotefile
29898 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29899 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
29900 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
29902 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
29904 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
29907 @subsubheading Synopsis
29913 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
29915 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29917 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
29919 @subsubheading Example
29929 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
29930 @findex -exec-abort
29932 @subsubheading Synopsis
29938 Kill the inferior running program.
29940 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29942 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
29944 @subsubheading Example
29949 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
29952 @subsubheading Synopsis
29958 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
29959 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
29961 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29963 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
29965 @subsubheading Example
29975 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
29978 @subsubheading Synopsis
29984 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
29986 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29988 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
29990 @subsubheading Example
29999 @c @subheading -gdb-source
30002 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
30003 @findex -gdb-version
30005 @subsubheading Synopsis
30011 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
30013 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30015 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
30016 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
30018 @subsubheading Example
30020 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
30026 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30027 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
30028 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
30029 ~ certain conditions.
30030 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
30031 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
30033 ~This GDB was configured as
30034 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
30039 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
30040 @findex -list-features
30042 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
30043 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
30044 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
30045 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
30046 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
30049 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
30050 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
30051 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
30057 (gdb) -list-features
30058 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
30061 The current list of features is:
30064 @item frozen-varobjs
30065 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
30066 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
30067 of @code{-varobj-create}.
30068 @item pending-breakpoints
30069 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
30071 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
30072 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
30073 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
30075 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
30076 @item data-read-memory-bytes
30077 Indicates presense of the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
30078 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
30079 @item breakpoint-notifications
30080 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
30081 CLI will be announced via async records.
30085 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
30086 @findex -list-target-features
30088 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
30089 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
30090 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
30091 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
30092 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
30093 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
30094 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
30098 (gdb) -list-features
30099 ^done,result=["async"]
30102 The current list of features is:
30106 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
30107 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
30108 while the target is running.
30111 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
30112 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
30116 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
30117 @findex -list-thread-groups
30119 @subheading Synopsis
30122 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
30125 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
30126 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
30127 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
30128 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
30129 top-level thread groups.
30131 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
30132 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
30133 available on the target.
30135 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
30136 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
30137 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
30138 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
30139 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
30140 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
30141 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
30142 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
30144 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
30145 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
30146 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
30147 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
30148 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
30149 @samp{threads} field.
30151 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
30152 the following caveats:
30156 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
30157 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
30158 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
30161 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
30162 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
30163 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
30164 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
30165 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
30166 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
30170 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
30171 have the following fields:
30175 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
30176 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
30177 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
30180 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
30184 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
30185 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
30188 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
30189 absent for an available thread group.
30192 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
30193 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
30194 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
30197 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
30198 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
30199 such information is not available.
30202 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
30203 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
30204 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
30208 @subheading Example
30212 -list-thread-groups
30213 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
30214 -list-thread-groups 17
30215 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
30216 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
30217 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
30218 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
30219 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
30220 -list-thread-groups --available
30221 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
30222 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
30223 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
30224 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
30225 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
30226 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
30227 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
30228 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
30229 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
30233 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
30234 @findex -add-inferior
30236 @subheading Synopsis
30242 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
30243 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
30244 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
30245 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
30246 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
30247 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
30249 @subheading Example
30254 ^done,thread-group="i3"
30257 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
30258 @findex -interpreter-exec
30260 @subheading Synopsis
30263 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
30265 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
30267 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
30269 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30271 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
30273 @subheading Example
30277 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
30278 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
30279 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
30280 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
30285 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
30286 @findex -inferior-tty-set
30288 @subheading Synopsis
30291 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30294 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
30296 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30298 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
30300 @subheading Example
30304 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30309 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
30310 @findex -inferior-tty-show
30312 @subheading Synopsis
30318 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
30320 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30322 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
30324 @subheading Example
30328 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
30332 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
30336 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
30337 @findex -enable-timings
30339 @subheading Synopsis
30342 -enable-timings [yes | no]
30345 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
30346 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
30347 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
30348 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
30350 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
30354 @subheading Example
30362 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30363 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
30364 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
30365 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
30373 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
30374 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
30375 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
30376 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
30381 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
30383 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
30384 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
30385 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
30386 relatively high level.
30388 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
30392 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
30396 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
30397 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
30398 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
30399 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
30400 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
30401 * Annotations for Running::
30402 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
30403 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
30406 @node Annotations Overview
30407 @section What is an Annotation?
30408 @cindex annotations
30410 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
30411 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
30412 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
30413 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
30414 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
30415 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
30416 cannot contain newline characters.
30418 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
30419 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
30420 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
30421 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
30422 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
30423 means those three characters as output.
30425 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
30426 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
30427 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
30428 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
30429 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
30430 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
30431 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
30432 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
30433 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
30436 @kindex set annotate
30437 @item set annotate @var{level}
30438 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
30439 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
30441 @item show annotate
30442 @kindex show annotate
30443 Show the current annotation level.
30446 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
30448 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
30451 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
30453 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30454 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
30455 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
30456 under certain conditions.
30457 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
30458 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
30460 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
30471 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
30472 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
30473 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
30474 output from @value{GDBN}.
30476 @node Server Prefix
30477 @section The Server Prefix
30478 @cindex server prefix
30480 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
30481 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
30482 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
30483 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
30484 a transparent manner.
30486 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
30487 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
30488 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
30489 @code{print} command.
30491 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
30492 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
30495 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
30497 @cindex annotations for prompts
30498 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
30499 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
30502 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
30503 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
30504 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
30505 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
30506 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
30507 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
30508 features the following annotations:
30516 The input types are
30519 @findex pre-prompt annotation
30520 @findex prompt annotation
30521 @findex post-prompt annotation
30523 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
30525 @findex pre-commands annotation
30526 @findex commands annotation
30527 @findex post-commands annotation
30529 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
30530 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
30532 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
30533 @findex overload-choice annotation
30534 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
30535 @item overload-choice
30536 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
30538 @findex pre-query annotation
30539 @findex query annotation
30540 @findex post-query annotation
30542 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
30544 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
30545 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
30546 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
30547 @item prompt-for-continue
30548 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
30549 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
30550 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
30551 presence of annotations.
30556 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
30558 @findex quit annotation
30563 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
30565 @findex error annotation
30570 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
30572 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
30573 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
30574 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
30575 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
30576 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
30577 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
30580 @findex error-begin annotation
30581 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
30587 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
30590 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
30591 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
30592 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
30595 @section Invalidation Notices
30597 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
30598 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
30602 @findex frames-invalid annotation
30603 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
30605 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
30608 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
30609 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
30611 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
30612 deleted a breakpoint.
30615 @node Annotations for Running
30616 @section Running the Program
30617 @cindex annotations for running programs
30619 @findex starting annotation
30620 @findex stopping annotation
30621 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
30622 @code{step} or @code{continue},
30628 is output. When the program stops,
30634 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
30635 annotations describe how the program stopped.
30638 @findex exited annotation
30639 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
30640 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
30641 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
30643 @findex signalled annotation
30644 @findex signal-name annotation
30645 @findex signal-name-end annotation
30646 @findex signal-string annotation
30647 @findex signal-string-end annotation
30648 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
30649 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
30650 annotation continues:
30656 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
30660 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
30665 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
30666 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
30667 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
30668 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
30669 user's benefit and have no particular format.
30671 @findex signal annotation
30673 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
30674 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
30675 terminated with it.
30677 @findex breakpoint annotation
30678 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
30679 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
30681 @findex watchpoint annotation
30682 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
30683 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
30686 @node Source Annotations
30687 @section Displaying Source
30688 @cindex annotations for source display
30690 @findex source annotation
30691 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
30694 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
30697 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
30698 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
30699 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
30700 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
30701 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
30702 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
30703 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
30704 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
30705 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
30706 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
30707 depend on the language).
30709 @node JIT Interface
30710 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
30711 @cindex just-in-time compilation
30712 @cindex JIT compilation interface
30714 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
30715 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
30716 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
30717 performance while maintaining platform independence.
30719 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
30720 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
30721 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
30722 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
30723 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
30724 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
30726 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
30727 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
30728 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
30729 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
30732 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
30733 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
30734 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
30735 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
30736 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
30737 out about additional code.
30740 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
30741 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
30742 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
30746 @section JIT Declarations
30748 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
30749 implement the interface:
30759 struct jit_code_entry
30761 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
30762 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
30763 const char *symfile_addr;
30764 uint64_t symfile_size;
30767 struct jit_descriptor
30770 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
30771 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
30772 uint32_t action_flag;
30773 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
30774 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
30777 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
30778 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
30780 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
30781 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
30782 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
30785 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
30786 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
30787 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
30789 @node Registering Code
30790 @section Registering Code
30792 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
30796 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
30797 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
30800 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
30804 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
30807 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
30810 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
30811 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30814 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
30815 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
30816 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
30817 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
30819 @node Unregistering Code
30820 @section Unregistering Code
30822 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
30826 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
30829 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
30832 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
30833 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30836 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
30837 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
30840 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
30841 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
30842 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
30844 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
30846 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
30847 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
30848 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
30849 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
30851 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
30852 information that enables us to fix the bug.
30855 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
30856 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
30860 @section Have You Found a Bug?
30861 @cindex bug criteria
30863 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
30866 @cindex fatal signal
30867 @cindex debugger crash
30868 @cindex crash of debugger
30870 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
30871 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
30873 @cindex error on valid input
30875 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
30876 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
30877 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
30879 @cindex invalid input
30881 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
30882 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
30883 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
30884 for traditional practice''.
30887 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
30888 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
30891 @node Bug Reporting
30892 @section How to Report Bugs
30893 @cindex bug reports
30894 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
30896 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
30897 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
30898 contact that organization first.
30900 You can find contact information for many support companies and
30901 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
30903 @c should add a web page ref...
30906 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
30907 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30908 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
30909 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
30910 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
30913 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
30914 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
30915 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
30918 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
30919 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
30920 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
30921 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
30922 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
30923 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
30924 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
30925 bug reports to the mailing list.
30927 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
30928 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30929 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
30933 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
30934 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
30935 fact or leave it out, state it!
30937 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
30938 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
30939 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
30940 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
30941 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
30942 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
30943 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
30944 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
30945 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
30947 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
30948 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
30949 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
30952 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
30953 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
30954 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
30957 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
30961 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
30962 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
30965 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
30966 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
30969 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
30973 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
30974 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
30977 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
30978 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
30979 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
30980 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
30984 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
30985 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
30986 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
30987 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
30989 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
30990 and then we might not encounter the bug.
30993 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
30997 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
30998 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
31000 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
31001 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
31002 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
31003 a chance to make a mistake.
31005 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
31006 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
31007 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
31008 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
31009 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
31010 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
31011 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
31012 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
31015 @cindex recording a session script
31016 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
31017 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
31018 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
31019 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
31021 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
31022 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
31025 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
31026 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
31027 it by context, not by line number.
31029 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
31030 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
31034 Here are some things that are not necessary:
31038 A description of the envelope of the bug.
31040 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
31041 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
31042 changes will not affect it.
31044 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
31045 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
31046 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
31047 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
31049 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
31050 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
31051 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
31052 less time, and so on.
31054 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
31055 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
31058 A patch for the bug.
31060 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
31061 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
31062 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
31063 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
31065 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
31066 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
31067 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
31068 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
31070 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
31071 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
31072 help us to understand.
31075 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
31077 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
31078 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
31081 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
31082 @c and consists of the two following files:
31085 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
31086 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
31087 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
31088 @include rluser.texi
31089 @include hsuser.texi
31093 @appendix In Memoriam
31095 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
31100 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
31101 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
31102 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
31104 @item Michael Snyder
31105 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
31106 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
31107 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
31108 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
31111 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
31112 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
31114 @node Formatting Documentation
31115 @appendix Formatting Documentation
31117 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
31118 @cindex reference card
31119 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
31120 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
31121 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
31122 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
31123 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
31124 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
31126 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
31127 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
31133 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
31134 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
31135 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
31136 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
31137 your @sc{dvi} output program.
31139 @cindex documentation
31141 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
31142 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
31143 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
31144 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
31145 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
31146 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
31148 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
31149 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
31150 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
31151 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
31152 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
31153 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
31154 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
31155 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
31157 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
31158 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
31161 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
31162 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
31163 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
31170 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
31171 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
31172 Texinfo definitions file.
31174 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
31175 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
31176 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
31177 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
31178 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
31179 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
31180 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
31182 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
31183 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
31184 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
31185 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
31186 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
31189 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
31190 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
31191 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
31192 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
31198 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
31200 @node Installing GDB
31201 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
31202 @cindex installation
31205 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
31206 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
31207 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
31208 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
31209 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
31210 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
31214 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
31215 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
31217 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
31218 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
31220 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
31222 @item ISO C90 compiler
31223 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
31224 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
31228 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
31232 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
31233 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
31234 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
31235 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
31236 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
31237 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
31243 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
31245 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
31247 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
31249 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
31251 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
31255 @cindex compressed debug sections
31256 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
31257 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
31258 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
31259 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
31260 information in such binaries.
31262 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
31263 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
31264 @url{http://zlib.net}.
31267 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
31268 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
31269 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
31270 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
31272 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
31273 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
31274 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
31275 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
31277 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
31278 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
31279 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
31281 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
31282 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
31283 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
31284 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
31285 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
31286 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
31287 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
31288 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
31291 @node Running Configure
31292 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
31293 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
31294 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
31295 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
31296 build the @code{gdb} program.
31298 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
31299 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
31300 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
31301 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
31304 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
31305 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
31306 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
31308 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
31309 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
31312 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
31313 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
31315 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
31316 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
31318 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
31319 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
31321 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
31322 @sc{gnu} include files
31324 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
31325 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
31327 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
31328 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
31330 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
31331 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
31333 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
31334 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
31336 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
31337 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
31340 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
31341 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
31342 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
31344 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
31345 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
31346 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
31352 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
31353 ./configure @var{host}
31358 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
31359 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
31360 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
31361 correct value by examining your system.)
31363 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
31364 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
31365 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
31366 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
31369 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
31370 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
31371 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
31374 sh configure @var{host}
31377 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
31378 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
31379 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
31381 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
31382 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
31384 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
31385 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
31386 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
31387 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
31388 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
31389 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
31390 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
31391 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
31392 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31394 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
31395 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
31396 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
31397 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
31398 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
31400 @node Separate Objdir
31401 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
31403 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
31404 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
31405 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
31406 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
31407 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
31408 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
31409 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
31410 program specified there.
31412 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
31413 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
31414 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
31415 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
31416 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
31417 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
31419 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
31420 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
31424 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
31427 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
31432 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
31433 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
31434 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
31435 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
31436 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
31437 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
31439 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
31440 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
31441 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
31442 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
31443 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
31445 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
31446 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
31447 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
31448 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
31449 You specify a cross-debugging target by
31450 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
31452 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
31453 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
31454 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
31456 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
31457 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
31458 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
31459 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
31460 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
31462 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
31463 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
31464 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
31468 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
31470 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
31471 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
31472 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
31473 of information in the following pattern:
31476 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
31479 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
31480 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
31481 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
31483 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
31484 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
31485 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
31486 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
31487 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
31488 abbreviations---for example:
31491 % sh config.sub i386-linux
31493 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
31494 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
31495 % sh config.sub hp9k700
31497 % sh config.sub sun4
31498 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
31499 % sh config.sub sun3
31500 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
31501 % sh config.sub i986v
31502 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
31506 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
31507 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
31509 @node Configure Options
31510 @section @file{configure} Options
31512 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
31513 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
31514 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
31515 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
31518 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
31519 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31520 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
31521 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
31522 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
31523 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
31528 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
31529 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
31534 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
31536 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
31537 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
31540 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
31541 Configure the source to install programs under directory
31544 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
31546 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
31547 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
31548 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
31549 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
31550 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
31551 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
31552 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
31553 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
31554 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
31555 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
31558 @item --norecursion
31559 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
31560 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
31562 @item --target=@var{target}
31563 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
31564 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
31565 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
31567 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
31569 @item @var{host} @dots{}
31570 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
31572 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
31575 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
31576 needed for special purposes only.
31578 @node System-wide configuration
31579 @section System-wide configuration and settings
31580 @cindex system-wide init file
31582 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
31583 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
31584 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
31586 Here is the corresponding configure option:
31589 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
31590 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
31594 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
31595 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
31599 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
31600 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
31601 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
31602 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
31603 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
31604 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
31607 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
31608 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
31609 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31610 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31611 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
31614 @node Maintenance Commands
31615 @appendix Maintenance Commands
31616 @cindex maintenance commands
31617 @cindex internal commands
31619 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
31620 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
31621 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
31622 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
31623 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
31626 @kindex maint agent
31627 @kindex maint agent-eval
31628 @item maint agent @var{expression}
31629 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
31630 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
31631 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
31632 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
31633 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
31634 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
31635 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
31636 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
31637 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
31638 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
31639 addition and return the sum.
31641 @kindex maint info breakpoints
31642 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
31643 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
31644 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
31645 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
31646 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
31651 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
31654 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
31657 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
31658 @code{longjmp} calls.
31660 @item longjmp resume
31661 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
31664 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
31667 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
31670 Shared library events.
31674 @kindex set displaced-stepping
31675 @kindex show displaced-stepping
31676 @cindex displaced stepping support
31677 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
31678 @item set displaced-stepping
31679 @itemx show displaced-stepping
31680 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
31681 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
31682 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
31683 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
31684 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
31687 @item set displaced-stepping on
31688 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
31689 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
31691 @item set displaced-stepping off
31692 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
31693 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
31695 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
31696 @item set displaced-stepping auto
31697 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
31698 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
31699 architecture supports displaced stepping.
31702 @kindex maint check-symtabs
31703 @item maint check-symtabs
31704 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
31706 @kindex maint cplus first_component
31707 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
31708 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
31710 @kindex maint cplus namespace
31711 @item maint cplus namespace
31712 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
31714 @kindex maint demangle
31715 @item maint demangle @var{name}
31716 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
31718 @kindex maint deprecate
31719 @kindex maint undeprecate
31720 @cindex deprecated commands
31721 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
31722 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
31723 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
31724 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
31725 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
31726 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
31727 the replacement as part of the warning.
31729 @kindex maint dump-me
31730 @item maint dump-me
31731 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
31732 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
31733 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
31734 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
31736 @kindex maint internal-error
31737 @kindex maint internal-warning
31738 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31739 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31740 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
31741 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
31742 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
31743 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
31744 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
31745 @value{GDBN} session.
31747 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
31748 used as the text of the error or warning message.
31750 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
31753 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
31754 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
31755 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
31756 debugging may prove unreliable.
31757 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31758 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31762 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
31763 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
31765 @kindex maint set internal-error
31766 @kindex maint show internal-error
31767 @kindex maint set internal-warning
31768 @kindex maint show internal-warning
31769 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31770 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
31771 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31772 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
31773 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
31774 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
31775 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
31776 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
31777 described in the table below.
31781 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31782 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31785 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31786 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31789 @kindex maint packet
31790 @item maint packet @var{text}
31791 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
31792 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
31793 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
31794 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
31797 @kindex maint print architecture
31798 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31799 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
31800 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
31802 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
31803 @item maint print c-tdesc
31804 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
31805 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
31806 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
31808 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
31809 @item maint print dummy-frames
31810 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
31813 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
31815 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
31816 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
31818 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
31820 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
31821 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
31822 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
31823 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
31827 Takes an optional file parameter.
31829 @kindex maint print registers
31830 @kindex maint print raw-registers
31831 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
31832 @kindex maint print register-groups
31833 @kindex maint print remote-registers
31834 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31835 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31836 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31837 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31838 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31839 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
31841 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
31842 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
31843 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
31844 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
31845 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
31846 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
31847 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
31848 and offsets in the `G' packets. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
31849 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
31851 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
31852 write the information.
31854 @kindex maint print reggroups
31855 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31856 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
31857 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
31860 The register groups info looks like this:
31863 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
31876 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
31878 @kindex maint print objfiles
31879 @cindex info for known object files
31880 @item maint print objfiles
31881 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
31882 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
31885 @kindex maint print section-scripts
31886 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
31887 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
31888 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
31889 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
31890 matching @var{regexp}.
31891 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
31892 and the full path if known.
31893 @xref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}.
31895 @kindex maint print statistics
31896 @cindex bcache statistics
31897 @item maint print statistics
31898 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
31899 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
31900 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
31901 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
31902 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
31903 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
31904 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
31905 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
31906 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
31907 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
31910 @kindex maint print target-stack
31911 @cindex target stack description
31912 @item maint print target-stack
31913 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
31914 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
31915 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
31916 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
31917 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
31920 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
31921 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
31923 @kindex maint print type
31924 @cindex type chain of a data type
31925 @item maint print type @var{expr}
31926 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
31927 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
31928 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
31929 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
31930 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
31932 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31933 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31934 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31935 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31936 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
31939 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
31940 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
31941 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
31942 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
31943 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
31944 always see the disassembly form.
31946 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
31949 (gdb) info addr argc
31950 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
31954 For more information on these expressions, see
31955 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
31957 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31958 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31959 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31960 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31961 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
31963 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
31964 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
31965 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
31966 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
31967 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
31968 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
31969 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
31970 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
31971 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
31973 @kindex maint set profile
31974 @kindex maint show profile
31975 @cindex profiling GDB
31976 @item maint set profile
31977 @itemx maint show profile
31978 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
31980 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
31981 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
31982 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
31983 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
31984 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
31985 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
31986 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
31988 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
31989 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
31991 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
31992 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
31993 @cindex hardware debug registers
31994 @item maint set show-debug-regs
31995 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
31996 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
31997 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
31998 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
31999 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
32000 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
32002 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
32003 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
32004 @item maint set show-all-tib
32005 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
32006 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
32007 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
32010 @kindex maint space
32011 @cindex memory used by commands
32013 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
32014 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
32015 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
32016 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
32017 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
32020 @cindex time of command execution
32022 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
32023 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
32024 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
32025 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
32026 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
32027 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
32028 it's not possibly currently
32029 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
32030 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
32032 @kindex maint translate-address
32033 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
32034 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
32035 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
32036 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
32037 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
32038 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
32039 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
32041 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
32042 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
32043 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
32047 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
32048 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
32051 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
32052 @kindex set watchdog
32053 @cindex watchdog timer
32054 @cindex timeout for commands
32055 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
32056 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
32057 reports and error and the command is aborted.
32059 @item show watchdog
32060 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
32063 @node Remote Protocol
32064 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
32069 * Stop Reply Packets::
32070 * General Query Packets::
32071 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
32072 * Tracepoint Packets::
32073 * Host I/O Packets::
32075 * Notification Packets::
32076 * Remote Non-Stop::
32077 * Packet Acknowledgment::
32079 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
32080 * Library List Format::
32081 * Memory Map Format::
32082 * Thread List Format::
32083 * Traceframe Info Format::
32089 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
32090 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
32091 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
32092 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
32094 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
32095 transmitted and received data, respectively.
32097 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
32098 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
32099 @cindex remote serial protocol
32100 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
32101 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
32102 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
32103 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
32104 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
32107 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32111 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
32113 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
32114 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
32115 eight bit unsigned checksum).
32117 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
32118 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
32121 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32124 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
32126 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
32127 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
32128 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
32130 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
32131 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
32132 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
32136 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
32141 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
32142 once a connection is established.
32143 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
32145 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
32146 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
32147 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
32148 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
32149 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
32150 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
32151 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
32153 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
32154 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
32157 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
32158 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
32159 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
32160 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
32162 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
32163 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
32164 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
32166 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
32167 @anchor{Binary Data}
32168 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
32169 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
32170 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
32171 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
32172 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
32175 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
32176 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
32177 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
32178 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
32179 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
32180 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
32181 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
32182 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
32183 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
32186 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
32187 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
32188 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
32189 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
32190 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
32191 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
32192 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
32193 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
32194 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
32195 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
32196 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
32199 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
32200 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
32201 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
32202 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
32205 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
32206 error number. That number is not well defined.
32208 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
32209 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
32210 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
32211 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
32214 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
32215 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
32216 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
32217 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
32218 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
32219 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
32224 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
32225 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
32226 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
32227 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
32229 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
32230 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
32231 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
32232 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
32233 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
32234 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
32235 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
32236 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
32237 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
32240 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
32241 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
32242 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
32243 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
32244 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
32245 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
32248 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
32249 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
32250 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
32251 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
32252 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
32253 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
32254 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
32255 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
32256 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
32257 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
32258 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
32259 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
32260 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
32262 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
32263 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
32264 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
32267 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
32268 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
32270 Here are the packet descriptions.
32275 @cindex @samp{!} packet
32276 @anchor{extended mode}
32277 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
32278 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
32284 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
32288 @cindex @samp{?} packet
32289 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
32290 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
32291 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
32294 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32296 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
32297 @cindex @samp{A} packet
32298 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
32299 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
32300 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
32305 The arguments were set.
32311 @cindex @samp{b} packet
32312 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
32313 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
32315 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
32316 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
32317 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
32319 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
32320 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
32321 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
32322 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
32323 of view, nothing actually happened.}
32325 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
32326 @cindex @samp{B} packet
32327 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
32328 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
32330 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
32331 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
32333 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
32336 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
32337 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32340 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32342 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
32345 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
32346 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
32349 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32351 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
32352 @cindex @samp{c} packet
32353 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
32354 resume at current address.
32356 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32360 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32362 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
32363 @cindex @samp{C} packet
32364 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
32365 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
32367 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32371 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32374 @cindex @samp{d} packet
32377 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
32378 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
32382 @cindex @samp{D} packet
32383 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
32384 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
32385 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
32387 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
32388 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
32389 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
32390 big-endian hex string.
32400 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
32401 @cindex @samp{F} packet
32402 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
32403 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
32404 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
32407 @anchor{read registers packet}
32408 @cindex @samp{g} packet
32409 Read general registers.
32413 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32414 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
32415 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
32416 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
32417 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
32418 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
32419 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
32421 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
32422 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
32423 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
32424 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
32425 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
32426 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
32427 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
32428 have been collected, and both have zero value:
32432 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
32439 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
32440 @cindex @samp{G} packet
32441 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
32442 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
32452 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
32453 @cindex @samp{H} packet
32454 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
32455 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
32456 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
32457 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
32458 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
32459 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
32460 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32471 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
32472 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
32473 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
32474 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
32475 @c described. For example:
32477 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32478 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
32479 @c otherwise returns current registers.
32481 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
32482 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
32483 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
32485 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
32486 @anchor{cycle step packet}
32487 @cindex @samp{i} packet
32488 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
32489 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
32490 step starting at that address.
32493 @cindex @samp{I} packet
32494 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
32498 @cindex @samp{k} packet
32501 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
32502 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
32505 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
32506 @cindex @samp{m} packet
32507 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32508 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
32510 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
32511 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
32512 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
32513 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
32514 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
32515 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
32516 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
32517 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
32521 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32522 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
32523 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
32524 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
32529 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32530 @cindex @samp{M} packet
32531 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
32532 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
32533 hexadecimal number.
32540 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
32545 @cindex @samp{p} packet
32546 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
32547 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
32548 register value is encoded.
32552 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
32553 the register's value
32557 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
32560 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
32561 @anchor{write register packet}
32562 @cindex @samp{P} packet
32563 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
32564 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
32565 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
32575 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32576 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
32577 @cindex @samp{q} packet
32578 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
32579 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
32580 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
32583 @cindex @samp{r} packet
32584 Reset the entire system.
32586 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
32589 @cindex @samp{R} packet
32590 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
32591 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32593 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
32595 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
32596 @cindex @samp{s} packet
32597 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
32598 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
32600 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32604 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32606 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
32607 @anchor{step with signal packet}
32608 @cindex @samp{S} packet
32609 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
32610 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
32612 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
32616 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32618 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
32619 @cindex @samp{t} packet
32620 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
32621 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
32622 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
32624 @item T @var{thread-id}
32625 @cindex @samp{T} packet
32626 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
32631 thread is still alive
32637 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
32638 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
32640 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
32641 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
32642 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
32643 The process ID is a
32644 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
32645 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
32646 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
32648 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
32649 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
32650 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
32651 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
32652 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
32653 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
32654 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
32655 @c stopping or restarting threads.
32657 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32663 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32664 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32666 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
32669 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
32670 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
32671 @anchor{vCont packet}
32672 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
32673 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
32674 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
32675 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
32676 in their current state in non-stop mode.
32677 Specifying multiple
32678 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
32679 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32681 Currently supported actions are:
32687 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32691 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32696 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
32697 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
32698 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
32700 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
32701 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
32702 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
32703 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
32704 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
32705 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
32706 as an implementation detail.
32709 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32712 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
32713 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
32717 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
32718 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
32719 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
32721 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
32724 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
32725 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
32726 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
32727 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
32729 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
32730 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
32731 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
32732 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
32733 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
32734 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
32735 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
32736 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
32737 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32738 packet is received.
32740 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
32741 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
32742 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
32743 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
32754 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32755 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
32756 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
32757 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
32758 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
32759 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
32760 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
32761 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
32762 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
32763 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
32764 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
32765 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
32773 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
32779 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
32780 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
32781 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
32782 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
32783 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
32784 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32785 request is completed.
32787 @item vKill;@var{pid}
32788 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
32789 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
32790 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
32791 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
32792 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32802 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
32803 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
32804 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
32805 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
32806 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
32807 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
32810 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
32812 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32818 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32819 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32823 @anchor{vStopped packet}
32824 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
32826 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
32827 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
32831 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32832 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32834 if there are no unreported stop events
32837 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32839 @cindex @samp{X} packet
32840 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
32841 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
32842 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
32852 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32853 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32854 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
32855 @cindex @samp{z} packet
32856 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
32857 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
32858 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
32860 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
32863 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
32864 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
32865 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
32866 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
32867 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
32868 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
32870 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32871 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32872 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
32873 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
32874 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
32875 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
32877 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
32878 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
32879 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
32880 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
32881 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
32882 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
32883 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
32885 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
32886 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
32887 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
32888 target, is not defined.}
32900 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32901 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32902 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
32903 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
32904 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
32905 address @var{addr}.
32907 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
32908 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
32909 has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
32911 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
32924 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32925 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32926 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
32927 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
32928 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32929 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32941 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32942 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32943 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
32944 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
32945 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32946 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32958 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32959 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32960 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
32961 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
32962 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32963 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32977 @node Stop Reply Packets
32978 @section Stop Reply Packets
32979 @cindex stop reply packets
32981 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
32982 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
32983 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
32984 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
32985 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
32986 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
32987 @value{GDBN} source code.
32989 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
32990 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
32991 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
32997 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32998 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
32999 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
33001 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
33002 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
33003 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
33004 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
33005 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
33006 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
33007 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
33008 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
33012 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
33013 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
33014 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
33015 two-digit hex number.
33018 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
33019 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
33022 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
33023 the core on which the stop event was detected.
33026 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
33027 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
33028 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
33029 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
33032 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
33033 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
33037 The currently defined stop reasons are:
33043 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
33046 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
33048 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
33049 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
33050 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
33052 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
33054 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
33055 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
33056 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
33057 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
33058 for more information.
33062 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
33063 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
33064 applicable to certain targets.
33066 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
33067 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
33068 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
33069 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
33072 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
33073 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
33075 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
33076 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
33077 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
33078 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
33080 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
33081 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
33082 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
33083 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
33084 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
33086 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
33087 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
33088 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
33089 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
33090 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
33093 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
33094 this very system call.
33096 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
33097 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
33098 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
33099 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
33100 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
33101 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
33105 @node General Query Packets
33106 @section General Query Packets
33107 @cindex remote query requests
33109 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
33110 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
33111 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
33112 sending information to and from the stub.
33114 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
33115 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
33116 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
33117 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
33122 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
33124 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
33127 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
33128 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
33129 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
33130 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
33133 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
33134 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
33135 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
33136 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
33137 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
33138 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
33139 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
33140 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
33141 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
33142 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
33145 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
33146 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
33147 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
33148 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
33149 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
33151 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
33155 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
33156 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
33157 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
33158 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
33159 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
33160 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
33161 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
33162 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
33163 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
33164 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
33165 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
33168 @cindex current thread, remote request
33169 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
33170 Return the current thread ID.
33174 @item QC @var{thread-id}
33175 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
33176 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
33177 @item @r{(anything else)}
33178 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
33181 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
33182 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
33183 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
33184 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
33185 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
33186 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
33187 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
33189 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
33190 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
33191 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
33192 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
33193 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
33194 detect trailing zeros.
33199 An error (such as memory fault)
33200 @item C @var{crc32}
33201 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
33205 @itemx qsThreadInfo
33206 @cindex list active threads, remote request
33207 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
33208 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
33209 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
33210 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
33211 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
33212 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
33213 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
33214 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
33216 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
33220 @item m @var{thread-id}
33222 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
33223 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
33225 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
33228 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
33229 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
33230 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
33231 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
33232 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
33233 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
33236 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
33237 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
33238 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
33239 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
33240 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
33242 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
33243 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
33245 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
33246 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
33247 information associated with the variable.)
33249 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
33250 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
33251 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
33252 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
33253 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
33254 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
33258 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
33259 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
33260 local storage requested.
33263 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33266 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
33269 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
33270 @cindex get thread information block address
33271 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
33272 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
33274 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
33278 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
33279 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
33280 thread information block.
33283 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
33284 address could not be retrieved.
33287 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
33290 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
33291 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
33292 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
33293 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
33294 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
33295 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
33296 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
33298 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
33302 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
33303 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
33304 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
33305 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
33306 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
33307 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
33308 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
33312 @cindex section offsets, remote request
33313 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
33314 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
33319 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
33320 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
33321 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
33322 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
33323 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
33324 segments by the supplied offsets.
33326 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
33327 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
33328 to the @code{Bss} section.}
33330 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
33331 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
33332 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
33333 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
33334 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
33335 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
33336 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
33337 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
33338 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
33341 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
33342 @cindex thread information, remote request
33343 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
33344 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
33345 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
33346 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
33348 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
33351 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
33355 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
33356 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
33358 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
33359 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
33364 The request succeeded.
33367 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33370 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
33374 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33375 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33376 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
33377 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
33379 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
33380 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
33381 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33382 @anchor{QPassSignals}
33383 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
33384 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
33385 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
33386 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
33387 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
33388 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
33389 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
33390 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
33391 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
33396 The request succeeded.
33399 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33402 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
33406 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
33407 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
33408 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33409 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33411 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
33412 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
33413 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
33414 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
33415 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
33416 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
33417 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
33418 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
33419 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
33424 A command response with no output.
33426 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
33428 Indicate a badly formed request.
33430 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
33433 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
33434 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33435 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33438 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
33439 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
33440 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
33441 @anchor{qSearch memory}
33442 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
33443 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
33444 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
33449 The pattern was not found.
33451 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
33453 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
33455 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
33458 @item QStartNoAckMode
33459 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
33460 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
33461 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
33462 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
33467 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
33468 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
33469 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
33470 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
33472 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
33475 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
33476 @cindex supported packets, remote query
33477 @cindex features of the remote protocol
33478 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
33479 @anchor{qSupported}
33480 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
33481 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
33482 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
33483 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
33484 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
33485 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
33486 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
33487 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
33488 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
33489 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
33490 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
33491 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
33492 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
33493 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
33497 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
33498 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
33499 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
33502 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
33503 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
33506 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
33507 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
33511 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
33512 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
33513 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
33514 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
33516 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
33517 need an associated value.
33519 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
33521 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
33522 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
33523 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
33524 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
33527 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
33528 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
33529 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
33530 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
33531 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
33533 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
33538 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
33539 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
33540 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
33541 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
33542 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
33545 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
33546 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
33547 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
33551 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
33552 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
33553 instruction reply packet}).
33556 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
33557 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
33558 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
33559 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
33560 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
33561 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
33562 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
33563 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
33564 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
33565 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
33566 all the features it supports.
33568 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
33569 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
33571 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
33572 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
33573 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
33576 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
33577 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
33578 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
33579 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
33581 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
33582 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
33583 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
33584 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
33585 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
33587 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
33589 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
33590 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
33591 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
33593 @tab Value Required
33597 @item @samp{PacketSize}
33602 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
33607 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
33612 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
33617 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
33622 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
33627 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
33632 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
33637 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
33642 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
33647 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
33652 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33658 @item @samp{QNonStop}
33663 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
33668 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
33673 @item @samp{multiprocess}
33678 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
33683 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
33688 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
33693 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
33698 @item @samp{QAllow}
33703 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
33710 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
33713 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
33714 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
33715 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
33716 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
33717 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
33718 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
33719 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
33720 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
33721 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
33722 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
33724 @item qXfer:auxv:read
33725 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
33726 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
33728 @item qXfer:features:read
33729 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
33730 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
33732 @item qXfer:libraries:read
33733 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
33734 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
33736 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
33737 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
33738 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
33740 @item qXfer:sdata:read
33741 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
33742 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
33744 @item qXfer:spu:read
33745 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
33746 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
33748 @item qXfer:spu:write
33749 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
33750 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
33752 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
33753 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
33754 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
33756 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
33757 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
33758 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
33760 @item qXfer:threads:read
33761 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
33762 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
33764 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
33765 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
33766 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
33769 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
33770 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
33773 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33774 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
33776 @item QStartNoAckMode
33777 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
33778 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
33781 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
33782 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
33783 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
33784 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
33785 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
33786 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
33787 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
33788 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
33789 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
33790 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
33791 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
33793 @item qXfer:osdata:read
33794 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
33795 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
33797 @item ConditionalTracepoints
33798 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
33799 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
33801 @item ReverseContinue
33802 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
33806 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
33809 @item TracepointSource
33810 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
33811 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
33814 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
33816 @item StaticTracepoint
33817 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
33818 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
33820 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
33821 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
33822 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
33823 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
33828 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
33829 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
33830 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
33831 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
33836 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33837 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33838 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
33839 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
33840 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
33844 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
33845 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
33847 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
33848 target has previously requested.
33850 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
33851 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
33857 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33858 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33859 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
33860 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
33861 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
33866 @item QTDisconnected
33873 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33875 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
33876 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
33877 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
33878 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
33879 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
33880 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
33881 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
33882 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
33883 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
33884 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
33885 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
33889 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
33890 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
33891 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
33892 the thread's attributes.
33895 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
33896 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33897 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33914 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33916 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33917 @cindex read special object, remote request
33918 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
33919 @anchor{qXfer read}
33920 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
33921 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
33922 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
33923 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
33924 additional details about what data to access.
33926 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33927 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33928 formats, listed below.
33931 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33932 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
33933 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
33934 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
33936 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33937 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33939 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33940 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
33941 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
33942 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
33943 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
33945 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33946 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33948 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33949 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
33950 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
33951 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33952 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33954 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
33955 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
33956 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
33958 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33959 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33961 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33962 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
33963 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
33964 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33965 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33967 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33968 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33970 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33971 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
33973 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
33974 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
33975 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
33978 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33979 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33980 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33982 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33983 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
33984 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
33985 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33986 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33988 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33989 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33990 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33992 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33993 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
33994 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33995 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
33996 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33997 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33998 in that context to be accessed.
34000 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34001 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
34002 (@pxref{qSupported}).
34004 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
34005 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
34006 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
34007 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
34008 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
34010 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34011 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34013 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
34014 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
34016 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
34017 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
34018 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
34020 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34021 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34023 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
34024 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
34025 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
34026 @xref{Operating System Information}.
34033 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
34034 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
34035 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
34036 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
34037 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
34041 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
34042 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
34043 than the @var{length} in the request.
34046 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
34047 There is no more data to be read.
34050 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
34053 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
34054 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
34057 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
34058 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
34061 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34062 @cindex write data into object, remote request
34063 @anchor{qXfer write}
34064 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
34065 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
34066 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
34067 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
34068 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
34071 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
34072 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
34073 formats, listed below.
34076 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34077 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
34078 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
34079 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
34080 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
34082 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34083 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
34084 (@pxref{qSupported}).
34086 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
34087 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
34088 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
34089 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
34090 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
34091 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
34092 in that context to be accessed.
34094 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
34095 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34101 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
34102 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
34105 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
34108 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
34109 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
34112 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
34113 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
34116 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
34117 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
34118 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
34119 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
34120 must respond with an empty packet.
34122 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
34123 @cindex query attached, remote request
34124 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
34125 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
34126 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
34127 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
34128 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
34129 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
34130 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
34132 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
34133 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
34134 the @code{quit} command.
34139 The remote server attached to an existing process.
34141 The remote server created a new process.
34143 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
34148 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
34149 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
34151 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
34152 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
34153 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
34157 @subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
34159 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
34164 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
34167 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
34170 32-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
34176 @subsubsection Register Packet Format
34178 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
34179 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
34180 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
34181 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
34182 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
34183 most-significant - least-significant.
34189 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
34190 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
34191 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
34195 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
34196 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
34201 @node Tracepoint Packets
34202 @section Tracepoint Packets
34203 @cindex tracepoint packets
34204 @cindex packets, tracepoint
34206 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
34207 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
34211 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
34212 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
34213 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
34214 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
34215 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
34216 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
34217 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
34218 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
34219 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
34220 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
34221 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
34222 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
34228 The packet was understood and carried out.
34230 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
34232 The packet was not recognized.
34235 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
34236 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
34237 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
34238 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
34239 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
34240 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
34241 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
34243 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
34244 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
34245 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
34246 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
34247 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
34248 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
34249 tracepoint actions.
34251 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
34252 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
34258 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
34259 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
34260 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
34261 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
34262 not fit in a 32-bit word.
34264 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
34265 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
34266 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
34267 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
34268 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
34269 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
34270 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
34272 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
34273 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
34274 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
34275 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
34276 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
34277 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
34282 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
34283 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
34284 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
34285 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
34286 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
34287 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
34288 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
34289 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
34294 The packet was understood and carried out.
34296 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
34298 The packet was not recognized.
34301 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
34302 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
34303 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
34304 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
34305 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
34306 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
34307 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
34308 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
34310 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
34311 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
34312 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
34313 fit in a single packet.
34314 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
34315 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
34317 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
34318 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
34319 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
34320 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
34322 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
34323 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
34326 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
34327 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
34328 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
34329 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
34330 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
34331 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
34332 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
34335 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
34336 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
34337 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
34338 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
34339 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
34340 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
34341 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
34342 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
34343 mentioned in expressions.
34345 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
34346 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
34347 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
34348 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
34350 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
34351 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
34352 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
34353 one of the following forms:
34357 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
34358 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
34359 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
34362 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
34363 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
34367 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
34368 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34369 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
34370 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
34372 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
34373 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34374 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
34375 is a hexadecimal number.
34377 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
34378 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
34379 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
34380 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
34383 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
34384 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
34385 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
34388 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
34389 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
34390 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
34391 instruction reply packet}).
34394 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
34396 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
34398 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
34399 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
34400 of data from it will resume.
34402 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
34404 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
34405 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
34406 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
34409 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
34411 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
34412 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
34413 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
34414 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
34416 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
34417 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
34418 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
34419 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
34421 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
34422 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
34423 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
34424 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
34425 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
34428 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
34430 The reply has the form:
34434 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
34435 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
34436 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
34437 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
34441 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
34442 explanations as one of the optional fields:
34447 No trace has been run yet.
34450 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command.
34453 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
34455 @item tdisconnected:0
34456 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
34458 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
34459 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
34461 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
34462 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
34463 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
34464 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
34465 @var{text} is hex encoded.
34468 The trace stopped for some other reason.
34472 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
34473 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
34474 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
34475 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
34480 @item tframes:@var{n}
34481 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
34483 @item tcreated:@var{n}
34484 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
34485 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
34487 @item tsize:@var{n}
34488 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
34490 @item tfree:@var{n}
34491 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
34493 @item circular:@var{n}
34494 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
34495 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
34496 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
34499 @item disconn:@var{n}
34500 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
34501 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
34502 that the trace run will stop.
34506 @item qTV:@var{var}
34507 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
34508 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
34509 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
34514 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
34515 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
34516 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
34517 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
34518 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
34519 program is running.
34522 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
34523 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
34529 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
34530 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
34531 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
34532 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
34533 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
34537 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
34538 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
34539 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
34540 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
34541 trace state variables.
34545 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
34546 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
34547 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
34548 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
34552 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
34554 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
34555 a comma-separated list of markers
34557 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
34559 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
34561 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
34565 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
34566 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
34568 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
34569 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
34570 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
34571 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
34574 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
34575 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
34576 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
34577 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
34578 tracepoint markers.
34580 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
34581 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
34582 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
34583 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
34584 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
34586 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
34587 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
34588 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
34589 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
34590 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
34591 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
34592 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
34595 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
34596 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
34597 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
34601 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
34602 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
34603 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
34604 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
34605 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
34606 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
34607 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
34608 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
34609 it had executed in the original location.
34611 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
34612 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
34613 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
34614 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
34615 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
34616 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
34617 format of the request is:
34620 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
34622 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
34623 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
34624 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
34625 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
34626 memory starting at @var{to}.
34631 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
34632 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
34633 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
34635 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
34636 relocating the instruction.
34639 @node Host I/O Packets
34640 @section Host I/O Packets
34641 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
34642 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
34644 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
34645 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
34646 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
34647 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
34648 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
34649 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
34650 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
34651 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
34652 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
34653 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
34655 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
34656 its arguments. They have this format:
34660 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
34661 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
34662 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
34663 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
34664 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
34665 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
34666 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
34667 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
34668 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
34672 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
34676 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
34677 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
34678 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
34679 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
34680 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
34681 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
34682 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
34683 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
34684 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
34688 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
34692 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
34695 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
34696 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
34697 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
34698 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
34699 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
34700 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
34701 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
34703 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
34704 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
34705 -1 if an error occurs.
34707 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
34708 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
34709 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
34710 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
34711 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
34712 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
34713 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
34714 @var{count} was zero.
34716 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
34717 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
34718 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
34719 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
34720 some characters were escaped.
34722 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
34723 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
34724 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
34725 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
34726 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
34727 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
34728 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
34731 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
34732 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
34733 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
34738 @section Interrupts
34739 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
34741 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
34742 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
34743 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
34744 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
34746 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
34747 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
34748 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
34749 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
34750 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
34752 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
34753 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
34754 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
34755 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
34756 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
34757 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
34758 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
34759 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
34761 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
34762 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
34763 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
34765 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
34766 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
34767 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
34768 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
34769 currently-executing threads and processes.
34770 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
34771 running program, it should send one of the stop
34772 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
34773 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
34774 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
34775 Interrupts received while the
34776 program is stopped are discarded.
34778 @node Notification Packets
34779 @section Notification Packets
34780 @cindex notification packets
34781 @cindex packets, notification
34783 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
34784 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
34785 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
34786 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
34787 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
34788 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
34791 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
34792 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
34793 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
34794 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
34795 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
34796 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
34797 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
34799 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
34800 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
34802 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
34803 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
34804 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
34805 not they understand it.
34807 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
34808 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
34809 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
34810 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
34813 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
34814 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
34815 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
34816 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
34817 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
34819 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
34823 @item Stop: @var{reply}
34824 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
34825 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
34826 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
34827 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
34831 @node Remote Non-Stop
34832 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
34834 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
34835 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
34836 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
34837 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34839 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
34840 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
34841 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
34842 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
34843 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
34844 probe the target state after a mode change.
34846 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
34847 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
34848 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
34849 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
34850 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
34851 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
34852 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
34853 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
34854 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
34855 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
34856 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
34858 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
34859 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
34860 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
34861 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
34862 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
34863 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
34864 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
34865 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
34866 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
34867 sending any queued stop events.
34869 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
34870 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
34871 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
34872 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
34873 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
34874 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
34875 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
34877 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
34878 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
34879 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
34880 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
34881 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
34884 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
34885 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
34886 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
34887 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
34888 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
34889 should process normally.
34891 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
34892 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
34893 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
34894 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
34895 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
34897 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
34898 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
34899 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
34900 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
34901 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
34902 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
34903 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
34904 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
34905 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
34906 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
34907 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
34910 @node Packet Acknowledgment
34911 @section Packet Acknowledgment
34913 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34914 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34915 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
34916 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34917 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
34918 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
34919 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
34921 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
34922 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
34923 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
34924 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
34925 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
34927 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
34928 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
34929 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
34930 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
34932 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
34933 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
34934 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
34935 @pxref{qSupported}.
34936 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
34937 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
34938 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
34939 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
34940 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
34941 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
34942 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
34944 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
34945 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
34946 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
34948 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
34949 new connection is established,
34950 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
34951 for the current connection, once disabled.
34956 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
34957 does not get any direct output:
34962 @emph{target restarts}
34965 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34969 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
34972 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
34977 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34981 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
34985 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34986 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34987 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
34990 * File-I/O Overview::
34991 * Protocol Basics::
34992 * The F Request Packet::
34993 * The F Reply Packet::
34994 * The Ctrl-C Message::
34996 * List of Supported Calls::
34997 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
34999 * File-I/O Examples::
35002 @node File-I/O Overview
35003 @subsection File-I/O Overview
35004 @cindex file-i/o overview
35006 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
35007 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
35008 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
35009 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
35010 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
35011 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
35013 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
35014 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
35015 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
35016 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
35017 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
35019 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
35020 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
35021 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
35022 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
35023 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
35024 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
35025 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
35027 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
35028 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
35029 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
35030 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
35031 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
35034 (@value{GDBP}) continue
35035 <- target requests 'system call X'
35036 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
35037 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
35038 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
35039 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
35042 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
35043 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
35044 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
35045 system are not supported by this protocol.
35047 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
35049 @node Protocol Basics
35050 @subsection Protocol Basics
35051 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
35053 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
35054 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
35055 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
35056 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
35057 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
35058 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
35059 to call the appropriate host system call:
35063 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
35066 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
35067 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
35068 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
35069 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
35073 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
35077 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
35078 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
35079 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
35080 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
35084 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
35085 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
35088 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
35091 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
35094 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
35095 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
35096 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
35097 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
35102 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
35103 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
35110 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
35117 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
35118 the latest continue or step action.
35120 @node The F Request Packet
35121 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
35122 @cindex file-i/o request packet
35123 @cindex @code{F} request packet
35125 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
35128 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
35130 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
35131 This is just the name of the function.
35133 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
35134 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
35135 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
35136 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
35137 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
35138 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
35139 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
35145 @node The F Reply Packet
35146 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
35147 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
35148 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
35150 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
35154 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
35156 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
35158 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
35160 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
35162 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
35163 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
35164 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
35171 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
35178 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
35183 @node The Ctrl-C Message
35184 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
35185 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
35187 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
35188 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
35189 the target should behave as if it had
35190 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
35191 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
35192 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
35195 It's important for the target to know in which
35196 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
35200 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
35203 The system call on the host has been finished.
35207 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
35208 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
35209 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
35210 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
35211 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
35212 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
35214 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
35215 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
35216 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
35217 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
35218 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
35219 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
35220 or the full action has been completed.
35223 @subsection Console I/O
35224 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
35226 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
35227 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
35228 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
35229 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
35230 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
35231 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
35236 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
35238 system call is treated as finished.
35241 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
35245 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
35246 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
35250 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
35251 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
35252 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
35253 is stopped at the user's request.
35256 @node List of Supported Calls
35257 @subsection List of Supported Calls
35258 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
35275 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
35276 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
35281 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
35282 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
35286 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
35289 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
35293 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
35294 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
35298 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
35299 an error and open() fails.
35302 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
35303 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
35304 truncated to zero length.
35307 The file is opened in append mode.
35310 The file is opened for reading only.
35313 The file is opened for writing only.
35316 The file is opened for reading and writing.
35320 Other bits are silently ignored.
35324 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
35328 User has read permission.
35331 User has write permission.
35334 Group has read permission.
35337 Group has write permission.
35340 Others have read permission.
35343 Others have write permission.
35347 Other bits are silently ignored.
35350 @item Return value:
35351 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
35358 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
35361 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
35364 The requested access is not allowed.
35367 @var{pathname} was too long.
35370 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
35373 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
35376 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
35377 write access was requested.
35380 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
35383 No space on device to create the file.
35386 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
35389 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
35393 The call was interrupted by the user.
35399 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
35400 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
35409 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
35411 @item Return value:
35412 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
35418 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
35421 The call was interrupted by the user.
35427 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
35428 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
35433 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
35437 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35439 @item Return value:
35440 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
35441 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
35442 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
35448 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35452 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35455 The call was interrupted by the user.
35461 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
35462 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
35467 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
35471 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
35473 @item Return value:
35474 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
35475 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
35482 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
35486 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35489 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
35490 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
35493 No space on device to write the data.
35496 The call was interrupted by the user.
35502 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
35503 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
35508 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
35512 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
35514 @var{flag} is one of:
35518 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
35521 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
35525 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
35529 @item Return value:
35530 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
35531 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
35532 value of -1 is returned.
35538 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
35541 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
35544 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
35547 The call was interrupted by the user.
35553 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
35554 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
35559 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
35563 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
35565 @item Return value:
35566 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35572 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
35576 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
35579 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
35583 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
35587 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
35588 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
35589 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
35592 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
35595 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35599 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
35602 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
35605 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35608 The device containing the file has no room for the new
35612 The call was interrupted by the user.
35618 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
35619 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
35624 int unlink(const char *pathname);
35628 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
35630 @item Return value:
35631 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35637 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35640 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
35643 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
35644 being used by another process.
35647 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35650 @var{pathname} was too long.
35653 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
35656 A component of the path is not a directory.
35659 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
35662 The call was interrupted by the user.
35668 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
35669 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
35670 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
35675 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
35676 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
35680 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
35681 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
35683 @item Return value:
35684 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
35690 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
35693 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
35694 path is an empty string.
35697 A component of the path is not a directory.
35700 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35703 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35706 @var{pathname} was too long.
35709 The call was interrupted by the user.
35715 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
35716 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
35721 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
35725 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
35727 @item Return value:
35728 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
35734 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
35737 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35743 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
35744 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
35749 int isatty(int fd);
35753 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
35755 @item Return value:
35756 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
35762 The call was interrupted by the user.
35767 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
35768 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
35769 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
35770 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
35775 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
35776 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
35781 int system(const char *command);
35785 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
35787 @item Return value:
35788 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
35789 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
35790 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
35791 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
35792 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
35793 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
35794 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
35800 The call was interrupted by the user.
35805 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
35806 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
35807 the host is simplified before it's returned
35808 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
35809 is discarded, and the return value consists
35810 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
35812 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
35813 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
35814 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
35817 @item set remote system-call-allowed
35818 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
35819 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
35820 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
35822 @item show remote system-call-allowed
35823 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
35824 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
35828 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35829 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35830 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35833 * Integral Datatypes::
35835 * Memory Transfer::
35840 @node Integral Datatypes
35841 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
35842 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35844 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
35845 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
35846 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
35848 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
35849 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
35851 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
35853 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
35854 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
35856 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
35858 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
35859 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
35862 @node Pointer Values
35863 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
35864 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
35866 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
35867 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
35868 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
35869 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
35876 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
35877 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
35878 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
35879 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
35885 @node Memory Transfer
35886 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
35887 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
35889 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
35890 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
35891 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
35892 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
35893 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
35894 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
35895 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
35899 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
35900 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
35902 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
35903 is defined as follows:
35907 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
35908 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
35909 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
35910 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
35911 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
35912 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
35913 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
35914 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
35915 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
35916 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
35917 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
35918 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
35919 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
35923 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35924 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35925 structure is of size 64 bytes.
35927 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
35933 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
35936 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35939 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
35940 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
35945 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35950 These values have a host and file system dependent
35951 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
35952 support exact timing values.
35955 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
35956 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
35959 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
35960 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
35961 get truncated on the target.
35963 @node struct timeval
35964 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
35965 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
35967 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
35968 is defined as follows:
35972 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
35973 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
35977 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35978 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35979 structure is of size 8 bytes.
35982 @subsection Constants
35983 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
35985 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
35986 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
35987 values before and after the call as needed.
35998 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
35999 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
36001 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
36013 @node mode_t Values
36014 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
36015 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
36017 All values are given in octal representation.
36034 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
36035 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
36037 All values are given in decimal representation.
36062 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
36063 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
36066 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
36067 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
36076 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
36077 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
36079 All values are given in decimal representation.
36082 INT_MIN -2147483648
36084 UINT_MAX 4294967295
36085 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
36086 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
36087 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
36090 @node File-I/O Examples
36091 @subsection File-I/O Examples
36092 @cindex file-i/o examples
36094 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
36095 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
36098 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
36099 @emph{request memory read from target}
36102 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
36106 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
36107 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
36110 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36111 @emph{request memory write to target}
36112 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
36113 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
36117 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
36118 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
36121 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36125 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
36129 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36134 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
36138 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
36139 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
36143 @node Library List Format
36144 @section Library List Format
36145 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
36147 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
36148 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
36149 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
36150 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
36151 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
36152 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
36153 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
36154 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
36155 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
36158 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
36159 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
36160 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
36161 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
36163 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
36164 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
36165 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
36166 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
36167 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
36168 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
36170 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36171 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
36173 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
36174 offset, looks like this:
36178 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
36179 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
36184 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
36185 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
36189 <library name="sharedlib.o">
36190 <section address="0x10000000"/>
36191 <section address="0x20000000"/>
36192 <section address="0x30000000"/>
36197 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
36200 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
36201 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
36202 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
36203 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
36204 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
36205 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
36206 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
36207 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
36208 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
36211 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
36212 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
36213 section for each library.
36215 @node Memory Map Format
36216 @section Memory Map Format
36217 @cindex memory map format
36219 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
36220 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
36223 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
36224 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
36225 lists memory regions.
36227 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36228 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
36230 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
36233 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36234 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
36235 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
36236 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
36242 Each region can be either:
36247 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
36251 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36256 A region of read-only memory:
36259 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36264 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
36268 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
36269 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
36275 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
36276 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
36277 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
36279 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
36282 <!-- ................................................... -->
36283 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
36284 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
36285 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
36286 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
36287 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
36288 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
36289 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
36290 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
36291 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
36292 and its type, or device. -->
36293 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
36294 start CDATA #REQUIRED
36295 length CDATA #REQUIRED
36296 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
36297 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
36298 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
36299 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
36302 @node Thread List Format
36303 @section Thread List Format
36304 @cindex thread list format
36306 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
36307 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
36308 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
36309 the following structure:
36312 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36314 <thread id="id" core="0">
36315 ... description ...
36320 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
36321 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
36322 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
36323 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
36324 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
36326 @node Traceframe Info Format
36327 @section Traceframe Info Format
36328 @cindex traceframe info format
36330 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
36331 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
36332 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
36333 collected in a traceframe.
36335 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
36336 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
36338 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36339 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
36341 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
36344 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36345 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
36346 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
36347 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
36353 Each traceframe block can be either:
36358 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
36359 @var{length} bytes from there:
36362 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
36367 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
36370 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory)* >
36371 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
36373 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
36374 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
36375 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
36378 @include agentexpr.texi
36380 @node Target Descriptions
36381 @appendix Target Descriptions
36382 @cindex target descriptions
36384 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
36385 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
36386 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
36387 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
36388 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
36389 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
36390 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
36394 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
36395 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
36397 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
36398 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
36399 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
36401 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
36402 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
36403 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
36406 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
36407 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
36408 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
36409 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
36410 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
36412 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
36413 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
36416 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
36417 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
36418 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
36420 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
36423 @node Retrieving Descriptions
36424 @section Retrieving Descriptions
36426 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
36427 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
36428 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
36429 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
36430 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
36431 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
36432 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
36435 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
36436 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
36437 specify a file are:
36440 @cindex set tdesc filename
36441 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
36442 Read the target description from @var{path}.
36444 @cindex unset tdesc filename
36445 @item unset tdesc filename
36446 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
36447 will use the description supplied by the current target.
36449 @cindex show tdesc filename
36450 @item show tdesc filename
36451 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
36455 @node Target Description Format
36456 @section Target Description Format
36457 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
36459 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
36460 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
36461 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
36462 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
36463 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
36464 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
36465 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
36467 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
36468 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
36469 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
36470 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
36471 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
36473 Here is a simple target description:
36476 <target version="1.0">
36477 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
36482 This minimal description only says that the target uses
36483 the x86-64 architecture.
36485 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
36486 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
36487 are explained further below.
36490 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36491 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
36492 <target version="1.0">
36493 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
36494 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
36495 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
36496 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
36501 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
36502 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
36503 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
36504 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
36505 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
36506 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
36507 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
36508 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
36509 the version mismatch.
36511 @subsection Inclusion
36512 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
36515 @cindex <xi:include>
36518 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
36519 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
36520 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
36521 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
36522 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
36525 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
36529 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
36530 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
36531 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
36532 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
36533 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
36534 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
36535 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
36536 original description.
36538 @subsection Architecture
36539 @cindex <architecture>
36541 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
36544 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
36547 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36548 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36551 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
36553 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36554 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36556 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
36559 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
36562 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
36563 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
36565 @subsection Compatible Architecture
36566 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
36568 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
36569 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
36571 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
36574 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
36577 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
36578 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
36580 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
36581 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
36582 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
36583 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
36584 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
36585 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
36586 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
36589 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
36590 <compatible>spu</compatible>
36593 @subsection Features
36596 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
36597 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
36598 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
36602 <feature name="@var{name}">
36603 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
36609 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
36610 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
36611 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
36612 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
36616 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
36617 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
36618 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
36619 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
36620 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
36622 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
36623 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
36624 Types must be defined before they are used.
36627 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
36628 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
36629 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
36633 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
36637 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
36638 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
36639 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
36640 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
36643 <union id="@var{id}">
36644 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36650 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
36651 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
36652 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
36653 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
36654 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
36655 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
36656 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
36657 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
36660 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36661 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36666 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
36667 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
36670 <struct id="@var{id}">
36671 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
36677 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
36678 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
36679 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
36680 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
36684 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36685 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36690 @subsection Registers
36693 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
36696 <reg name="@var{name}"
36697 bitsize="@var{size}"
36698 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
36699 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
36700 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
36701 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
36705 The components are as follows:
36710 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
36713 The register's size, in bits.
36716 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
36717 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
36718 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
36719 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
36720 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
36721 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
36722 in order of increasing register number.
36725 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
36726 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
36727 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
36728 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
36732 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
36733 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
36734 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
36735 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
36736 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
36737 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
36740 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
36741 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
36742 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
36743 in @code{info registers}.
36747 @node Predefined Target Types
36748 @section Predefined Target Types
36749 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
36751 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
36752 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
36753 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
36754 types. The currently supported types are:
36763 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36770 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36774 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
36775 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
36776 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
36777 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
36778 may be marked as data pointers.
36781 Single precision IEEE floating point.
36784 Double precision IEEE floating point.
36787 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
36790 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
36793 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
36796 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
36800 @node Standard Target Features
36801 @section Standard Target Features
36802 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
36804 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
36805 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
36806 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
36807 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
36808 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
36809 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
36810 can recognize them.
36812 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
36813 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
36814 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
36815 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
36816 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
36817 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
36818 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
36819 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
36821 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
36822 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
36823 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
36825 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
36826 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
36827 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
36828 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
36830 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
36831 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
36832 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
36839 * PowerPC Features::
36844 @subsection ARM Features
36845 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
36847 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
36849 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
36850 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
36852 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
36853 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
36854 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
36857 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
36858 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
36860 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
36861 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
36862 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
36863 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
36865 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
36866 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
36867 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
36868 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
36869 halves of the double-precision registers.
36871 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
36872 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
36873 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
36874 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
36875 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
36876 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
36878 @node i386 Features
36879 @subsection i386 Features
36880 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
36882 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
36883 targets. It should describe the following registers:
36887 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
36889 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
36891 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
36892 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
36894 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
36896 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
36897 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
36900 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
36902 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
36903 describe registers:
36907 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
36909 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
36914 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
36915 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
36916 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
36920 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
36922 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
36925 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
36926 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
36928 @node MIPS Features
36929 @subsection MIPS Features
36930 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
36932 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
36933 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
36934 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
36937 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
36938 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
36939 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36941 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
36942 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
36943 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
36944 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36946 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
36947 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
36948 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
36950 @node M68K Features
36951 @subsection M68K Features
36952 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
36955 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
36956 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
36957 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
36958 One of those features must be always present.
36959 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
36960 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
36961 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
36962 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
36964 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
36965 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
36966 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
36970 @node PowerPC Features
36971 @subsection PowerPC Features
36972 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
36974 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
36975 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
36976 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
36977 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36979 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
36980 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
36982 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
36983 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
36986 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
36987 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
36988 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
36989 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
36990 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
36991 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
36993 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
36994 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
36995 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
36996 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
36997 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
36998 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
37001 @node Operating System Information
37002 @appendix Operating System Information
37003 @cindex operating system information
37009 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
37010 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
37011 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
37012 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
37013 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
37014 on a different aspect of target.
37016 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
37017 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
37018 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
37019 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
37022 @appendixsection Process list
37023 @cindex operating system information, process list
37025 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
37026 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
37027 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
37028 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
37030 An example document is:
37033 <?xml version="1.0"?>
37034 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
37035 <osdata type="processes">
37037 <column name="pid">1</column>
37038 <column name="user">root</column>
37039 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
37040 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
37045 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
37046 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
37047 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
37048 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
37049 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
37050 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
37051 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
37053 @node Trace File Format
37054 @appendix Trace File Format
37055 @cindex trace file format
37057 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
37058 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
37060 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
37061 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
37062 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
37065 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
37066 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
37067 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
37068 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
37069 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
37072 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
37074 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
37075 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
37076 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
37077 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
37078 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
37079 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
37080 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
37083 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
37086 @item R @var{bytes}
37087 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
37088 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
37089 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
37090 hexadecimal encoding.
37092 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
37093 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
37094 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
37095 @var{length} bytes.
37097 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
37098 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
37099 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
37103 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
37106 @node Index Section Format
37107 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
37108 @cindex .gdb_index section format
37109 @cindex index section format
37111 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
37112 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
37113 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
37116 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
37117 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
37118 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
37119 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
37120 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
37121 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
37123 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
37127 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
37128 unless otherwise noted:
37132 The version number, currently 5. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
37133 Version 4 differs by its hashing function.
37136 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
37139 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
37140 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
37141 to the next offset.
37144 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
37147 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
37150 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
37154 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
37155 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
37156 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
37157 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
37158 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
37159 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
37160 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
37164 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
37165 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
37166 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
37167 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
37170 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
37171 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
37175 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
37178 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
37179 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
37182 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
37186 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
37187 the hash table is always a power of 2.
37189 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
37190 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
37191 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
37194 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
37195 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
37196 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
37198 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
37199 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
37200 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
37201 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
37206 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
37209 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
37212 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
37214 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
37215 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
37216 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
37217 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
37220 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
37221 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
37222 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
37226 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
37227 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
37230 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
37231 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
37232 Each subsequent value is the index of a CU in the CU list. This
37233 element in the hash table is used to indicate which CUs define the
37236 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
37241 @node GNU Free Documentation License
37242 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
37251 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
37253 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
37254 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
37255 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
37256 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
37257 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
37258 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
37259 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
37260 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
37261 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
37263 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.