1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
3 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
6 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
7 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
12 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
13 @setchapternewpage odd
24 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
25 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
29 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c !!set GDB manual's revision date
35 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 3.12 OR LATER.
37 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
38 @c manuals to an info tree.
39 @dircategory Programming & development tools.
41 * Gdb: (gdb). The @sc{gnu} debugger.
45 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
48 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, @value{DATE},
49 of @cite{Debugging with @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger}
50 for @value{GDBN} Version @value{GDBVN}.
52 Copyright (C) 1988-2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
54 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
55 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
56 are preserved on all copies.
59 Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
60 results, provided the printed document carries copying permission
61 notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
62 (this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
65 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
66 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that the
67 entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
68 permission notice identical to this one.
70 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
71 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
75 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
76 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
78 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
79 @subtitle @value{DATE}
80 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
84 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to bug-gdb\@gnu.org.)\par
85 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
86 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
90 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
91 Copyright @copyright{} 1988-2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
93 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
94 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, @*
95 Boston, MA 02111-1307 USA @*
98 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
99 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
100 are preserved on all copies.
102 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
103 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that the
104 entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
105 permission notice identical to this one.
107 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
108 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
113 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
115 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
117 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
119 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, @value{DATE}, for @value{GDBN} Version
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
125 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
126 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
128 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
129 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
130 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
131 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
132 * Stack:: Examining the stack
133 * Source:: Examining source files
134 * Data:: Examining data
136 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
138 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
139 * Altering:: Altering execution
140 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
141 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
142 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
143 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
144 * Sequences:: Canned sequences of commands
145 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
146 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
147 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
149 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
150 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
152 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
153 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
154 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
160 @c the replication sucks, but this avoids a texinfo 3.12 lameness
165 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
167 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
169 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, @value{DATE}, for @value{GDBN} Version
172 Copyright (C) 1988-2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
175 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
176 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
178 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
179 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
180 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
181 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
182 * Stack:: Examining the stack
183 * Source:: Examining source files
184 * Data:: Examining data
186 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
188 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
189 * Altering:: Altering execution
190 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
191 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
192 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
193 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
194 * Sequences:: Canned sequences of commands
195 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
196 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
198 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
199 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
201 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
202 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
203 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
209 @c TeX can handle the contents at the start but makeinfo 3.12 can not
215 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
217 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
218 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
219 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
221 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
222 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
226 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
229 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
232 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
235 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
236 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
239 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C++.
240 For more information, see @ref{Support,,Supported languages}.
241 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
245 Support for Modula-2 and Chill is partial. For information on Modula-2,
246 see @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}. For information on Chill, see @ref{Chill}.
249 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
250 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
251 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
255 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
256 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
260 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
261 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
265 @unnumberedsec Free software
267 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
268 General Public License
269 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
270 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
271 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
272 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
273 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
274 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
276 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
277 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
281 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
283 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
284 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
285 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
286 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
287 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
288 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
289 blow-by-blow account.
291 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
294 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
295 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
296 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
299 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
300 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
302 Andrew Cagney (release 5.0);
303 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
304 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
305 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
306 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
307 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
308 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
309 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
310 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
312 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
313 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
315 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C++ support in
316 @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
317 Bothner. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C++ demangler. Early work on
318 C++ was by Peter TerMaat (who also did much general update work leading
321 @value{GDBN} 4 uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
322 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
323 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
325 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
326 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
328 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
330 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
331 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
333 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
334 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
335 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
336 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
337 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
338 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
339 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
340 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
341 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
342 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
343 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
344 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
345 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
346 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
347 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
349 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K Linux support.
351 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
354 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
355 about several machine instruction sets.
357 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
358 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
359 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
360 and RDI targets, respectively.
362 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
363 command-line editing and command history.
365 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
366 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
368 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
369 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C++ overloaded
372 Hitachi America, Ltd. sponsored the support for H8/300, H8/500, and
375 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
377 Mitsubishi sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D processors.
379 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
381 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
383 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
385 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
388 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
390 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
392 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
393 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
395 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
396 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
397 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC++
398 compiler, and the terminal user interface: Ben Krepp, Richard Title,
399 John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann, Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve
400 Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase provided HP-specific
401 information in this manual.
403 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
404 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
405 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
406 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
407 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
408 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
409 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
410 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
411 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
412 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
413 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
414 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
415 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
416 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
417 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
421 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
423 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
424 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
425 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
428 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
429 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
432 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
433 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
435 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
436 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
437 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
438 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
439 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
440 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
441 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
442 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
443 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
452 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
456 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
458 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
461 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
465 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
468 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
469 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
470 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
471 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
472 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
474 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
477 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
482 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
483 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
484 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
485 that examples fit in this manual.
488 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
492 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
493 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
494 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
495 @code{break} command.
498 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
499 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
503 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
504 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
505 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
508 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
509 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
517 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
518 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
519 context where it stops.
522 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
524 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
526 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
530 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
531 the next line of the current function.
535 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
540 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
541 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
542 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
543 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
547 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
549 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
553 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
554 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
555 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
556 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
557 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
558 stack frame for each active subroutine.
561 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
562 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
564 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
566 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
567 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
569 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
570 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
574 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
575 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
576 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
580 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
582 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
583 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
585 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
588 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
592 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
593 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
594 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
595 (@code{print}) to see their values.
598 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
599 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
600 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
601 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
605 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
606 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
607 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
613 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
615 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
618 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
619 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
626 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
627 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
631 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
634 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
636 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
641 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
642 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
643 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
644 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
645 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
651 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
656 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
657 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
658 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
659 example that caused trouble initially:
665 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
672 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
673 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
674 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
678 Program exited normally.
682 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
683 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
684 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
687 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
691 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
693 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
697 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
699 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{C-d} to exit.
703 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
704 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
705 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
709 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
711 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
712 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
714 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
715 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
717 The command-line options described here are designed
718 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
719 options may effectively be unavailable.
721 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
722 specifying an executable program:
725 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
729 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
733 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
736 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
737 to debug a running process:
740 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
744 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
745 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
747 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
748 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
749 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
750 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
751 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
753 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
754 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
761 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
762 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
772 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
773 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
775 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
776 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
777 @samp{-x} option is used.
781 * File Options:: Choosing files
782 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
786 @subsection Choosing files
788 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
789 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
790 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
791 @samp{-c} options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the first argument
792 that does not have an associated option flag as equivalent to the
793 @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the second argument
794 that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as equivalent to
795 the @samp{-c} option followed by that argument.)
797 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
798 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
799 argument and ignore it.
801 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
802 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
803 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
804 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
805 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
807 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
808 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
812 @item -symbols @var{file}
814 @cindex @code{--symbols}
816 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
818 @item -exec @var{file}
820 @cindex @code{--exec}
822 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
823 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
827 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
830 @item -core @var{file}
832 @cindex @code{--core}
834 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
836 @item -c @var{number}
837 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command
838 (unless there is a file in core-dump format named @var{number}, in which
839 case @samp{-c} specifies that file as a core dump to read).
841 @item -command @var{file}
843 @cindex @code{--command}
845 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
846 Files,, Command files}.
848 @item -directory @var{directory}
849 @itemx -d @var{directory}
850 @cindex @code{--directory}
852 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
856 @cindex @code{--mapped}
858 @emph{Warning: this option depends on operating system facilities that are not
859 supported on all systems.}@*
860 If memory-mapped files are available on your system through the @code{mmap}
861 system call, you can use this option
862 to have @value{GDBN} write the symbols from your
863 program into a reusable file in the current directory. If the program you are debugging is
864 called @file{/tmp/fred}, the mapped symbol file is @file{/tmp/fred.syms}.
865 Future @value{GDBN} debugging sessions notice the presence of this file,
866 and can quickly map in symbol information from it, rather than reading
867 the symbol table from the executable program.
869 The @file{.syms} file is specific to the host machine where @value{GDBN}
870 is run. It holds an exact image of the internal @value{GDBN} symbol
871 table. It cannot be shared across multiple host platforms.
875 @cindex @code{--readnow}
877 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
878 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
879 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
883 You typically combine the @code{-mapped} and @code{-readnow} options in
884 order to build a @file{.syms} file that contains complete symbol
885 information. (@xref{Files,,Commands to specify files}, for information
886 on @file{.syms} files.) A simple @value{GDBN} invocation to do nothing
887 but build a @file{.syms} file for future use is:
890 gdb -batch -nx -mapped -readnow programname
894 @subsection Choosing modes
896 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
897 batch mode or quiet mode.
904 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files (normally
905 called @file{.gdbinit}, or @file{gdb.ini} on PCs). Normally,
906 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
907 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
913 @cindex @code{--quiet}
914 @cindex @code{--silent}
916 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
917 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
920 @cindex @code{--batch}
921 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
922 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
923 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
924 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
925 in the command files.
927 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
928 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
929 make this more useful, the message
932 Program exited normally.
936 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
937 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
942 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
944 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
945 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
946 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
950 @cindex @code{--windows}
952 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
955 @item -cd @var{directory}
957 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
958 instead of the current directory.
962 @cindex @code{--fullname}
964 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
965 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
966 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
967 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
968 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
969 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
970 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
971 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
975 @cindex @code{--epoch}
976 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
977 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
978 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
981 @item -annotate @var{level}
982 @cindex @code{--annotate}
983 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
984 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
985 (@pxref{Annotations}).
986 Annotation level controls how much information does @value{GDBN} print
987 together with its prompt, values of expressions, source lines, and other
988 types of output. Level 0 is the normal, level 1 is for use when
989 @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 2 is the
990 maximum annotation suitable for programs that control @value{GDBN}.
993 @cindex @code{--async}
994 Use the asynchronous event loop for the command-line interface.
995 @value{GDBN} processes all events, such as user keyboard input, via a
996 special event loop. This allows @value{GDBN} to accept and process user
997 commands in parallel with the debugged process being
998 run@footnote{@value{GDBN} built with @sc{djgpp} tools for
999 MS-DOS/MS-Windows supports this mode of operation, but the event loop is
1000 suspended when the debuggee runs.}, so you don't need to wait for
1001 control to return to @value{GDBN} before you type the next command.
1002 (@emph{Note:} as of version 5.0, the target side of the asynchronous
1003 operation is not yet in place, so @samp{-async} does not work fully
1005 @c FIXME: when the target side of the event loop is done, the above NOTE
1006 @c should be removed.
1008 When the standard input is connected to a terminal device, @value{GDBN}
1009 uses the asynchronous event loop by default, unless disabled by the
1010 @samp{-noasync} option.
1013 @cindex @code{--noasync}
1014 Disable the asynchronous event loop for the command-line interface.
1016 @item -baud @var{bps}
1018 @cindex @code{--baud}
1020 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1021 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1023 @item -tty @var{device}
1024 @itemx -t @var{device}
1025 @cindex @code{--tty}
1027 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1028 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1030 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1032 @c @cindex @code{--tui}
1033 @c Use a Terminal User Interface. For information, use your Web browser to
1034 @c read the file @file{TUI.html}, which is usually installed in the
1035 @c directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX systems. Do not use
1036 @c this option if you run @value{GDBN} from Emacs (see @pxref{Emacs, ,Using
1037 @c @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1040 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1041 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1042 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1043 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1046 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1047 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1048 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1049 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1050 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end. For example,
1051 @samp{--interpreter=mi} causes @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{gdbmi
1052 interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, , The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}).
1055 @cindex @code{--write}
1056 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1057 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1061 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1062 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1063 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1066 @cindex @code{--version}
1067 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1068 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1073 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1074 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1075 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1078 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1079 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1080 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1082 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1083 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{C-d}). If you
1084 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1085 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1090 An interrupt (often @kbd{C-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1091 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1092 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1093 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1094 until a time when it is safe.
1096 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1097 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1098 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an already-running process}).
1100 @node Shell Commands
1101 @section Shell commands
1103 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1104 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1105 just use the @code{shell} command.
1109 @cindex shell escape
1110 @item shell @var{command string}
1111 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1112 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1113 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1114 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1117 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1118 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1123 @cindex calling make
1124 @item make @var{make-args}
1125 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1126 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1130 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1132 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1133 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1134 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1135 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1136 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1139 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1140 * Completion:: Command completion
1141 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1144 @node Command Syntax
1145 @section Command syntax
1147 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1148 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1149 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1150 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1151 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1152 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1154 @cindex abbreviation
1155 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1156 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1157 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1158 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1159 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1160 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1161 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1163 @cindex repeating commands
1164 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1165 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1166 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1167 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1168 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1171 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1172 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1173 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1175 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1176 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1177 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen size}). Since it is easy to press one
1178 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1179 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1181 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1183 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1184 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1185 Files,,Command files}).
1188 @section Command completion
1191 @cindex word completion
1192 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1193 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1194 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1195 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1197 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1198 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1199 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1200 enter it). For example, if you type
1202 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1203 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1204 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1205 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1207 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1211 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1212 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1215 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1219 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1220 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1221 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1222 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1223 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1224 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1226 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1227 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1228 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1229 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1230 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1231 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1232 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1233 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1237 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1238 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1239 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1240 make_abs_section make_function_type
1241 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1242 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1243 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1244 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1248 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1249 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1252 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1253 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1254 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1255 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1256 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1258 @cindex quotes in commands
1259 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1260 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1261 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1262 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1263 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1264 @value{GDBN} commands.
1266 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1267 name of a C++ function. This is because C++ allows function overloading
1268 (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by argument
1269 type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you may need to
1270 distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that takes an
1271 @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version that takes a
1272 @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the word-completion
1273 facilities in this situation, type a single quote @code{'} at the
1274 beginning of the function name. This alerts @value{GDBN} that it may need to
1275 consider more information than usual when you press @key{TAB} or
1276 @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1279 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1280 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1281 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1284 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1285 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1286 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1290 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1291 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1292 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1296 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1297 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1298 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1300 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C plus plus
1301 expressions, ,C++ expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1302 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1303 see @ref{Debugging C plus plus, ,@value{GDBN} features for C++}.
1307 @section Getting help
1308 @cindex online documentation
1311 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1312 using the command @code{help}.
1315 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1318 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1319 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1323 List of classes of commands:
1325 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1326 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1327 data -- Examining data
1328 files -- Specifying and examining files
1329 internals -- Maintenance commands
1330 obscure -- Obscure features
1331 running -- Running the program
1332 stack -- Examining the stack
1333 status -- Status inquiries
1334 support -- Support facilities
1335 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without@*
1336 stopping the program
1337 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1339 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1340 commands in that class.
1341 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1343 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1346 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1348 @item help @var{class}
1349 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1350 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1351 help display for the class @code{status}:
1354 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1359 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1360 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1361 info -- Generic command for showing things
1362 about the program being debugged
1363 show -- Generic command for showing things
1366 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1368 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1372 @item help @var{command}
1373 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1374 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1377 @item apropos @var{args}
1378 The @code{apropos @var{args}} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1379 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1380 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1386 @noindent results in:
1390 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1391 multiple times in one run
1392 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1393 multiple times in one run
1398 @item complete @var{args}
1399 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1400 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1401 command you want completed. For example:
1407 @noindent results in:
1418 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1421 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1422 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1423 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1424 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1425 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1426 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1431 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1433 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1434 program. For example, you can list the arguments given to your program
1435 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1436 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1437 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1438 @w{@code{help info}}.
1442 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1443 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1444 @code{set prompt $}.
1448 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1449 @value{GDBN} itself.
1450 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1451 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1452 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1453 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1456 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1457 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1458 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1459 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1460 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1461 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1465 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1466 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1469 @kindex show version
1470 @cindex version number
1472 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1473 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1474 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1475 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1476 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1477 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1478 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1479 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1482 @kindex show copying
1484 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1486 @kindex show warranty
1488 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1489 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1494 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1496 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1497 debugging information when you compile it.
1499 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1500 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1501 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1502 kill a child process.
1505 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1506 * Starting:: Starting your program
1507 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1508 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1510 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1511 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1512 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1513 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1515 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1516 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1520 @section Compiling for debugging
1522 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1523 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1524 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1525 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1526 and addresses in the executable code.
1528 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1531 Many C compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O}
1532 options together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1533 executables containing debugging information.
1535 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1536 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1537 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1538 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1539 in pushing your luck.
1541 @cindex optimized code, debugging
1542 @cindex debugging optimized code
1543 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
1544 optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger shows you what is
1545 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
1546 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
1547 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
1548 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1550 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1551 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1552 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1553 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
1555 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1556 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1557 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1561 @section Starting your program
1567 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1570 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1571 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1572 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1573 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1574 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
1578 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1579 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1580 that process run your program. (In environments without processes,
1581 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program.)
1583 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1584 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1585 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1586 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1587 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1588 divided into four categories:
1591 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1592 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1593 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1594 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1595 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1597 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1598 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1599 @xref{Arguments, ,Your program's arguments}.
1601 @item The @emph{environment.}
1602 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1603 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1604 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1605 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your program's environment}.
1607 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1608 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1609 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1610 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your program's working directory}.
1612 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1613 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1614 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1615 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1616 set a different device for your program.
1617 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your program's input and output}.
1620 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1621 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1622 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1626 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1627 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and continuing}, for discussion
1628 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1629 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1630 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1632 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1633 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1634 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1635 your current breakpoints.
1638 @section Your program's arguments
1640 @cindex arguments (to your program)
1641 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
1643 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
1644 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
1645 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
1646 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
1647 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
1649 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
1650 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
1651 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
1652 the program, not by the shell.
1654 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
1655 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
1660 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
1661 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
1662 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
1663 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
1664 it again without arguments.
1668 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
1672 @section Your program's environment
1674 @cindex environment (of your program)
1675 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
1676 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
1677 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
1678 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
1679 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
1680 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
1681 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
1685 @item path @var{directory}
1686 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
1687 (the search path for executables), for both @value{GDBN} and your program.
1688 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
1689 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
1690 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
1691 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
1693 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
1694 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
1695 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
1696 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
1697 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
1698 @var{directory} to the search path.
1699 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
1700 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
1704 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
1705 environment variable).
1707 @kindex show environment
1708 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
1709 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
1710 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
1711 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
1712 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
1714 @kindex set environment
1715 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
1716 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
1717 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
1718 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
1719 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
1720 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
1722 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
1723 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
1725 For example, this command:
1732 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
1733 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
1734 are not actually required.)
1736 @kindex unset environment
1737 @item unset environment @var{varname}
1738 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
1739 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
1740 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
1741 rather than assigning it an empty value.
1744 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
1746 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
1747 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
1748 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
1749 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
1750 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
1751 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
1754 @node Working Directory
1755 @section Your program's working directory
1757 @cindex working directory (of your program)
1758 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
1759 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
1760 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
1761 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
1762 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
1764 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
1765 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
1770 @item cd @var{directory}
1771 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
1775 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
1779 @section Your program's input and output
1784 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
1785 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
1786 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
1787 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
1788 running your program.
1791 @kindex info terminal
1793 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
1797 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
1798 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
1805 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
1808 @cindex controlling terminal
1809 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
1810 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
1811 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
1812 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
1813 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
1820 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
1821 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
1822 that as their controlling terminal.
1824 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
1825 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
1828 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
1829 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
1830 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal.
1833 @section Debugging an already-running process
1838 @item attach @var{process-id}
1839 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
1840 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
1841 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
1842 find out the process-id of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
1843 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
1845 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
1846 executing the command.
1849 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
1850 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
1851 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
1852 also have permission to send the process a signal.
1854 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
1855 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
1856 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
1857 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying source directories}). You can also use
1858 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
1861 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
1862 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
1863 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
1864 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
1865 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
1866 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
1867 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
1872 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
1873 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
1874 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
1875 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
1876 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
1877 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
1878 executing the command.
1881 If you exit @value{GDBN} or use the @code{run} command while you have an
1882 attached process, you kill that process. By default, @value{GDBN} asks
1883 for confirmation if you try to do either of these things; you can
1884 control whether or not you need to confirm by using the @code{set
1885 confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and
1889 @section Killing the child process
1894 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
1897 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
1898 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
1901 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
1902 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
1903 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
1904 outside the debugger.
1906 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
1907 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
1908 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
1909 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
1910 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
1911 breakpoint settings).
1914 @section Debugging programs with multiple threads
1916 @cindex threads of execution
1917 @cindex multiple threads
1918 @cindex switching threads
1919 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
1920 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
1921 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
1922 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
1923 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
1924 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
1925 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
1927 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
1931 @item automatic notification of new threads
1932 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
1933 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
1934 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
1935 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
1936 @item thread-specific breakpoints
1940 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
1941 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
1942 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
1943 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
1944 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
1948 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
1949 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
1950 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
1951 see the IDs of currently known threads.
1953 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
1954 @c doesn't support threads"?
1957 @cindex focus of debugging
1958 @cindex current thread
1959 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
1960 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
1961 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
1962 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
1963 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
1965 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
1966 @cindex thread identifier (system)
1967 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
1968 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
1969 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
1970 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
1971 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
1972 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
1973 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
1974 LynxOS, you might see
1977 [New process 35 thread 27]
1981 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
1982 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
1985 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
1986 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
1987 @c second---i.e., when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
1989 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
1990 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
1991 @c threads ab initio?
1993 @cindex thread number
1994 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
1995 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
1996 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
1999 @kindex info threads
2001 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2002 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2005 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2007 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2009 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2013 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2014 indicates the current thread.
2018 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2021 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2022 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2023 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2024 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2030 @cindex thread number
2031 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2032 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2033 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2034 thread in your program.
2036 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2037 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2038 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2039 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2040 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2041 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2042 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2043 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2044 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2048 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2052 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2055 @kindex info threads
2057 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2058 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2061 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2063 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2065 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2069 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2070 indicates the current thread.
2074 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2077 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2078 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2080 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2081 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2082 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2083 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2087 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2088 @item thread @var{threadno}
2089 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2090 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2091 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2092 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2093 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2096 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2097 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2098 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2099 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2103 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2104 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2107 @kindex thread apply
2108 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}
2109 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply a command to one or
2110 more threads. Specify the numbers of the threads that you want affected
2111 with the command argument @var{threadno}. @var{threadno} is the internal
2112 @value{GDBN} thread number, as shown in the first field of the @samp{info
2113 threads} display. To apply a command to all threads, use
2114 @code{thread apply all} @var{args}.
2117 @cindex automatic thread selection
2118 @cindex switching threads automatically
2119 @cindex threads, automatic switching
2120 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
2121 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
2122 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
2123 message of the form @samp{[Switching to @var{systag}]} to identify the
2126 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and starting multi-thread programs}, for
2127 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2128 programs with multiple threads.
2130 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting watchpoints}, for information about
2131 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2134 @section Debugging programs with multiple processes
2136 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2137 @cindex multiple processes
2138 @cindex processes, multiple
2139 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2140 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2141 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2142 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2143 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2144 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2145 will cause it to terminate.
2147 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2148 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2149 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2150 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2151 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2152 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2153 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2154 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2155 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2156 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2158 On HP-UX (11.x and later only?), @value{GDBN} provides support for
2159 debugging programs that create additional processes using the
2160 @code{fork} or @code{vfork} function.
2162 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2163 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2165 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2166 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2169 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2170 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2171 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2172 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2173 process. The @var{mode} can be:
2177 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2178 unimpeded. This is the default.
2181 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2185 The debugger will ask for one of the above choices.
2188 @item show follow-fork-mode
2189 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2192 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2193 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2194 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2195 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2196 the child process's @code{main}.
2198 When a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you cannot debug the
2199 child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2201 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2202 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2203 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2206 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2207 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2208 Catchpoints, ,Setting catchpoints}.
2211 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2213 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2214 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2215 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2217 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2218 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2219 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2220 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2221 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2222 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2223 explicitly request this information at any time.
2226 @kindex info program
2228 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2229 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2233 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2234 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2236 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2240 @section Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2243 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2244 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2245 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2246 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2247 Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2248 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2251 In HP-UX, SunOS 4.x, SVR4, and Alpha OSF/1 configurations, you can set
2252 breakpoints in shared libraries before the executable is run. There is
2253 a minor limitation on HP-UX systems: you must wait until the executable
2254 is run in order to set breakpoints in shared library routines that are
2255 not called directly by the program (for example, routines that are
2256 arguments in a @code{pthread_create} call).
2259 @cindex memory tracing
2260 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
2261 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2262 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2263 when the value of an expression changes. You must use a different
2264 command to set watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting
2265 watchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a watchpoint like
2266 any other breakpoint: you enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints
2267 and watchpoints using the same commands.
2269 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
2270 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
2274 @cindex breakpoint on events
2275 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
2276 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C++
2277 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
2278 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
2279 catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
2280 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
2281 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
2283 @cindex breakpoint numbers
2284 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
2285 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2286 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
2287 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
2288 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
2289 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
2290 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
2293 @cindex breakpoint ranges
2294 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
2295 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
2296 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
2297 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
2298 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
2299 all breakpoint in that range are operated on.
2302 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
2303 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
2304 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
2305 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
2306 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
2307 * Conditions:: Break conditions
2308 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
2309 * Breakpoint Menus:: Breakpoint menus
2310 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
2314 @subsection Setting breakpoints
2316 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
2317 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
2319 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
2322 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
2323 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
2324 @cindex latest breakpoint
2325 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
2326 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
2327 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
2328 Vars,, Convenience variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
2329 convenience variables.
2331 You have several ways to say where the breakpoint should go.
2334 @item break @var{function}
2335 Set a breakpoint at entry to function @var{function}.
2336 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
2337 C++, @var{function} may refer to more than one possible place to break.
2338 @xref{Breakpoint Menus,,Breakpoint menus}, for a discussion of that situation.
2340 @item break +@var{offset}
2341 @itemx break -@var{offset}
2342 Set a breakpoint some number of lines forward or back from the position
2343 at which execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}.
2344 (@xref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.)
2346 @item break @var{linenum}
2347 Set a breakpoint at line @var{linenum} in the current source file.
2348 The current source file is the last file whose source text was printed.
2349 The breakpoint will stop your program just before it executes any of the
2352 @item break @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
2353 Set a breakpoint at line @var{linenum} in source file @var{filename}.
2355 @item break @var{filename}:@var{function}
2356 Set a breakpoint at entry to function @var{function} found in file
2357 @var{filename}. Specifying a file name as well as a function name is
2358 superfluous except when multiple files contain similarly named
2361 @item break *@var{address}
2362 Set a breakpoint at address @var{address}. You can use this to set
2363 breakpoints in parts of your program which do not have debugging
2364 information or source files.
2367 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
2368 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
2369 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
2370 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
2371 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
2372 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
2373 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
2374 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
2375 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
2378 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
2379 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
2380 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
2381 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
2382 existed when your program stopped.
2384 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
2385 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
2386 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
2387 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
2388 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
2389 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
2390 ,Break conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
2393 @item tbreak @var{args}
2394 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
2395 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
2396 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
2397 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling breakpoints}.
2400 @item hbreak @var{args}
2401 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
2402 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
2403 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
2404 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
2405 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
2406 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
2407 provided by SPARClite DSU and some x86-based targets. These targets
2408 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
2409 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
2410 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
2411 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
2412 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
2413 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
2414 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling}). @xref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}.
2417 @item thbreak @var{args}
2418 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
2419 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
2420 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
2421 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
2422 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
2423 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
2424 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling breakpoints}.
2425 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}.
2428 @cindex regular expression
2429 @item rbreak @var{regex}
2430 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
2431 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
2432 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
2433 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
2434 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
2435 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
2437 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
2438 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
2439 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
2440 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
2441 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
2442 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
2444 When debugging C++ programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
2445 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
2448 @kindex info breakpoints
2449 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
2450 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
2451 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
2452 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
2453 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
2454 not deleted, with the following columns for each breakpoint:
2457 @item Breakpoint Numbers
2459 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
2461 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
2462 @item Enabled or Disabled
2463 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
2464 that are not enabled.
2466 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address.
2468 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
2473 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
2474 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
2475 are listed after that.
2478 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
2479 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
2480 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
2481 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
2482 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining memory}).
2485 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
2486 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
2487 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
2488 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
2489 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
2490 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
2493 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
2494 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
2495 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
2496 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}).
2498 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
2499 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
2500 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for special
2501 purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C programs).
2502 These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers, starting with
2503 @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
2505 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
2506 @samp{maint info breakpoints}.
2509 @kindex maint info breakpoints
2510 @item maint info breakpoints
2511 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
2512 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
2513 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
2514 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
2519 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
2522 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
2525 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
2526 @code{longjmp} calls.
2528 @item longjmp resume
2529 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
2532 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
2535 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
2538 Shared library events.
2545 @node Set Watchpoints
2546 @subsection Setting watchpoints
2548 @cindex setting watchpoints
2549 @cindex software watchpoints
2550 @cindex hardware watchpoints
2551 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
2552 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
2555 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
2556 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
2557 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
2558 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
2559 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
2562 On some systems, such as HP-UX, Linux and some other x86-based targets,
2563 @value{GDBN} includes support for
2564 hardware watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your
2569 @item watch @var{expr}
2570 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when @var{expr}
2571 is written into by the program and its value changes.
2574 @item rwatch @var{expr}
2575 Set a watchpoint that will break when watch @var{expr} is read by the program.
2578 @item awatch @var{expr}
2579 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read or written into
2582 @kindex info watchpoints
2583 @item info watchpoints
2584 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
2585 it is the same as @code{info break}.
2588 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
2589 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
2590 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
2591 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
2592 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
2593 statement, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
2595 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
2598 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
2602 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
2604 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
2605 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
2606 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
2607 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
2608 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
2609 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
2610 will print a message like this:
2613 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
2616 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
2617 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
2618 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
2619 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
2620 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
2621 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
2622 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
2623 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
2625 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
2626 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
2627 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
2628 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
2629 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
2630 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
2633 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
2637 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
2639 The SPARClite DSU will generate traps when a program accesses some data
2640 or instruction address that is assigned to the debug registers. For the
2641 data addresses, DSU facilitates the @code{watch} command. However the
2642 hardware breakpoint registers can only take two data watchpoints, and
2643 both watchpoints must be the same kind. For example, you can set two
2644 watchpoints with @code{watch} commands, two with @code{rwatch} commands,
2645 @strong{or} two with @code{awatch} commands, but you cannot set one
2646 watchpoint with one command and the other with a different command.
2647 @value{GDBN} will reject the command if you try to mix watchpoints.
2648 Delete or disable unused watchpoint commands before setting new ones.
2650 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
2651 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
2652 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
2654 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
2655 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
2656 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
2657 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
2658 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
2659 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
2660 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
2661 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
2662 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
2665 @cindex watchpoints and threads
2666 @cindex threads and watchpoints
2667 @emph{Warning:} In multi-thread programs, watchpoints have only limited
2668 usefulness. With the current watchpoint implementation, @value{GDBN}
2669 can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a single thread}. If
2670 you are confident that the expression can only change due to the current
2671 thread's activity (and if you are also confident that no other thread
2672 can become current), then you can use watchpoints as usual. However,
2673 @value{GDBN} may not notice when a non-current thread's activity changes
2676 @c FIXME: this is almost identical to the previous paragraph.
2677 @emph{HP-UX Warning:} In multi-thread programs, software watchpoints
2678 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
2679 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
2680 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
2681 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
2682 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
2683 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
2684 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
2685 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
2688 @node Set Catchpoints
2689 @subsection Setting catchpoints
2690 @cindex catchpoints, setting
2691 @cindex exception handlers
2692 @cindex event handling
2694 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
2695 kinds of program events, such as C++ exceptions or the loading of a
2696 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
2700 @item catch @var{event}
2701 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
2705 The throwing of a C++ exception.
2709 The catching of a C++ exception.
2713 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
2717 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
2721 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
2724 @itemx load @var{libname}
2726 The dynamic loading of any shared library, or the loading of the library
2727 @var{libname}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
2730 @itemx unload @var{libname}
2731 @kindex catch unload
2732 The unloading of any dynamically loaded shared library, or the unloading
2733 of the library @var{libname}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
2736 @item tcatch @var{event}
2737 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
2738 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
2742 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
2744 There are currently some limitations to C++ exception handling
2745 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
2749 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
2750 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
2751 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
2752 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
2753 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
2754 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
2755 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
2756 disabled within interactive calls.
2759 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
2762 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
2765 @cindex raise exceptions
2766 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
2767 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
2768 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
2769 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
2770 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
2771 out where the exception was raised.
2773 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
2774 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C++, exceptions are
2775 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
2776 which has the following ANSI C interface:
2779 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
2780 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
2781 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
2785 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
2786 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
2787 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; watchpoints; and exceptions}).
2789 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions})
2790 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
2791 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
2792 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
2797 @subsection Deleting breakpoints
2799 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
2800 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
2801 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2802 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
2803 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
2804 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
2806 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
2807 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
2808 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
2809 their breakpoint numbers.
2811 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
2812 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
2813 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
2818 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
2819 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}). When
2820 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
2821 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
2823 @item clear @var{function}
2824 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
2825 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the function @var{function}.
2827 @item clear @var{linenum}
2828 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
2829 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified line.
2831 @cindex delete breakpoints
2833 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
2834 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
2835 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
2836 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
2837 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
2838 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
2842 @subsection Disabling breakpoints
2844 @kindex disable breakpoints
2845 @kindex enable breakpoints
2846 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
2847 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
2848 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
2849 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
2851 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
2852 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
2853 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
2854 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
2855 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
2857 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
2858 states of enablement:
2862 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
2863 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
2865 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
2867 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
2870 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
2871 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
2872 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
2875 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
2876 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
2879 @kindex disable breakpoints
2881 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
2882 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
2883 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
2884 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
2885 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
2886 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
2887 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
2889 @kindex enable breakpoints
2891 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
2892 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
2893 become effective once again in stopping your program.
2895 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
2896 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
2897 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
2899 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
2900 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
2901 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
2904 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
2905 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
2906 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
2907 ,Setting breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
2908 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
2909 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
2910 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
2911 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
2915 @subsection Break conditions
2916 @cindex conditional breakpoints
2917 @cindex breakpoint conditions
2919 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
2920 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
2921 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
2922 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
2923 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
2924 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
2925 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
2926 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
2928 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
2929 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
2930 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
2931 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
2932 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
2934 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
2935 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
2936 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
2937 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
2940 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
2941 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
2942 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
2943 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
2944 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
2945 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
2946 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
2947 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
2949 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
2950 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint command lists}).
2952 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
2953 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
2954 Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
2955 with the @code{condition} command.
2957 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
2958 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
2959 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
2964 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
2965 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
2966 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
2967 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
2968 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
2969 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
2970 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
2971 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
2972 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
2973 prints an error message:
2976 No symbol "foo" in current context.
2981 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
2982 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
2983 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
2985 @item condition @var{bnum}
2986 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
2987 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
2990 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
2991 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
2992 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
2993 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
2994 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
2995 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
2996 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
2997 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
2998 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
2999 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3000 your program reaches it.
3004 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3005 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3006 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3007 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3010 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3013 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3014 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3015 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3016 Stepping,,Continuing and stepping}.
3018 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3019 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3020 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3022 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3023 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3024 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3028 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3031 @node Break Commands
3032 @subsection Breakpoint command lists
3034 @cindex breakpoint commands
3035 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3036 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3037 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3038 enable other breakpoints.
3043 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3044 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3046 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3047 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3048 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
3050 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3051 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3053 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
3054 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
3055 recently encountered).
3058 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
3059 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
3061 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
3062 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
3063 that resumes execution.
3065 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
3066 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
3067 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
3068 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
3069 ambiguities about which list to execute.
3072 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
3073 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
3074 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
3075 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
3076 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
3077 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
3079 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
3080 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
3081 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for controlled output}.
3083 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
3084 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
3090 printf "x is %d\n",x
3095 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
3096 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
3097 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
3098 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
3099 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
3100 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
3101 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
3112 @node Breakpoint Menus
3113 @subsection Breakpoint menus
3115 @cindex symbol overloading
3117 Some programming languages (notably C++) permit a single function name
3118 to be defined several times, for application in different contexts.
3119 This is called @dfn{overloading}. When a function name is overloaded,
3120 @samp{break @var{function}} is not enough to tell @value{GDBN} where you want
3121 a breakpoint. If you realize this is a problem, you can use
3122 something like @samp{break @var{function}(@var{types})} to specify which
3123 particular version of the function you want. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} offers
3124 you a menu of numbered choices for different possible breakpoints, and
3125 waits for your selection with the prompt @samp{>}. The first two
3126 options are always @samp{[0] cancel} and @samp{[1] all}. Typing @kbd{1}
3127 sets a breakpoint at each definition of @var{function}, and typing
3128 @kbd{0} aborts the @code{break} command without setting any new
3131 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
3132 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
3133 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
3135 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
3138 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
3141 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
3142 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
3143 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
3144 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
3145 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
3146 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
3148 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
3149 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
3150 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
3151 Multiple breakpoints were set.
3152 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
3158 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
3159 @node Error in Breakpoints
3160 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3162 @c FIXME!! 14/6/95 Is there a real example of this? Let's use it.
3164 Under some operating systems, breakpoints cannot be used in a program if
3165 any other process is running that program. In this situation,
3166 attempting to run or continue a program with a breakpoint causes
3167 @value{GDBN} to print an error message:
3170 Cannot insert breakpoints.
3171 The same program may be running in another process.
3174 When this happens, you have three ways to proceed:
3178 Remove or disable the breakpoints, then continue.
3181 Suspend @value{GDBN}, and copy the file containing your program to a new
3182 name. Resume @value{GDBN} and use the @code{exec-file} command to specify
3183 that @value{GDBN} should run your program under that name.
3184 Then start your program again.
3187 Relink your program so that the text segment is nonsharable, using the
3188 linker option @samp{-N}. The operating system limitation may not apply
3189 to nonsharable executables.
3193 A similar message can be printed if you request too many active
3194 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints:
3196 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
3197 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
3199 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
3200 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
3204 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
3205 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
3206 watchpoints it needs to insert.
3208 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
3209 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
3212 @node Continuing and Stepping
3213 @section Continuing and stepping
3217 @cindex resuming execution
3218 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
3219 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
3220 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
3221 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
3222 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
3223 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
3224 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
3225 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3229 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
3230 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
3231 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
3232 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
3233 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
3234 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
3235 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
3236 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
3237 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
3238 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}).
3240 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
3241 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
3242 @code{continue} is ignored.
3244 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
3245 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
3246 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
3250 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
3251 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a function}) to go back to the
3252 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
3253 different address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
3255 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
3256 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; watchpoints; and catchpoints}) at the
3257 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
3258 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
3259 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
3260 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
3264 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
3266 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
3267 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
3268 abbreviated @code{s}.
3271 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
3272 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
3273 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
3274 @c distinction here.
3275 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
3276 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
3277 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
3278 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
3279 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
3280 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
3284 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a
3285 source line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
3286 switch statements, for loops, etc. @code{step} continues to stop if a
3287 function that has debugging information is called within the line.
3288 In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions called
3291 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
3292 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
3293 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
3294 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
3295 was any debugging information about the routine.
3297 @item step @var{count}
3298 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
3299 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
3300 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
3303 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
3304 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
3305 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
3306 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
3307 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
3308 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
3309 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
3310 is abbreviated @code{n}.
3312 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
3315 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
3316 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
3318 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
3319 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
3320 @c function are executed without stopping.
3322 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
3323 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
3324 switch statements, for loops, etc.
3328 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
3329 returns. Print the returned value (if any).
3331 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
3332 ,Returning from a function}).
3335 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
3338 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
3339 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
3340 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
3341 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
3342 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
3343 than the address of the jump.
3345 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
3346 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
3347 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
3348 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
3349 through the next iteration.
3351 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
3354 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
3355 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
3356 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
3357 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
3358 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
3362 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
3364 (@value{GDBP}) until
3365 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
3368 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
3369 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
3370 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
3371 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
3372 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
3373 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
3374 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
3376 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
3377 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
3380 @item until @var{location}
3381 @itemx u @var{location}
3382 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
3383 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
3384 the forms of argument acceptable to @code{break} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3385 ,Setting breakpoints}). This form of the command uses breakpoints,
3386 and hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument.
3389 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
3391 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
3393 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
3395 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
3396 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
3397 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
3398 Display,, Automatic display}.
3400 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
3404 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
3406 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
3408 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
3409 proceed until the function returns.
3411 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
3418 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
3419 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
3420 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
3421 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{C-c});
3422 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
3423 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
3424 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
3425 requested an alarm).
3427 @cindex fatal signals
3428 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
3429 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
3430 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
3431 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
3432 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
3433 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
3435 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
3436 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
3439 @cindex handling signals
3440 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to ignore non-erroneous signals like @code{SIGALRM}
3441 (so as not to interfere with their role in the functioning of your program)
3442 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
3443 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
3446 @kindex info signals
3449 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
3450 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
3451 the defined types of signals.
3453 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
3456 @item handle @var{signal} @var{keywords}@dots{}
3457 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can
3458 be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the @samp{SIG} at the
3459 beginning). The @var{keywords} say what change to make.
3463 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
3464 Their full names are:
3468 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
3469 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
3472 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
3473 the @code{print} keyword as well.
3476 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
3479 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
3480 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
3483 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
3484 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
3488 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
3492 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
3494 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
3495 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
3496 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
3497 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
3498 program sees that signal when you continue.
3500 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
3501 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
3502 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
3503 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
3504 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
3505 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
3506 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
3507 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
3511 @section Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3513 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
3514 programs with multiple threads}), you can choose whether to set
3515 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
3518 @cindex breakpoints and threads
3519 @cindex thread breakpoints
3520 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
3521 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
3522 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
3523 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
3524 writing them, but the effect is always to specify some source line.
3526 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
3527 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
3528 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
3529 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
3530 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
3532 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
3533 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
3536 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
3537 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
3538 breakpoint condition, like this:
3541 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
3546 @cindex stopped threads
3547 @cindex threads, stopped
3548 Whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
3549 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
3550 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
3551 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
3554 @cindex continuing threads
3555 @cindex threads, continuing
3556 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
3557 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
3558 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
3560 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
3561 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
3562 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
3563 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
3564 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
3565 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
3568 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
3569 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
3570 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
3571 first thread completes whatever you requested.
3573 On some OSes, you can lock the OS scheduler and thus allow only a single
3577 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
3578 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
3579 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
3580 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
3581 mode optimizes for single-stepping. It stops other threads from
3582 ``seizing the prompt'' by preempting the current thread while you are
3583 stepping. Other threads will only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
3584 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
3585 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
3586 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
3587 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, they will never steal the
3588 @value{GDBN} prompt away from the thread that you are debugging.
3590 @item show scheduler-locking
3591 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
3596 @chapter Examining the Stack
3598 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
3599 stopped and how it got there.
3602 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
3604 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
3605 the arguments of the call,
3606 and the local variables of the function being called.
3607 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
3608 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
3611 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
3612 stack allow you to see all of this information.
3614 @cindex selected frame
3615 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
3616 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
3617 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
3618 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
3619 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
3620 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}.
3622 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
3623 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
3624 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a frame}).
3627 * Frames:: Stack frames
3628 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
3629 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
3630 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
3635 @section Stack frames
3637 @cindex frame, definition
3639 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
3640 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
3641 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
3642 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
3643 which the function is executing.
3645 @cindex initial frame
3646 @cindex outermost frame
3647 @cindex innermost frame
3648 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
3649 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
3650 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
3651 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
3652 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
3653 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
3654 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
3655 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
3657 @cindex frame pointer
3658 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
3659 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
3660 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
3661 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
3662 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register} while execution is
3663 going on in that frame.
3665 @cindex frame number
3666 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
3667 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
3668 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
3669 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
3670 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
3672 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
3673 @c underflow problems.
3674 @cindex frameless execution
3675 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
3676 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{GCC} option
3678 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
3680 generates functions without a frame.)
3681 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
3682 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
3683 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
3684 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
3685 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
3686 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
3687 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
3690 @kindex frame@r{, command}
3691 @cindex current stack frame
3692 @item frame @var{args}
3693 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
3694 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
3695 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
3696 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
3698 @kindex select-frame
3699 @cindex selecting frame silently
3701 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
3702 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
3711 @cindex stack traces
3712 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
3713 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
3714 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
3719 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
3722 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
3723 frames in the stack.
3725 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
3726 character, normally @kbd{C-c}.
3728 @item backtrace @var{n}
3730 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
3732 @item backtrace -@var{n}
3734 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
3739 @kindex info s @r{(@code{info stack})}
3740 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
3741 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
3743 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
3744 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
3745 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
3746 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
3747 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
3750 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
3751 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
3755 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
3757 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
3758 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
3760 (More stack frames follow...)
3765 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
3766 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
3767 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
3770 @section Selecting a frame
3772 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
3773 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
3774 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
3775 of the stack frame just selected.
3778 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
3779 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
3782 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
3783 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
3784 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
3787 @item frame @var{addr}
3789 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
3790 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
3791 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
3792 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
3793 switches between them.
3795 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
3796 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
3798 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
3799 pointer and a program counter.
3801 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
3802 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
3803 @c note to future updaters: this is conditioned on a flag
3804 @c SETUP_ARBITRARY_FRAME in the tm-*.h files. The above is up to date
3805 @c as of 27 Jan 1994.
3809 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
3810 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
3811 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
3814 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
3816 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
3817 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
3818 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
3819 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
3822 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
3823 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
3824 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
3825 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
3833 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
3835 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
3839 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
3840 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
3841 @xref{List, ,Printing source lines}.
3844 @kindex down-silently
3846 @item up-silently @var{n}
3847 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
3848 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
3849 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
3850 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
3851 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
3856 @section Information about a frame
3858 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
3864 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
3865 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
3866 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
3867 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
3868 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}.
3871 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
3874 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
3879 the address of the frame
3881 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
3883 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
3885 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
3887 the address of the frame's arguments
3889 the address of the frame's local variables
3891 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
3893 which registers were saved in the frame
3896 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
3897 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
3898 the usual conventions.
3900 @item info frame @var{addr}
3901 @itemx info f @var{addr}
3902 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
3903 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
3904 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
3905 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
3906 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}.
3910 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
3914 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
3915 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
3916 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
3919 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
3920 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
3922 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
3923 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
3924 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
3925 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
3926 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting catchpoints}.
3932 @chapter Examining Source Files
3934 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
3935 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
3936 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
3937 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
3938 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
3939 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
3940 source files by explicit command.
3942 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
3943 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
3944 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
3947 * List:: Printing source lines
3948 * Search:: Searching source files
3949 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
3950 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
3954 @section Printing source lines
3957 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
3958 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
3959 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
3960 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to print.
3962 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
3965 @item list @var{linenum}
3966 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
3967 current source file.
3969 @item list @var{function}
3970 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
3974 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
3975 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
3976 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
3977 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
3978 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
3981 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
3984 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
3985 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
3988 @kindex set listsize
3989 @item set listsize @var{count}
3990 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
3991 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
3993 @kindex show listsize
3995 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
3998 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
3999 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
4000 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
4001 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
4002 each repetition moves up in the source file.
4005 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
4006 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
4007 of writing them, but the effect is always to specify some source line.
4008 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
4011 @item list @var{linespec}
4012 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
4014 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
4015 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
4018 @item list ,@var{last}
4019 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
4021 @item list @var{first},
4022 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
4025 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
4028 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
4031 As described in the preceding table.
4034 Here are the ways of specifying a single source line---all the
4039 Specifies line @var{number} of the current source file.
4040 When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, this refers to
4041 the same source file as the first linespec.
4044 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines after the last line printed.
4045 When used as the second linespec in a @code{list} command that has
4046 two, this specifies the line @var{offset} lines down from the
4050 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before the last line printed.
4052 @item @var{filename}:@var{number}
4053 Specifies line @var{number} in the source file @var{filename}.
4055 @item @var{function}
4056 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
4057 For example: in C, this is the line with the open brace.
4059 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
4060 Specifies the line of the open-brace that begins the body of the
4061 function @var{function} in the file @var{filename}. You only need the
4062 file name with a function name to avoid ambiguity when there are
4063 identically named functions in different source files.
4065 @item *@var{address}
4066 Specifies the line containing the program address @var{address}.
4067 @var{address} may be any expression.
4071 @section Searching source files
4073 @kindex reverse-search
4075 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
4080 @kindex forward-search
4081 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
4082 @itemx search @var{regexp}
4083 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
4084 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
4085 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
4086 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
4089 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
4090 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
4091 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
4092 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
4093 this command as @code{rev}.
4097 @section Specifying source directories
4100 @cindex directories for source files
4101 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
4102 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
4103 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
4104 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
4105 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
4106 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
4107 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name. Note that
4108 the executable search path is @emph{not} used for this purpose. Neither is
4109 the current working directory, unless it happens to be in the source
4112 If @value{GDBN} cannot find a source file in the source path, and the
4113 object program records a directory, @value{GDBN} tries that directory
4114 too. If the source path is empty, and there is no record of the
4115 compilation directory, @value{GDBN} looks in the current directory as a
4118 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
4119 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
4120 each line is in the file.
4124 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
4125 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
4126 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
4129 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
4130 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
4131 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
4132 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
4133 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
4134 part of absolute file names) or
4135 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
4136 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
4140 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
4141 @vindex $cwdr@r{, convenience variable}
4142 @cindex compilation directory
4143 @cindex current directory
4144 @cindex working directory
4145 @cindex directory, current
4146 @cindex directory, compilation
4147 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
4148 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
4149 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
4150 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
4151 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
4152 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
4155 Reset the source path to empty again. This requires confirmation.
4157 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
4158 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
4160 @item show directories
4161 @kindex show directories
4162 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
4165 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
4166 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
4167 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
4171 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to empty.
4174 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
4175 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
4176 directories in one command.
4180 @section Source and machine code
4182 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
4183 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
4184 a range of addresses as machine instructions. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
4185 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
4186 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
4191 @item info line @var{linespec}
4192 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
4193 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
4194 the ways understood by the @code{list} command (@pxref{List, ,Printing
4198 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
4199 the object code for the first line of function
4200 @code{m4_changequote}:
4202 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
4203 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
4205 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
4206 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
4210 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
4211 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
4213 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
4214 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
4217 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
4218 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
4219 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
4220 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
4221 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
4222 ,Examining memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
4223 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4228 @cindex assembly instructions
4229 @cindex instructions, assembly
4230 @cindex machine instructions
4231 @cindex listing machine instructions
4233 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
4234 instructions. The default memory range is the function surrounding the
4235 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
4236 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
4237 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
4238 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
4241 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
4242 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
4245 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
4246 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
4247 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
4248 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
4249 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
4250 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
4251 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
4252 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
4253 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
4254 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
4255 End of assembler dump.
4258 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
4259 mnemonics or other syntax.
4262 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
4263 @cindex assembly instructions
4264 @cindex instructions, assembly
4265 @cindex machine instructions
4266 @cindex listing machine instructions
4267 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
4268 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
4269 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
4270 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
4271 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
4273 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
4274 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
4275 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
4276 assemblers for x86-based targets.
4281 @chapter Examining Data
4283 @cindex printing data
4284 @cindex examining data
4287 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
4288 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
4289 @c different window or something like that.
4290 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
4291 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
4292 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
4293 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
4294 Different Languages}).
4297 @item print @var{expr}
4298 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
4299 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
4300 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
4301 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
4302 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
4306 @itemx print /@var{f}
4307 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
4308 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value history}). This allows you to
4309 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
4312 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
4313 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
4314 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining memory}.
4316 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
4317 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
4318 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
4322 * Expressions:: Expressions
4323 * Variables:: Program variables
4324 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
4325 * Output Formats:: Output formats
4326 * Memory:: Examining memory
4327 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
4328 * Print Settings:: Print settings
4329 * Value History:: Value history
4330 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
4331 * Registers:: Registers
4332 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
4336 @section Expressions
4339 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
4340 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
4341 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
4342 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls, casts
4343 and string constants. It unfortunately does not include symbols defined
4344 by preprocessor @code{#define} commands.
4346 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
4347 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
4348 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to build up an array in
4349 memory that is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
4351 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
4352 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
4353 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
4356 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
4357 expressions regardless of your programming language.
4359 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
4360 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
4361 at that address in memory.
4362 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
4364 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
4365 to programming languages:
4369 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
4370 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial arrays}, for more information.
4373 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
4374 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program variables}.
4376 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
4377 @cindex type casting memory
4378 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
4379 @cindex casts, to view memory
4380 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
4381 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
4382 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
4383 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
4384 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
4385 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
4389 @section Program variables
4391 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
4394 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
4395 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}); they must be either:
4399 global (or file-static)
4406 visible according to the scope rules of the
4407 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
4410 @noindent This means that in the function
4425 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
4426 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
4427 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
4428 the block where @code{b} is declared.
4430 @cindex variable name conflict
4431 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
4432 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
4433 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
4434 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
4435 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
4436 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
4437 using the colon-colon notation:
4439 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
4441 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
4442 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
4445 @var{file}::@var{variable}
4446 @var{function}::@var{variable}
4450 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
4451 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
4452 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
4453 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
4456 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
4459 @cindex C++ scope resolution
4460 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
4461 use of the same notation in C++. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C++
4462 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
4463 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
4466 @cindex wrong values
4467 @cindex variable values, wrong
4469 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
4470 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
4471 scope, and just before exit.
4473 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
4474 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
4475 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
4476 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
4477 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
4478 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
4479 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
4480 variable definitions may be gone.
4482 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
4483 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
4486 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
4487 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
4488 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
4489 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
4490 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
4491 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
4492 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
4495 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4498 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
4499 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
4500 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C++ compiler usually
4501 supports the @samp{-gstabs} option. @samp{-gstabs} produces debug info
4502 in a format that is superior to formats such as COFF. You may be able
4503 to use DWARF-2 (@samp{-gdwarf-2}), which is also an effective form for
4504 debug info. See @ref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your
4505 Program or @sc{gnu} CC, gcc.info, Using @sc{gnu} CC}, for more
4510 @section Artificial arrays
4512 @cindex artificial array
4513 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
4514 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
4515 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
4516 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
4519 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
4520 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
4521 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
4522 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
4523 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
4524 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
4525 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
4526 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
4527 example. If a program says
4530 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
4534 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
4540 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
4541 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
4542 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
4543 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
4544 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value history}), after printing one out.
4546 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
4547 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
4548 The value need not be in memory:
4550 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
4551 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
4554 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
4555 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
4556 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
4558 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
4559 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
4562 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
4563 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
4564 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
4565 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
4566 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4567 variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
4568 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
4569 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
4570 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
4571 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
4581 @node Output Formats
4582 @section Output formats
4584 @cindex formatted output
4585 @cindex output formats
4586 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
4587 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
4588 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
4589 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
4590 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
4592 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
4593 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
4594 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
4595 letters supported are:
4599 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
4603 Print as integer in signed decimal.
4606 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
4609 Print as integer in octal.
4612 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
4613 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
4614 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
4615 see @ref{Memory,,Examining memory}.}
4618 @cindex unknown address, locating
4619 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
4620 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
4621 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
4624 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
4625 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
4629 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant.
4632 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
4633 using typical floating point syntax.
4636 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
4643 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
4644 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
4646 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
4647 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
4648 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
4651 @section Examining memory
4653 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
4654 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
4656 @cindex examining memory
4658 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
4659 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
4662 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
4665 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
4666 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
4667 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
4668 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
4669 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
4672 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
4673 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
4674 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
4675 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
4678 @item @var{f}, the display format
4679 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print},
4680 @samp{s} (null-terminated string), or @samp{i} (machine instruction).
4681 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially.
4682 The default changes each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
4684 @item @var{u}, the unit size
4685 The unit size is any of
4691 Halfwords (two bytes).
4693 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
4695 Giant words (eight bytes).
4698 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
4699 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
4700 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
4702 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
4703 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
4704 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
4705 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
4706 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
4707 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
4708 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
4709 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
4710 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
4711 a value from memory).
4714 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
4715 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
4716 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
4717 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
4718 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
4720 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
4721 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
4722 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
4723 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
4724 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
4726 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
4727 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
4728 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
4729 including any operands. The command @code{disassemble} gives an
4730 alternative way of inspecting machine instructions; see @ref{Machine
4731 Code,,Source and machine code}.
4733 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
4734 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
4735 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
4736 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
4737 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
4738 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
4739 for successive uses of @code{x}.
4741 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
4742 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
4743 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
4744 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
4745 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
4746 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
4747 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
4748 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
4749 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
4751 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
4752 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
4753 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
4756 @section Automatic display
4757 @cindex automatic display
4758 @cindex display of expressions
4760 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
4761 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
4762 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
4763 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
4764 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
4765 The automatic display looks like this:
4769 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
4773 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
4774 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
4775 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
4776 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending on how elaborate your
4777 format specification is---it uses @code{x} if you specify a unit size,
4778 or one of the two formats (@samp{i} and @samp{s}) that are only
4779 supported by @code{x}; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
4783 @item display @var{expr}
4784 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
4785 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4787 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
4789 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
4790 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
4791 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
4792 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
4793 @xref{Output Formats,,Output formats}.
4795 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
4796 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
4797 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
4798 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
4799 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining memory}.
4802 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
4803 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
4804 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
4807 @kindex delete display
4809 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
4810 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4811 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
4813 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
4814 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
4816 @kindex disable display
4817 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4818 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
4819 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
4820 enabled again later.
4822 @kindex enable display
4823 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4824 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
4825 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
4828 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
4829 done when your program stops.
4831 @kindex info display
4833 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
4834 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
4835 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
4836 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
4837 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
4840 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
4841 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
4842 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
4843 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
4844 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
4845 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
4846 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
4847 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
4848 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
4849 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
4851 @node Print Settings
4852 @section Print settings
4854 @cindex format options
4855 @cindex print settings
4856 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
4857 and symbols are printed.
4860 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
4863 @kindex set print address
4864 @item set print address
4865 @itemx set print address on
4866 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
4867 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
4868 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
4869 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
4870 @code{set print address on}:
4875 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
4877 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
4881 @item set print address off
4882 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
4883 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
4887 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
4889 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
4890 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
4894 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
4895 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
4896 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
4897 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
4899 @kindex show print address
4900 @item show print address
4901 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
4904 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
4905 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
4906 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
4907 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
4908 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
4909 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
4910 it prints a symbolic address:
4913 @kindex set print symbol-filename
4914 @item set print symbol-filename on
4915 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
4916 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
4918 @item set print symbol-filename off
4919 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
4922 @kindex show print symbol-filename
4923 @item show print symbol-filename
4924 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
4925 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
4928 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
4929 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
4930 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
4932 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
4933 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
4936 @kindex set print max-symbolic-offset
4937 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
4938 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
4939 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
4940 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
4941 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
4943 @kindex show print max-symbolic-offset
4944 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
4945 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
4949 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
4950 @cindex pointer, finding referent
4951 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
4952 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
4953 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
4954 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
4955 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
4956 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
4959 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
4960 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
4961 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
4965 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
4966 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
4967 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
4970 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
4973 @kindex set print array
4974 @item set print array
4975 @itemx set print array on
4976 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
4977 but uses more space. The default is off.
4979 @item set print array off
4980 Return to compressed format for arrays.
4982 @kindex show print array
4983 @item show print array
4984 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
4987 @kindex set print elements
4988 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
4989 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
4990 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
4991 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
4992 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
4993 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
4994 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
4996 @kindex show print elements
4997 @item show print elements
4998 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
4999 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
5001 @kindex set print null-stop
5002 @item set print null-stop
5003 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
5004 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
5005 contain only short strings.
5008 @kindex set print pretty
5009 @item set print pretty on
5010 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
5011 per line, like this:
5026 @item set print pretty off
5027 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
5031 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
5032 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
5037 This is the default format.
5039 @kindex show print pretty
5040 @item show print pretty
5041 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
5043 @kindex set print sevenbit-strings
5044 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
5045 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
5046 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
5047 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
5048 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
5049 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
5051 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
5052 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
5053 international character sets, and is the default.
5055 @kindex show print sevenbit-strings
5056 @item show print sevenbit-strings
5057 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
5059 @kindex set print union
5060 @item set print union on
5061 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures. This
5062 is the default setting.
5064 @item set print union off
5065 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in structures.
5067 @kindex show print union
5068 @item show print union
5069 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
5072 For example, given the declarations
5075 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
5076 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
5077 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
5088 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
5092 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
5095 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
5099 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
5102 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
5108 These settings are of interest when debugging C++ programs:
5112 @kindex set print demangle
5113 @item set print demangle
5114 @itemx set print demangle on
5115 Print C++ names in their source form rather than in the encoded
5116 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
5117 linkage. The default is on.
5119 @kindex show print demangle
5120 @item show print demangle
5121 Show whether C++ names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
5123 @kindex set print asm-demangle
5124 @item set print asm-demangle
5125 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
5126 Print C++ names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
5127 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
5130 @kindex show print asm-demangle
5131 @item show print asm-demangle
5132 Show whether C++ names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
5135 @kindex set demangle-style
5136 @cindex C++ symbol decoding style
5137 @cindex symbol decoding style, C++
5138 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
5139 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
5140 represent C++ names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
5144 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
5147 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C++ compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
5148 This is the default.
5151 Decode based on the HP ANSI C++ (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
5154 Decode based on the Lucid C++ compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
5157 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C++ Annotated Reference Manual}.
5158 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
5159 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
5160 require further enhancement to permit that.
5163 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
5165 @kindex show demangle-style
5166 @item show demangle-style
5167 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C++ symbols.
5169 @kindex set print object
5170 @item set print object
5171 @itemx set print object on
5172 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
5173 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
5174 the virtual function table.
5176 @item set print object off
5177 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
5178 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
5180 @kindex show print object
5181 @item show print object
5182 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
5184 @kindex set print static-members
5185 @item set print static-members
5186 @itemx set print static-members on
5187 Print static members when displaying a C++ object. The default is on.
5189 @item set print static-members off
5190 Do not print static members when displaying a C++ object.
5192 @kindex show print static-members
5193 @item show print static-members
5194 Show whether C++ static members are printed, or not.
5196 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
5197 @kindex set print vtbl
5198 @item set print vtbl
5199 @itemx set print vtbl on
5200 Pretty print C++ virtual function tables. The default is off.
5201 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
5202 ANSI C++ compiler (@code{aCC}).)
5204 @item set print vtbl off
5205 Do not pretty print C++ virtual function tables.
5207 @kindex show print vtbl
5208 @item show print vtbl
5209 Show whether C++ virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
5213 @section Value history
5215 @cindex value history
5216 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
5217 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
5218 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
5219 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
5220 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
5221 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
5226 @cindex history number
5227 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
5228 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
5229 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
5230 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
5233 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
5234 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
5235 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
5236 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
5237 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
5238 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
5239 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
5241 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
5242 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
5248 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
5249 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
5256 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
5257 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
5259 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
5260 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
5268 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
5269 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
5274 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
5275 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
5276 values} does not change the history.
5278 @item show values @var{n}
5279 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
5282 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
5283 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
5286 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
5287 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
5289 @node Convenience Vars
5290 @section Convenience variables
5292 @cindex convenience variables
5293 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
5294 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
5295 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
5296 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
5297 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
5299 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
5300 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
5301 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
5302 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
5303 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value history}.)
5305 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
5306 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
5310 set $foo = *object_ptr
5314 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
5317 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
5318 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
5319 value with another assignment at any time.
5321 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
5322 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
5323 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
5324 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
5327 @kindex show convenience
5328 @item show convenience
5329 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
5330 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
5333 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
5334 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
5335 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
5339 print bar[$i++]->contents
5343 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
5345 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
5346 values likely to be useful.
5349 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
5351 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
5352 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining memory}). Other
5353 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
5354 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
5355 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
5356 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
5357 to the type of @code{$__}.
5359 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
5361 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
5362 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
5363 to match the format in which the data was printed.
5366 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
5367 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
5368 the program being debugged terminates.
5371 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
5372 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
5373 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
5379 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
5380 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
5381 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
5385 @kindex info registers
5386 @item info registers
5387 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
5388 registers (in the selected stack frame).
5390 @kindex info all-registers
5391 @cindex floating point registers
5392 @item info all-registers
5393 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
5396 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
5397 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
5398 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
5399 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
5400 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
5403 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
5404 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
5405 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
5406 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
5407 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
5408 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
5409 register that contains the processor status. For example,
5410 you could print the program counter in hex with
5417 or print the instruction to be executed next with
5424 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
5425 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
5426 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
5427 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
5428 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
5429 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
5430 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a function}.} with
5436 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
5437 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
5438 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
5439 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
5440 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
5441 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
5442 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
5444 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
5445 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
5446 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
5447 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
5448 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
5449 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
5450 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
5452 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
5453 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
5454 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
5455 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
5456 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
5457 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
5458 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
5459 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
5460 prints the data in both formats.
5462 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
5463 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}). This means that you get the
5464 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
5465 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
5466 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
5467 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
5469 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
5470 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
5471 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
5472 frame makes no difference.
5474 @node Floating Point Hardware
5475 @section Floating point hardware
5476 @cindex floating point
5478 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
5479 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
5484 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
5485 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
5486 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
5487 the ARM and x86 machines.
5491 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
5494 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
5495 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
5496 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
5497 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
5498 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
5499 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
5501 @cindex working language
5502 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
5503 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
5504 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
5505 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
5506 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
5510 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
5511 * Show:: Displaying the language
5512 * Checks:: Type and range checks
5513 * Support:: Supported languages
5517 @section Switching between source languages
5519 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
5520 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
5521 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
5522 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
5523 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
5526 In addition to the working language, every source file that
5527 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
5528 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
5529 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
5530 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
5531 controls whether C++ names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
5532 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
5533 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
5534 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
5535 Displaying the language}.
5537 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
5538 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
5539 another language. In that case, make the
5540 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
5541 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
5542 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
5545 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
5546 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
5547 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
5551 @subsection List of filename extensions and languages
5553 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
5554 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
5579 Modula-2 source file
5583 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
5584 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
5587 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
5588 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the language}.
5591 @subsection Setting the working language
5593 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
5594 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
5597 @kindex set language
5598 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
5599 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
5601 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
5602 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
5604 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
5605 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
5606 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
5607 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
5608 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
5609 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
5617 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
5618 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
5619 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
5620 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
5623 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
5625 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
5626 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
5627 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
5628 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
5629 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
5630 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
5631 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
5632 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
5633 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
5635 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
5636 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
5637 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
5638 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
5639 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
5642 @section Displaying the language
5644 The following commands help you find out which language is the
5645 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
5647 @kindex show language
5648 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
5649 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
5652 Display the current working language. This is the
5653 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
5654 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
5657 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
5658 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
5659 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a frame}, to identify the other
5660 information listed here.
5663 Display the source language of this source file.
5664 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
5665 information listed here.
5668 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
5669 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
5670 with a language explicitly:
5672 @kindex set extension-language
5673 @kindex info extensions
5675 @item set extension-language @var{.ext} @var{language}
5676 Set source files with extension @var{.ext} to be assumed to be in
5677 the source language @var{language}.
5679 @item info extensions
5680 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
5684 @section Type and range checking
5687 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
5688 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
5689 section documents the intended facilities.
5691 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
5693 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
5694 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
5695 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
5696 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
5697 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
5698 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
5699 errors when your program is running.
5701 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
5702 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program, it
5703 can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via
5704 the @code{print} command, for example. As with the working language,
5705 @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check automatically based on
5706 your program's source language. @xref{Support, ,Supported languages},
5707 for the default settings of supported languages.
5710 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
5711 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
5714 @cindex type checking
5715 @cindex checks, type
5717 @subsection An overview of type checking
5719 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
5720 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
5721 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
5722 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
5730 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
5731 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
5733 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
5734 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
5735 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
5736 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
5737 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
5738 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
5739 also issues a warning.
5741 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
5742 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
5743 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
5744 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
5745 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
5746 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
5748 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
5749 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
5750 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
5751 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
5752 operators. @xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for further
5753 details on specific languages.
5755 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
5757 @kindex set check@r{, type}
5758 @kindex set check type
5759 @kindex show check type
5761 @item set check type auto
5762 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
5763 @xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for the default settings for
5766 @item set check type on
5767 @itemx set check type off
5768 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
5769 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
5770 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
5771 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
5772 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
5774 @item set check type warn
5775 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
5776 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
5777 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
5778 numbers and structures.
5781 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
5782 is setting it automatically.
5785 @cindex range checking
5786 @cindex checks, range
5787 @node Range Checking
5788 @subsection An overview of range checking
5790 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
5791 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
5792 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
5793 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
5794 not exceed the bounds of the array.
5796 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
5797 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
5798 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
5799 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
5801 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
5802 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
5803 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
5804 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
5805 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
5806 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
5809 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
5812 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
5813 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Support, ,
5814 Supported languages}, for further details on specific languages.
5816 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
5818 @kindex set check@r{, range}
5819 @kindex set check range
5820 @kindex show check range
5822 @item set check range auto
5823 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
5824 @xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for the default settings for
5827 @item set check range on
5828 @itemx set check range off
5829 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
5830 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
5831 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
5832 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
5834 @item set check range warn
5835 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
5836 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
5837 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
5838 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
5842 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
5843 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
5847 @section Supported languages
5849 @value{GDBN} supports C, C++, Fortran, Java, Chill, assembly, and Modula-2.
5850 @c This is false ...
5851 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
5852 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
5853 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
5854 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
5857 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
5858 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
5859 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
5860 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
5861 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
5862 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
5863 language reference or tutorial.
5867 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
5872 @subsection C and C++
5875 @cindex expressions in C or C++
5877 Since C and C++ are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
5878 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
5882 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
5883 @cindex @sc{gnu} C++
5884 The C++ debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C++
5885 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C++ code
5886 effectively, you must compile your C++ programs with a supported
5887 C++ compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C++
5888 compiler (@code{aCC}).
5890 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C++, use the stabs debugging
5891 format. You can select that format explicitly with the @code{g++}
5892 command-line options @samp{-gstabs} or @samp{-gstabs+}. See
5893 @ref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or @sc{gnu}
5894 CC, gcc.info, Using @sc{gnu} CC}, for more information.
5897 * C Operators:: C and C++ operators
5898 * C Constants:: C and C++ constants
5899 * C plus plus expressions:: C++ expressions
5900 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C++
5901 * C Checks:: C and C++ type and range checks
5902 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
5903 * Debugging C plus plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C++
5907 @subsubsection C and C++ operators
5909 @cindex C and C++ operators
5911 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
5912 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
5913 often defined on groups of types.
5915 For the purposes of C and C++, the following definitions hold:
5920 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
5921 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C++, @code{bool}.
5924 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
5925 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
5928 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
5931 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
5936 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
5937 in order of increasing precedence:
5941 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
5942 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
5943 expression being the last expression evaluated.
5946 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
5947 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
5950 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
5951 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
5952 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
5953 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
5954 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
5957 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
5958 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
5962 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
5965 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
5968 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
5971 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
5974 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
5977 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
5978 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
5980 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
5981 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
5982 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
5983 and non-zero for true.
5986 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
5989 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
5992 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
5995 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
5996 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
5997 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
6001 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
6002 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
6003 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
6004 operation takes place.
6007 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
6011 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
6013 For debugging C++, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
6014 allowed in the C++ language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
6015 (or, if you prefer, simply @samp{&&@var{ref}}) to examine the address
6016 where a C++ reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
6020 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
6021 precedence as @code{++}.
6024 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
6028 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
6033 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
6034 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
6035 pointer based on the stored type information.
6036 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
6039 Dereferences of pointers to members.
6042 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
6043 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
6046 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
6049 C++ scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
6050 and @code{class} types.
6053 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
6054 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
6058 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
6059 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
6067 @subsubsection C and C++ constants
6069 @cindex C and C++ constants
6071 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C++ in the
6076 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
6077 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e. zero), and hexadecimal constants by
6078 a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
6079 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
6083 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
6084 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
6085 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
6086 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
6087 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
6088 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
6089 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
6090 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
6091 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
6095 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
6096 integral equivalents.
6099 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
6100 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
6101 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
6102 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
6103 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
6104 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
6105 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
6106 @samp{\n} for newline.
6109 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
6110 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
6111 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
6112 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
6116 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
6117 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
6120 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
6121 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
6122 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
6123 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
6127 * C plus plus expressions::
6134 @node C plus plus expressions
6135 @subsubsection C++ expressions
6137 @cindex expressions in C++
6138 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C++ expressions.
6140 @cindex C++ support, not in @sc{coff}
6141 @cindex @sc{coff} versus C++
6142 @cindex C++ and object formats
6143 @cindex object formats and C++
6144 @cindex a.out and C++
6145 @cindex @sc{ecoff} and C++
6146 @cindex @sc{xcoff} and C++
6147 @cindex @sc{elf}/stabs and C++
6148 @cindex @sc{elf}/@sc{dwarf} and C++
6149 @c FIXME!! GDB may eventually be able to debug C++ using DWARF; check
6150 @c periodically whether this has happened...
6152 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C++ code if you use the
6153 proper compiler. Typically, C++ debugging depends on the use of
6154 additional debugging information in the symbol table, and thus requires
6155 special support. In particular, if your compiler generates a.out, MIPS
6156 @sc{ecoff}, RS/6000 @sc{xcoff}, or @sc{elf} with stabs extensions to the
6157 symbol table, these facilities are all available. (With @sc{gnu} CC,
6158 you can use the @samp{-gstabs} option to request stabs debugging
6159 extensions explicitly.) Where the object code format is standard
6160 @sc{coff} or @sc{dwarf} in @sc{elf}, on the other hand, most of the C++
6161 support in @value{GDBN} does @emph{not} work.
6166 @cindex member functions
6168 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
6171 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
6174 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
6175 @cindex namespace in C++
6177 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
6178 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
6179 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
6180 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C++.
6182 @cindex call overloaded functions
6183 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
6184 @cindex type conversions in C++
6186 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
6187 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
6188 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
6189 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
6190 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
6193 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
6194 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
6195 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
6196 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
6197 number of function arguments.
6199 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
6200 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C plus plus,
6201 ,@value{GDBN} features for C++}.
6203 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
6204 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
6206 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
6209 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
6210 see @ref{Completion, ,Command completion}.
6212 @cindex reference declarations
6214 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C++ references; you can use
6215 them in expressions just as you do in C++ source---they are automatically
6218 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
6219 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
6220 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
6221 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
6222 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
6225 @value{GDBN} supports the C++ name resolution operator @code{::}---your
6226 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
6227 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
6228 necessary, for example in an expression like
6229 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
6230 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C++
6231 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program variables}).
6234 In addition, when used with HP's C++ compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
6235 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
6236 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
6237 invoking user-defined operators.
6240 @subsubsection C and C++ defaults
6242 @cindex C and C++ defaults
6244 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
6245 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
6246 C or C++. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
6247 selects the working language.
6249 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
6250 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
6251 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
6252 these files, it sets the working language to C or C++.
6253 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language},
6254 for further details.
6256 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
6257 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
6258 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
6261 @subsubsection C and C++ type and range checks
6263 @cindex C and C++ checks
6265 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C++ expressions, type checking
6266 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
6267 considers two variables type equivalent if:
6271 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
6275 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
6276 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
6279 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
6282 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
6283 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
6288 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
6289 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
6290 that is not itself an array.
6293 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
6295 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
6296 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
6297 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
6298 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
6300 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
6301 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
6305 * Debugging C plus plus::
6308 @node Debugging C plus plus
6309 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} features for C++
6311 @cindex commands for C++
6313 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C++, and some are
6314 designed specifically for use with C++. Here is a summary:
6317 @cindex break in overloaded functions
6318 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
6319 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
6320 @value{GDBN} breakpoint menus help you specify which function definition
6321 you want. @xref{Breakpoint Menus,,Breakpoint menus}.
6323 @cindex overloading in C++
6324 @item rbreak @var{regex}
6325 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
6326 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
6328 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}.
6330 @cindex C++ exception handling
6333 Debug C++ exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
6334 Catchpoints, , Setting catchpoints}.
6337 @item ptype @var{typename}
6338 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
6340 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
6342 @cindex C++ symbol display
6343 @item set print demangle
6344 @itemx show print demangle
6345 @itemx set print asm-demangle
6346 @itemx show print asm-demangle
6347 Control whether C++ symbols display in their source form, both when
6348 displaying code as C++ source and when displaying disassemblies.
6349 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
6351 @item set print object
6352 @itemx show print object
6353 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
6354 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
6356 @item set print vtbl
6357 @itemx show print vtbl
6358 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
6359 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
6360 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
6361 ANSI C++ compiler (@code{aCC}).)
6363 @kindex set overload-resolution
6364 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
6365 @item set overload-resolution on
6366 Enable overload resolution for C++ expression evaluation. The default
6367 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
6368 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
6369 using the standard C++ conversion rules (see @ref{C plus plus expressions, ,C++
6370 expressions}, for details). If it cannot find a match, it emits a
6373 @item set overload-resolution off
6374 Disable overload resolution for C++ expression evaluation. For
6375 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
6376 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
6377 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
6378 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
6379 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
6382 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
6383 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
6384 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C++: type
6385 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
6386 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
6387 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
6388 @xref{Completion,, Command completion}, for details on how to do this.
6392 @subsection Modula-2
6394 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
6396 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
6397 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
6398 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
6399 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
6400 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
6403 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
6405 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
6406 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
6407 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
6408 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
6409 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
6410 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
6411 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
6412 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
6416 @subsubsection Operators
6417 @cindex Modula-2 operators
6419 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
6420 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
6421 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
6422 following definitions hold:
6427 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
6431 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
6434 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
6437 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
6441 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
6444 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
6447 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
6451 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
6452 increasing precedence:
6456 Function argument or array index separator.
6459 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
6463 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
6467 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
6468 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
6469 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
6471 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
6472 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
6473 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
6474 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
6478 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
6479 Same precedence as @code{<}.
6482 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
6485 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
6488 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
6491 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
6492 and difference on set types.
6495 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
6499 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
6500 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
6503 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
6504 precedence as @code{*}.
6507 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
6510 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
6513 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
6517 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
6518 precedence as @code{^}.
6521 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
6524 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
6528 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
6532 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
6533 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
6534 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
6535 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
6538 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
6539 @node Built-In Func/Proc
6540 @subsubsection Built-in functions and procedures
6542 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
6543 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
6548 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
6551 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
6554 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
6557 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
6558 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
6559 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
6562 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
6565 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
6571 represents a variable.
6574 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
6575 explanation of the function for details.
6578 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
6582 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
6585 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
6586 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
6589 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
6592 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
6594 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
6595 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
6598 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
6599 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
6602 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
6603 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
6606 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
6609 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
6611 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
6612 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
6615 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
6616 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
6617 there. Returns the new set.
6620 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
6623 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
6626 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
6629 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
6630 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
6631 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
6632 integral, character and enumerated types.
6635 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
6637 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
6638 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
6640 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
6641 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
6645 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
6646 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
6650 @cindex Modula-2 constants
6652 @subsubsection Constants
6654 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
6660 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
6661 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
6662 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
6663 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
6666 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
6667 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
6668 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
6669 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
6670 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
6674 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
6675 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
6676 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
6677 followed by a @samp{C}.
6680 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
6681 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
6682 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
6683 Constants, ,C and C++ constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
6687 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
6690 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
6694 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
6697 Set constants are not yet supported.
6701 @subsubsection Modula-2 defaults
6702 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
6704 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
6705 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
6706 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
6707 selected the working language.
6709 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
6710 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
6711 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} set
6712 the language automatically}, for further details.
6715 @subsubsection Deviations from standard Modula-2
6716 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
6718 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
6719 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
6723 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
6724 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
6725 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
6726 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
6727 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
6728 returned a pointer.)
6731 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
6732 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
6733 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
6734 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
6737 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
6741 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
6745 @subsubsection Modula-2 type and range checks
6746 @cindex Modula-2 checks
6749 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
6752 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
6754 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
6758 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
6759 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
6762 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
6763 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
6766 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
6767 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
6769 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
6770 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
6773 @subsubsection The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
6775 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
6776 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
6778 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
6779 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
6782 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
6785 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
6786 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
6791 @var{module} . @var{id}
6792 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
6796 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
6797 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
6798 identifier within your program, except another module.
6800 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
6801 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
6802 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
6803 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
6805 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
6806 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
6807 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
6808 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
6809 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
6813 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
6815 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
6816 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
6817 specifically to C and C++: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
6818 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
6819 apply to C++, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
6820 analogue in Modula-2.
6822 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
6823 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
6824 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
6825 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C++. However, because an
6826 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
6827 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
6829 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
6830 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
6831 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
6836 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Chill only support output
6837 from the @sc{gnu} Chill compiler. Other Chill compilers are not currently
6838 supported, and attempting to debug executables produced by them is most
6839 likely to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
6842 @c This used to say "... following Chill related topics ...", but since
6843 @c menus are not shown in the printed manual, it would look awkward.
6844 This section covers the Chill related topics and the features
6845 of @value{GDBN} which support these topics.
6848 * How modes are displayed:: How modes are displayed
6849 * Locations:: Locations and their accesses
6850 * Values and their Operations:: Values and their Operations
6851 * Chill type and range checks::
6855 @node How modes are displayed
6856 @subsubsection How modes are displayed
6858 The Chill Datatype- (Mode) support of @value{GDBN} is directly related
6859 with the functionality of the @sc{gnu} Chill compiler, and therefore deviates
6860 slightly from the standard specification of the Chill language. The
6863 @c FIXME: this @table's contents effectively disable @code by using @r
6864 @c on every @item. So why does it need @code?
6866 @item @r{@emph{Discrete modes:}}
6869 @emph{Integer Modes} which are predefined by @code{BYTE, UBYTE, INT,
6872 @emph{Boolean Mode} which is predefined by @code{BOOL},
6874 @emph{Character Mode} which is predefined by @code{CHAR},
6876 @emph{Set Mode} which is displayed by the keyword @code{SET}.
6878 (@value{GDBP}) ptype x
6879 type = SET (karli = 10, susi = 20, fritzi = 100)
6881 If the type is an unnumbered set the set element values are omitted.
6883 @emph{Range Mode} which is displayed by
6885 @code{type = <basemode>(<lower bound> : <upper bound>)}
6887 where @code{<lower bound>, <upper bound>} can be of any discrete literal
6888 expression (e.g. set element names).
6891 @item @r{@emph{Powerset Mode:}}
6892 A Powerset Mode is displayed by the keyword @code{POWERSET} followed by
6893 the member mode of the powerset. The member mode can be any discrete mode.
6895 (@value{GDBP}) ptype x
6896 type = POWERSET SET (egon, hugo, otto)
6899 @item @r{@emph{Reference Modes:}}
6902 @emph{Bound Reference Mode} which is displayed by the keyword @code{REF}
6903 followed by the mode name to which the reference is bound.
6905 @emph{Free Reference Mode} which is displayed by the keyword @code{PTR}.
6908 @item @r{@emph{Procedure mode}}
6909 The procedure mode is displayed by @code{type = PROC(<parameter list>)
6910 <return mode> EXCEPTIONS (<exception list>)}. The @code{<parameter
6911 list>} is a list of the parameter modes. @code{<return mode>} indicates
6912 the mode of the result of the procedure if any. The exceptionlist lists
6913 all possible exceptions which can be raised by the procedure.
6916 @item @r{@emph{Instance mode}}
6917 The instance mode is represented by a structure, which has a static
6918 type, and is therefore not really of interest.
6921 @item @r{@emph{Synchronization Modes:}}
6924 @emph{Event Mode} which is displayed by
6926 @code{EVENT (<event length>)}
6928 where @code{(<event length>)} is optional.
6930 @emph{Buffer Mode} which is displayed by
6932 @code{BUFFER (<buffer length>)<buffer element mode>}
6934 where @code{(<buffer length>)} is optional.
6937 @item @r{@emph{Timing Modes:}}
6940 @emph{Duration Mode} which is predefined by @code{DURATION}
6942 @emph{Absolute Time Mode} which is predefined by @code{TIME}
6945 @item @r{@emph{Real Modes:}}
6946 Real Modes are predefined with @code{REAL} and @code{LONG_REAL}.
6948 @item @r{@emph{String Modes:}}
6951 @emph{Character String Mode} which is displayed by
6953 @code{CHARS(<string length>)}
6955 followed by the keyword @code{VARYING} if the String Mode is a varying
6958 @emph{Bit String Mode} which is displayed by
6965 @item @r{@emph{Array Mode:}}
6966 The Array Mode is displayed by the keyword @code{ARRAY(<range>)}
6967 followed by the element mode (which may in turn be an array mode).
6969 (@value{GDBP}) ptype x
6972 SET (karli = 10, susi = 20, fritzi = 100)
6975 @item @r{@emph{Structure Mode}}
6976 The Structure mode is displayed by the keyword @code{STRUCT(<field
6977 list>)}. The @code{<field list>} consists of names and modes of fields
6978 of the structure. Variant structures have the keyword @code{CASE <field>
6979 OF <variant fields> ESAC} in their field list. Since the current version
6980 of the GNU Chill compiler doesn't implement tag processing (no runtime
6981 checks of variant fields, and therefore no debugging info), the output
6982 always displays all variant fields.
6984 (@value{GDBP}) ptype str
6999 @subsubsection Locations and their accesses
7001 A location in Chill is an object which can contain values.
7003 A value of a location is generally accessed by the (declared) name of
7004 the location. The output conforms to the specification of values in
7005 Chill programs. How values are specified
7006 is the topic of the next section, @ref{Values and their Operations}.
7008 The pseudo-location @code{RESULT} (or @code{result}) can be used to
7009 display or change the result of a currently-active procedure:
7016 This does the same as the Chill action @code{RESULT EXPR} (which
7017 is not available in @value{GDBN}).
7019 Values of reference mode locations are printed by @code{PTR(<hex
7020 value>)} in case of a free reference mode, and by @code{(REF <reference
7021 mode>) (<hex-value>)} in case of a bound reference. @code{<hex value>}
7022 represents the address where the reference points to. To access the
7023 value of the location referenced by the pointer, use the dereference
7026 Values of procedure mode locations are displayed by
7029 (<argument modes> ) <return mode> @} <address> <name of procedure
7032 @code{<argument modes>} is a list of modes according to the parameter
7033 specification of the procedure and @code{<address>} shows the address of
7037 Locations of instance modes are displayed just like a structure with two
7038 fields specifying the @emph{process type} and the @emph{copy number} of
7039 the investigated instance location@footnote{This comes from the current
7040 implementation of instances. They are implemented as a structure (no
7041 na). The output should be something like @code{[<name of the process>;
7042 <instance number>]}.}. The field names are @code{__proc_type} and
7045 Locations of synchronization modes are displayed like a structure with
7046 the field name @code{__event_data} in case of a event mode location, and
7047 like a structure with the field @code{__buffer_data} in case of a buffer
7048 mode location (refer to previous paragraph).
7050 Structure Mode locations are printed by @code{[.<field name>: <value>,
7051 ...]}. The @code{<field name>} corresponds to the structure mode
7052 definition and the layout of @code{<value>} varies depending of the mode
7053 of the field. If the investigated structure mode location is of variant
7054 structure mode, the variant parts of the structure are enclosed in curled
7055 braces (@samp{@{@}}). Fields enclosed by @samp{@{,@}} are residing
7056 on the same memory location and represent the current values of the
7057 memory location in their specific modes. Since no tag processing is done
7058 all variants are displayed. A variant field is printed by
7059 @code{(<variant name>) = .<field name>: <value>}. (who implements the
7062 (@value{GDBP}) print str1 $4 = [.as: 0, .bs: karli, .<TAG>: { (karli) =
7063 [.cs: []], (susi) = [.ds: susi]}]
7067 Substructures of string mode-, array mode- or structure mode-values
7068 (e.g. array slices, fields of structure locations) are accessed using
7069 certain operations which are described in the next section, @ref{Values
7070 and their Operations}.
7072 A location value may be interpreted as having a different mode using the
7073 location conversion. This mode conversion is written as @code{<mode
7074 name>(<location>)}. The user has to consider that the sizes of the modes
7075 have to be equal otherwise an error occurs. Furthermore, no range
7076 checking of the location against the destination mode is performed, and
7077 therefore the result can be quite confusing.
7080 (@value{GDBP}) print int (s(3 up 4)) XXX TO be filled in !! XXX
7083 @node Values and their Operations
7084 @subsubsection Values and their Operations
7086 Values are used to alter locations, to investigate complex structures in
7087 more detail or to filter relevant information out of a large amount of
7088 data. There are several (mode dependent) operations defined which enable
7089 such investigations. These operations are not only applicable to
7090 constant values but also to locations, which can become quite useful
7091 when debugging complex structures. During parsing the command line
7092 (e.g. evaluating an expression) @value{GDBN} treats location names as
7093 the values behind these locations.
7095 This section describes how values have to be specified and which
7096 operations are legal to be used with such values.
7099 @item Literal Values
7100 Literal values are specified in the same manner as in @sc{gnu} Chill programs.
7101 For detailed specification refer to the @sc{gnu} Chill implementation Manual
7103 @c FIXME: if the Chill Manual is a Texinfo documents, the above should
7104 @c be converted to a @ref.
7109 @emph{Integer Literals} are specified in the same manner as in Chill
7110 programs (refer to the Chill Standard z200/88 chpt 5.2.4.2)
7112 @emph{Boolean Literals} are defined by @code{TRUE} and @code{FALSE}.
7114 @emph{Character Literals} are defined by @code{'<character>'}. (e.g.
7117 @emph{Set Literals} are defined by a name which was specified in a set
7118 mode. The value delivered by a Set Literal is the set value. This is
7119 comparable to an enumeration in C/C++ language.
7121 @emph{Emptiness Literal} is predefined by @code{NULL}. The value of the
7122 emptiness literal delivers either the empty reference value, the empty
7123 procedure value or the empty instance value.
7126 @emph{Character String Literals} are defined by a sequence of characters
7127 enclosed in single- or double quotes. If a single- or double quote has
7128 to be part of the string literal it has to be stuffed (specified twice).
7130 @emph{Bitstring Literals} are specified in the same manner as in Chill
7131 programs (refer z200/88 chpt 5.2.4.8).
7133 @emph{Floating point literals} are specified in the same manner as in
7134 (gnu-)Chill programs (refer @sc{gnu} Chill implementation Manual chapter 1.5).
7139 A tuple is specified by @code{<mode name>[<tuple>]}, where @code{<mode
7140 name>} can be omitted if the mode of the tuple is unambiguous. This
7141 unambiguity is derived from the context of a evaluated expression.
7142 @code{<tuple>} can be one of the following:
7145 @item @emph{Powerset Tuple}
7146 @item @emph{Array Tuple}
7147 @item @emph{Structure Tuple}
7148 Powerset tuples, array tuples and structure tuples are specified in the
7149 same manner as in Chill programs refer to z200/88 chpt 5.2.5.
7152 @item String Element Value
7153 A string element value is specified by
7155 @code{<string value>(<index>)}
7157 where @code{<index>} is a integer expression. It delivers a character
7158 value which is equivalent to the character indexed by @code{<index>} in
7161 @item String Slice Value
7162 A string slice value is specified by @code{<string value>(<slice
7163 spec>)}, where @code{<slice spec>} can be either a range of integer
7164 expressions or specified by @code{<start expr> up <size>}.
7165 @code{<size>} denotes the number of elements which the slice contains.
7166 The delivered value is a string value, which is part of the specified
7169 @item Array Element Values
7170 An array element value is specified by @code{<array value>(<expr>)} and
7171 delivers a array element value of the mode of the specified array.
7173 @item Array Slice Values
7174 An array slice is specified by @code{<array value>(<slice spec>)}, where
7175 @code{<slice spec>} can be either a range specified by expressions or by
7176 @code{<start expr> up <size>}. @code{<size>} denotes the number of
7177 arrayelements the slice contains. The delivered value is an array value
7178 which is part of the specified array.
7180 @item Structure Field Values
7181 A structure field value is derived by @code{<structure value>.<field
7182 name>}, where @code{<field name>} indicates the name of a field specified
7183 in the mode definition of the structure. The mode of the delivered value
7184 corresponds to this mode definition in the structure definition.
7186 @item Procedure Call Value
7187 The procedure call value is derived from the return value of the
7188 procedure@footnote{If a procedure call is used for instance in an
7189 expression, then this procedure is called with all its side
7190 effects. This can lead to confusing results if used carelessly.}.
7192 Values of duration mode locations are represented by @code{ULONG} literals.
7194 Values of time mode locations appear as
7196 @code{TIME(<secs>:<nsecs>)}
7201 This is not implemented yet:
7202 @item Built-in Value
7204 The following built in functions are provided:
7216 @item @code{UPPER()}
7217 @item @code{LOWER()}
7218 @item @code{LENGTH()}
7222 @item @code{ARCSIN()}
7223 @item @code{ARCCOS()}
7224 @item @code{ARCTAN()}
7231 For a detailed description refer to the GNU Chill implementation manual
7235 @item Zero-adic Operator Value
7236 The zero-adic operator value is derived from the instance value for the
7237 current active process.
7239 @item Expression Values
7240 The value delivered by an expression is the result of the evaluation of
7241 the specified expression. If there are error conditions (mode
7242 incompatibility, etc.) the evaluation of expressions is aborted with a
7243 corresponding error message. Expressions may be parenthesised which
7244 causes the evaluation of this expression before any other expression
7245 which uses the result of the parenthesised expression. The following
7246 operators are supported by @value{GDBN}:
7249 @item @code{OR, ORIF, XOR}
7250 @itemx @code{AND, ANDIF}
7252 Logical operators defined over operands of boolean mode.
7255 Equality and inequality operators defined over all modes.
7259 Relational operators defined over predefined modes.
7262 @itemx @code{*, /, MOD, REM}
7263 Arithmetic operators defined over predefined modes.
7266 Change sign operator.
7269 String concatenation operator.
7272 String repetition operator.
7275 Referenced location operator which can be used either to take the
7276 address of a location (@code{->loc}), or to dereference a reference
7277 location (@code{loc->}).
7279 @item @code{OR, XOR}
7282 Powerset and bitstring operators.
7286 Powerset inclusion operators.
7289 Membership operator.
7293 @node Chill type and range checks
7294 @subsubsection Chill type and range checks
7296 @value{GDBN} considers two Chill variables mode equivalent if the sizes
7297 of the two modes are equal. This rule applies recursively to more
7298 complex datatypes which means that complex modes are treated
7299 equivalent if all element modes (which also can be complex modes like
7300 structures, arrays, etc.) have the same size.
7302 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
7303 index bounds and all built in procedures.
7305 Strong type checks are forced using the @value{GDBN} command @code{set
7306 check strong}. This enforces strong type and range checks on all
7307 operations where Chill constructs are used (expressions, built in
7308 functions, etc.) in respect to the semantics as defined in the z.200
7309 language specification.
7311 All checks can be disabled by the @value{GDBN} command @code{set check
7315 @c Deviations from the Chill Standard Z200/88
7316 see last paragraph ?
7319 @node Chill defaults
7320 @subsubsection Chill defaults
7322 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
7323 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
7324 Chill. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
7325 selected the working language.
7327 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
7328 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.ch} sets the
7329 working language to Chill. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} set
7330 the language automatically}, for further details.
7333 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
7335 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
7336 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
7337 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
7338 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
7339 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
7340 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing files}), or by one of the
7341 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
7343 @cindex symbol names
7344 @cindex names of symbols
7345 @cindex quoting names
7346 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
7347 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
7348 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
7349 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program variables}). File names
7350 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
7351 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
7352 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
7353 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
7360 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
7363 @kindex info address
7364 @item info address @var{symbol}
7365 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
7366 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
7367 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
7370 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
7371 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
7372 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
7375 @item whatis @var{expr}
7376 Print the data type of expression @var{expr}. @var{expr} is not
7377 actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
7378 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
7379 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7382 Print the data type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
7385 @item ptype @var{typename}
7386 Print a description of data type @var{typename}. @var{typename} may be
7387 the name of a type, or for C code it may have the form @samp{class
7388 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
7389 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
7391 @item ptype @var{expr}
7393 Print a description of the type of expression @var{expr}. @code{ptype}
7394 differs from @code{whatis} by printing a detailed description, instead
7395 of just the name of the type.
7397 For example, for this variable declaration:
7400 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
7404 the two commands give this output:
7408 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
7409 type = struct complex
7410 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
7411 type = struct complex @{
7419 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
7420 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
7423 @item info types @var{regexp}
7425 Print a brief description of all types whose names match @var{regexp}
7426 (or all types in your program, if you supply no argument). Each
7427 complete typename is matched as though it were a complete line; thus,
7428 @samp{i type value} gives information on all types in your program whose
7429 names include the string @code{value}, but @samp{i type ^value$} gives
7430 information only on types whose complete name is @code{value}.
7432 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
7433 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
7434 lists all source files where a type is defined.
7438 Show the name of the current source file---that is, the source file for
7439 the function containing the current point of execution---and the language
7442 @kindex info sources
7444 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
7445 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
7446 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
7448 @kindex info functions
7449 @item info functions
7450 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
7452 @item info functions @var{regexp}
7453 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
7454 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
7455 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
7456 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
7457 start with @code{step}.
7459 @kindex info variables
7460 @item info variables
7461 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
7462 outside of functions (i.e., excluding local variables).
7464 @item info variables @var{regexp}
7465 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
7466 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
7470 This was never implemented.
7471 @kindex info methods
7473 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
7474 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
7475 methods within C++ program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
7476 specific set of methods found in the various C++ classes. Many
7477 C++ classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
7478 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
7479 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
7480 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
7483 @cindex reloading symbols
7484 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
7485 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
7486 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
7487 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
7488 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
7491 @kindex set symbol-reloading
7492 @item set symbol-reloading on
7493 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
7494 object file with a particular name is seen again.
7496 @item set symbol-reloading off
7497 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
7498 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
7499 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
7500 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
7501 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
7502 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
7505 @kindex show symbol-reloading
7506 @item show symbol-reloading
7507 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
7510 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
7511 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
7512 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
7513 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
7514 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
7515 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
7516 another source file. The default is on.
7518 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
7519 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
7521 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
7522 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
7523 is printed as follows:
7525 @{<no data fields>@}
7528 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
7529 @item show opaque-type-resolution
7530 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
7532 @kindex maint print symbols
7534 @kindex maint print psymbols
7535 @cindex partial symbol dump
7536 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
7537 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
7538 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
7539 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
7540 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
7541 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
7542 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
7543 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
7544 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
7545 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
7546 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
7547 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
7548 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
7549 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
7550 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
7551 @xref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}, for a discussion of how
7552 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
7556 @chapter Altering Execution
7558 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
7559 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
7560 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
7561 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
7564 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
7565 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
7566 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
7569 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
7570 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
7571 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
7572 * Returning:: Returning from a function
7573 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
7574 * Patching:: Patching your program
7578 @section Assignment to variables
7581 @cindex setting variables
7582 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
7583 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
7590 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
7591 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
7592 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
7593 information on operators in supported languages.
7595 @kindex set variable
7596 @cindex variables, setting
7597 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
7598 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
7599 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
7600 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
7601 ,Value history}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
7603 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
7604 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
7605 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
7606 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
7607 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
7608 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
7609 command @code{set width}:
7612 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
7614 (@value{GDBP}) p width
7616 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
7617 Invalid syntax in expression.
7621 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
7622 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
7625 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
7628 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
7629 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
7630 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
7631 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
7632 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
7633 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
7637 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
7641 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
7645 The program being debugged has been started already.
7646 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
7647 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
7648 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
7650 (@value{GDBP}) show g
7651 The current BFD target is "=4".
7656 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
7657 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
7661 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
7664 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
7665 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
7666 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
7667 same length or shorter.
7668 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
7669 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
7671 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
7672 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
7673 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
7674 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
7675 and representation in memory), and
7678 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
7682 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
7685 @section Continuing at a different address
7687 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
7688 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
7689 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
7693 @item jump @var{linespec}
7694 Resume execution at line @var{linespec}. Execution stops again
7695 immediately if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{List, ,Printing
7696 source lines}, for a description of the different forms of
7697 @var{linespec}. It is common practice to use the @code{tbreak} command
7698 in conjunction with @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
7701 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
7702 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
7703 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
7704 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
7705 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
7706 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
7707 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
7708 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
7709 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
7711 @item jump *@var{address}
7712 Resume execution at the instruction at address @var{address}.
7715 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
7716 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
7717 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
7718 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
7719 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
7727 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
7728 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
7729 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and stepping}.
7731 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
7732 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
7733 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
7738 @section Giving your program a signal
7742 @item signal @var{signal}
7743 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
7744 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
7745 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
7746 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
7748 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
7749 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
7750 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
7751 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
7754 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
7755 after executing the command.
7759 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
7760 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
7761 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
7762 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
7763 passes the signal directly to your program.
7767 @section Returning from a function
7770 @cindex returning from a function
7773 @itemx return @var{expression}
7774 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
7775 command. If you give an
7776 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
7780 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
7781 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
7782 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
7783 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
7785 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
7786 frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
7787 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
7788 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
7791 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
7792 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
7793 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
7794 and Stepping, ,Continuing and stepping}) resumes execution until the
7795 selected stack frame returns naturally.
7798 @section Calling program functions
7800 @cindex calling functions
7803 @item call @var{expr}
7804 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
7808 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
7809 execute a function from your program, but without cluttering the output
7810 with @code{void} returned values. If the result is not void, it
7811 is printed and saved in the value history.
7813 For the A29K, a user-controlled variable @code{call_scratch_address},
7814 specifies the location of a scratch area to be used when @value{GDBN}
7815 calls a function in the target. This is necessary because the usual
7816 method of putting the scratch area on the stack does not work in systems
7817 that have separate instruction and data spaces.
7820 @section Patching programs
7822 @cindex patching binaries
7823 @cindex writing into executables
7824 @cindex writing into corefiles
7826 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
7827 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
7828 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
7829 patching your program's binary.
7831 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
7832 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
7833 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
7839 @itemx set write off
7840 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
7841 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @samp{set write
7842 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
7844 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
7845 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
7846 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
7850 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
7855 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
7857 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
7858 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
7859 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
7860 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
7863 * Files:: Commands to specify files
7864 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
7868 @section Commands to specify files
7870 @cindex symbol table
7871 @cindex core dump file
7873 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
7874 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
7875 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
7876 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
7878 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
7879 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to specify
7880 a file you want to use. In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands
7881 to specify new files are useful.
7884 @cindex executable file
7886 @item file @var{filename}
7887 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
7888 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
7889 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
7890 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
7891 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
7892 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
7893 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
7894 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
7896 On systems with memory-mapped files, an auxiliary file named
7897 @file{@var{filename}.syms} may hold symbol table information for
7898 @var{filename}. If so, @value{GDBN} maps in the symbol table from
7899 @file{@var{filename}.syms}, starting up more quickly. See the
7900 descriptions of the file options @samp{-mapped} and @samp{-readnow}
7901 (available on the command line, and with the commands @code{file},
7902 @code{symbol-file}, or @code{add-symbol-file}, described below),
7903 for more information.
7906 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
7907 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
7910 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
7911 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
7912 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
7913 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
7914 discard information on the executable file.
7917 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
7918 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
7919 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
7920 table and program to run from the same file.
7922 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
7923 program's symbol table.
7925 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents
7926 of its convenience variables, the value history, and all breakpoints and
7927 auto-display expressions. This is because they may contain pointers to
7928 the internal data recording symbols and data types, which are part of
7929 the old symbol table data being discarded inside @value{GDBN}.
7931 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
7934 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
7935 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
7936 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
7937 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
7938 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
7939 using @code{@value{GCC}} you can generate debugging information for
7942 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
7943 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
7944 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
7945 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
7946 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
7948 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
7949 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
7950 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
7951 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
7952 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
7953 warnings and messages}.)
7955 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
7956 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
7957 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
7958 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
7962 @cindex reading symbols immediately
7963 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
7965 @cindex memory-mapped symbol file
7966 @cindex saving symbol table
7967 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
7968 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
7969 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
7970 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
7971 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
7972 entire symbol table available.
7974 If memory-mapped files are available on your system through the
7975 @code{mmap} system call, you can use another option, @samp{-mapped}, to
7976 cause @value{GDBN} to write the symbols for your program into a reusable
7977 file. Future @value{GDBN} debugging sessions map in symbol information
7978 from this auxiliary symbol file (if the program has not changed), rather
7979 than spending time reading the symbol table from the executable
7980 program. Using the @samp{-mapped} option has the same effect as
7981 starting @value{GDBN} with the @samp{-mapped} command-line option.
7983 You can use both options together, to make sure the auxiliary symbol
7984 file has all the symbol information for your program.
7986 The auxiliary symbol file for a program called @var{myprog} is called
7987 @samp{@var{myprog}.syms}. Once this file exists (so long as it is newer
7988 than the corresponding executable), @value{GDBN} always attempts to use
7989 it when you debug @var{myprog}; no special options or commands are
7992 The @file{.syms} file is specific to the host machine where you run
7993 @value{GDBN}. It holds an exact image of the internal @value{GDBN}
7994 symbol table. It cannot be shared across multiple host platforms.
7996 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
7997 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
7998 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
7999 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
8000 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
8001 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
8006 @item core-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
8007 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
8008 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
8009 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
8010 executable file itself for other parts.
8012 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
8015 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
8016 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
8017 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
8018 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
8019 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the child process}).
8021 @kindex add-symbol-file
8022 @cindex dynamic linking
8023 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
8024 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
8025 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}
8026 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
8027 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
8028 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
8029 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
8030 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
8031 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
8032 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
8033 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
8034 @var{address} as an expression.
8036 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
8037 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
8038 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
8039 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
8040 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
8042 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8044 You can use the @samp{-mapped} and @samp{-readnow} options just as with
8045 the @code{symbol-file} command, to change how @value{GDBN} manages the symbol
8046 table information for @var{filename}.
8048 @kindex add-shared-symbol-file
8049 @item add-shared-symbol-file
8050 The @code{add-shared-symbol-file} command can be used only under Harris' CXUX
8051 operating system for the Motorola 88k. @value{GDBN} automatically looks for
8052 shared libraries, however if @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can run
8053 @code{add-shared-symbol-file}. It takes no arguments.
8057 The @code{section} command changes the base address of section SECTION of
8058 the exec file to ADDR. This can be used if the exec file does not contain
8059 section addresses, (such as in the a.out format), or when the addresses
8060 specified in the file itself are wrong. Each section must be changed
8061 separately. The @code{info files} command, described below, lists all
8062 the sections and their addresses.
8068 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
8069 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
8070 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
8071 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
8072 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
8077 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
8078 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
8079 name and remembers it that way.
8081 @cindex shared libraries
8082 @value{GDBN} supports HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix 5, and IBM RS/6000 shared
8085 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
8086 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
8087 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
8088 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
8089 debugging a core file).
8091 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
8092 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
8094 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
8095 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
8096 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
8099 @kindex info sharedlibrary
8102 @itemx info sharedlibrary
8103 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
8105 @kindex sharedlibrary
8107 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
8108 @itemx share @var{regex}
8109 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
8110 Unix regular expression.
8111 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
8112 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
8113 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
8117 On HP-UX systems, @value{GDBN} detects the loading of a shared library
8118 and automatically reads in symbols from the newly loaded library, up to
8119 a threshold that is initially set but that you can modify if you wish.
8121 Beyond that threshold, symbols from shared libraries must be explicitly
8122 loaded. To load these symbols, use the command @code{sharedlibrary
8123 @var{filename}}. The base address of the shared library is determined
8124 automatically by @value{GDBN} and need not be specified.
8126 To display or set the threshold, use the commands:
8129 @kindex set auto-solib-add
8130 @item set auto-solib-add @var{threshold}
8131 Set the autoloading size threshold, in megabytes. If @var{threshold} is
8132 nonzero, symbols from all shared object libraries will be loaded
8133 automatically when the inferior begins execution or when the dynamic
8134 linker informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded, until
8135 the symbol table of the program and libraries exceeds this threshold.
8136 Otherwise, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
8137 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default threshold is 100 megabytes.
8139 @kindex show auto-solib-add
8140 @item show auto-solib-add
8141 Display the current autoloading size threshold, in megabytes.
8145 @section Errors reading symbol files
8147 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
8148 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
8149 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
8150 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
8151 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
8152 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
8153 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
8154 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
8155 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
8156 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and
8159 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
8162 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
8164 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
8165 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
8166 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
8167 in its outer scope blocks.
8169 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
8170 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
8171 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
8174 @item block at @var{address} out of order
8176 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
8177 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
8180 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
8181 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
8182 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
8183 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and
8186 @item bad block start address patched
8188 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
8189 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
8190 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
8192 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
8193 starting on the previous source line.
8195 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
8198 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
8199 larger than the size of the string table.
8201 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
8202 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
8205 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
8207 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
8208 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
8209 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
8211 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
8212 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
8213 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
8214 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
8215 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
8216 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
8218 @item stub type has NULL name
8220 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
8222 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
8223 The symbol information for a C++ member function is missing some
8224 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
8227 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
8229 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
8234 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
8236 @cindex debugging target
8239 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
8241 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
8242 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
8243 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
8244 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
8245 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
8246 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
8247 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
8248 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for managing targets}).
8251 * Active Targets:: Active targets
8252 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
8253 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
8254 * Remote:: Remote debugging
8255 * KOD:: Kernel Object Display
8259 @node Active Targets
8260 @section Active targets
8262 @cindex stacking targets
8263 @cindex active targets
8264 @cindex multiple targets
8266 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
8267 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
8268 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
8269 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
8272 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
8273 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
8274 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
8275 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
8276 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
8277 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
8278 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
8279 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
8280 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
8282 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
8283 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
8284 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
8285 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
8286 process target is active.
8288 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
8289 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify
8290 files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
8291 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an already-running
8294 @node Target Commands
8295 @section Commands for managing targets
8298 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
8299 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
8300 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
8301 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
8302 protocol of the target machine.
8304 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
8305 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
8306 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
8308 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
8309 after executing the command.
8313 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
8314 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
8315 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
8317 @item help target @var{name}
8318 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
8321 @kindex set gnutarget
8322 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
8323 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
8324 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
8325 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
8326 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
8327 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
8330 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
8331 you must know the actual BFD name.
8335 @xref{Files, , Commands to specify files}.
8337 @kindex show gnutarget
8338 @item show gnutarget
8339 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
8340 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
8341 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
8342 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
8345 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
8350 @item target exec @var{program}
8351 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
8352 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
8355 @item target core @var{filename}
8356 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
8357 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
8359 @kindex target remote
8360 @item target remote @var{dev}
8361 Remote serial target in GDB-specific protocol. The argument @var{dev}
8362 specifies what serial device to use for the connection (e.g.
8363 @file{/dev/ttya}). @xref{Remote, ,Remote debugging}. @code{target remote}
8364 supports the @code{load} command. This is only useful if you have
8365 some other way of getting the stub to the target system, and you can put
8366 it somewhere in memory where it won't get clobbered by the download.
8370 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
8378 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
8379 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
8380 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
8381 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
8386 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
8391 @item target nrom @var{dev}
8392 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
8396 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
8397 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
8399 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code
8400 once you've successfully established a connection.
8404 @kindex load @var{filename}
8405 @item load @var{filename}
8406 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
8407 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
8408 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
8409 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
8410 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
8411 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
8413 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
8414 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
8415 target is @dots{}}''
8417 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
8418 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
8419 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
8420 specifies a fixed address.
8421 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
8423 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8427 @section Choosing target byte order
8429 @cindex choosing target byte order
8430 @cindex target byte order
8432 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Hitachi SH,
8433 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
8434 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
8435 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
8436 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
8437 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
8440 @kindex set endian big
8441 @item set endian big
8442 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
8444 @kindex set endian little
8445 @item set endian little
8446 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
8448 @kindex set endian auto
8449 @item set endian auto
8450 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
8454 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
8458 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
8459 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
8463 @section Remote debugging
8464 @cindex remote debugging
8466 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
8467 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
8468 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
8469 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
8470 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
8472 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
8473 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
8474 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
8475 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
8476 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
8477 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
8479 Other remote targets may be available in your
8480 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
8483 * Remote Serial:: @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol
8487 @subsection The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol
8489 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
8490 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
8491 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
8492 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
8497 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
8498 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
8499 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
8502 A C subroutine library to support your program's
8503 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
8506 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
8507 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
8508 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
8512 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
8513 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
8514 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
8518 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
8519 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
8520 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
8522 @item On the target,
8523 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
8524 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
8525 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
8527 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
8528 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
8529 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} program}, for details.
8532 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
8533 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
8536 @cindex remote serial stub list
8537 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
8542 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
8545 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
8548 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
8549 @cindex Motorola 680x0
8551 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
8554 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
8557 For Hitachi SH architectures.
8560 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
8562 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
8565 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
8568 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
8572 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
8573 recently added stubs.
8576 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
8577 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
8578 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
8579 * Protocol:: Definition of the communication protocol
8580 * Server:: Using the `gdbserver' program
8581 * NetWare:: Using the `gdbserve.nlm' program
8585 @subsubsection What the stub can do for you
8587 @cindex remote serial stub
8588 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
8592 @item set_debug_traps
8593 @kindex set_debug_traps
8594 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
8595 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
8596 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
8597 beginning of your program.
8599 @item handle_exception
8600 @kindex handle_exception
8601 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
8602 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
8603 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
8604 run when a trap is triggered.
8606 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
8607 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
8608 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
8609 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
8610 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
8611 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
8612 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
8613 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
8614 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
8618 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
8619 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
8620 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
8621 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
8622 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
8623 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
8624 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
8625 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
8626 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
8627 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
8628 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
8630 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
8631 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
8632 start of your debugging session.
8636 @subsubsection What you must do for the stub
8638 @cindex remote stub, support routines
8639 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
8640 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
8641 debugging target machine.
8643 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
8647 @item int getDebugChar()
8648 @kindex getDebugChar
8649 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
8650 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
8651 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
8653 @item void putDebugChar(int)
8654 @kindex putDebugChar
8655 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
8656 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
8657 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
8660 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
8661 @cindex interrupting remote targets
8662 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
8663 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
8664 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
8665 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
8666 remote system to stop.
8668 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
8669 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
8670 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
8671 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
8673 Other routines you need to supply are:
8676 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
8677 @kindex exceptionHandler
8678 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
8679 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
8680 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
8681 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
8682 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
8683 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
8684 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
8685 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
8686 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
8687 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
8688 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
8689 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
8690 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
8692 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
8693 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
8694 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
8695 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
8696 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
8698 @item void flush_i_cache()
8699 @kindex flush_i_cache
8700 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
8701 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
8702 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
8704 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
8705 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
8709 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
8712 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
8714 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
8715 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
8716 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
8717 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
8720 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
8721 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
8722 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
8723 subroutines which @code{@value{GCC}} generates as inline code.
8727 @subsubsection Putting it all together
8729 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
8730 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
8735 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
8736 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What you must do for the stub}):
8738 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
8739 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
8743 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
8751 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
8752 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
8755 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
8759 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
8760 function in your program, that function is called when
8761 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
8762 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
8763 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
8766 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
8767 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
8770 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
8771 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
8774 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
8775 @c document that. FIXME.
8776 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
8777 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
8780 To start remote debugging, run @value{GDBN} on the host machine, and specify
8781 as an executable file the program that is running in the remote machine.
8782 This tells @value{GDBN} how to find your program's symbols and the contents
8786 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
8787 Establish communication using the @code{target remote} command.
8788 Its argument specifies how to communicate with the target
8789 machine---either via a devicename attached to a direct serial line, or a
8790 TCP port (usually to a terminal server which in turn has a serial line
8791 to the target). For example, to use a serial line connected to the
8792 device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
8795 target remote /dev/ttyb
8798 @cindex TCP port, @code{target remote}
8799 To use a TCP connection, use an argument of the form
8800 @code{@var{host}:port}. For example, to connect to port 2828 on a
8801 terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
8804 target remote manyfarms:2828
8808 Now you can use all the usual commands to examine and change data and to
8809 step and continue the remote program.
8811 To resume the remote program and stop debugging it, use the @code{detach}
8814 @cindex interrupting remote programs
8815 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
8816 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
8817 interrupt character (often @key{C-C}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
8818 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
8819 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
8820 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
8823 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
8824 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
8827 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
8828 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
8829 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
8830 goes back to waiting.
8833 @subsubsection Communication protocol
8835 @cindex debugging stub, example
8836 @cindex remote stub, example
8837 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
8838 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
8839 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
8840 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
8841 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
8842 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
8843 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
8844 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
8846 However, there may be occasions when you need to know something about
8847 the protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your
8848 target machine, you might want your program to do something special if
8849 it recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
8851 In the examples below, @samp{<-} and @samp{->} are used to indicate
8852 transmitted and received data respectfully.
8854 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
8855 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
8856 @cindex remote serial protocol
8857 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments) are
8858 sent as a @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
8859 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
8860 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
8863 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
8867 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
8869 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
8870 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
8871 eight bit unsigned checksum).
8873 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
8874 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
8877 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
8880 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
8882 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
8883 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
8884 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
8886 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
8887 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
8888 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
8889 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
8893 <- @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
8898 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
8899 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
8900 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
8901 when the operation has completed (the target has again stopped).
8903 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
8904 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
8907 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
8908 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
8909 HEX with leading zeros suppressed.
8911 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
8912 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
8913 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
8915 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space. A @samp{*}
8916 means that the next character is an @sc{ascii} encoding giving a repeat count
8917 which stands for that many repetitions of the character preceding the
8918 @samp{*}. The encoding is @code{n+29}, yielding a printable character
8919 where @code{n >=3} (which is where rle starts to win). The printable
8920 characters @samp{$}, @samp{#}, @samp{+} and @samp{-} or with a numeric
8921 value greater than 126 should not be used.
8923 Some remote systems have used a different run-length encoding mechanism
8924 loosely refered to as the cisco encoding. Following the @samp{*}
8925 character are two hex digits that indicate the size of the packet.
8932 means the same as "0000".
8934 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
8935 error number. That number is not well defined.
8937 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
8938 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
8939 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
8942 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
8943 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
8946 Below is a complete list of all currently defined @var{command}s and
8947 their corresponding response @var{data}:
8949 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .30 .40
8957 Use the extended remote protocol. Sticky---only needs to be set once.
8958 The extended remote protocol supports the @samp{R} packet.
8962 Stubs that support the extended remote protocol return @samp{} which,
8963 unfortunately, is identical to the response returned by stubs that do not
8964 support protocol extensions.
8969 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for step
8978 @tab Reserved for future use
8980 @item set program arguments @strong{(reserved)}
8981 @tab @code{A}@var{arglen}@code{,}@var{argnum}@code{,}@var{arg}@code{,...}
8986 Initialized @samp{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
8987 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream @var{arg}.
8988 See @file{gdbserver} for more details.
8990 @tab reply @code{OK}
8992 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
8994 @item set baud @strong{(deprecated)}
8995 @tab @code{b}@var{baud}
8997 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}. JTC: @emph{When does the
8998 transport layer state change? When it's received, or after the ACK is
8999 transmitted. In either case, there are problems if the command or the
9000 acknowledgment packet is dropped.} Stan: @emph{If people really wanted
9001 to add something like this, and get it working for the first time, they
9002 ought to modify ser-unix.c to send some kind of out-of-band message to a
9003 specially-setup stub and have the switch happen "in between" packets, so
9004 that from remote protocol's point of view, nothing actually
9007 @item set breakpoint @strong{(deprecated)}
9008 @tab @code{B}@var{addr},@var{mode}
9010 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
9011 breakpoint at @var{addr}. @emph{This has been replaced by the @samp{Z} and
9015 @tab @code{c}@var{addr}
9017 @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted, resume at
9023 @item continue with signal
9024 @tab @code{C}@var{sig}@code{;}@var{addr}
9026 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
9027 @code{;}@var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
9032 @item toggle debug @strong{(deprecated)}
9040 Detach @value{GDBN} from the remote system. Sent to the remote target before
9041 @value{GDBN} disconnects.
9043 @tab reply @emph{no response}
9045 @value{GDBN} does not check for any response after sending this packet.
9049 @tab Reserved for future use
9053 @tab Reserved for future use
9057 @tab Reserved for future use
9061 @tab Reserved for future use
9063 @item read registers
9065 @tab Read general registers.
9067 @tab reply @var{XX...}
9069 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
9070 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
9071 each register and their position within the @samp{g} @var{packet} are
9072 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal macros @var{REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and
9073 @var{REGISTER_NAME} macros. The specification of several standard
9074 @code{g} packets is specified below.
9076 @tab @code{E}@var{NN}
9080 @tab @code{G}@var{XX...}
9082 See @samp{g} for a description of the @var{XX...} data.
9084 @tab reply @code{OK}
9087 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9092 @tab Reserved for future use
9095 @tab @code{H}@var{c}@var{t...}
9097 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
9098 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} = @samp{c} for thread used in step and
9099 continue; @var{t...} can be -1 for all threads. @var{c} = @samp{g} for
9100 thread used in other operations. If zero, pick a thread, any thread.
9102 @tab reply @code{OK}
9105 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9109 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
9110 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
9111 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
9112 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
9113 @c described. For example:
9115 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
9116 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
9117 @c otherwise returns current registers.
9119 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
9120 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
9121 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
9123 @item cycle step @strong{(draft)}
9124 @tab @code{i}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{nnn}
9126 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @code{,}@var{nnn} is
9127 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
9128 step starting at that address.
9130 @item signal then cycle step @strong{(reserved)}
9133 See @samp{i} and @samp{S} for likely syntax and semantics.
9137 @tab Reserved for future use
9141 @tab Reserved for future use
9146 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how operate when a specific
9147 thread context has been selected (ie. does 'k' kill only that thread?)}.
9151 @tab Reserved for future use
9155 @tab Reserved for future use
9158 @tab @code{m}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{length}
9160 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
9161 Neither @value{GDBN} nor the stub assume that sized memory transfers are assumed
9162 using word alligned accesses. FIXME: @emph{A word aligned memory
9163 transfer mechanism is needed.}
9165 @tab reply @var{XX...}
9167 @var{XX...} is mem contents. Can be fewer bytes than requested if able
9168 to read only part of the data. Neither @value{GDBN} nor the stub assume that
9169 sized memory transfers are assumed using word alligned accesses. FIXME:
9170 @emph{A word aligned memory transfer mechanism is needed.}
9172 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9173 @tab @var{NN} is errno
9176 @tab @code{M}@var{addr},@var{length}@code{:}@var{XX...}
9178 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
9179 @var{XX...} is the data.
9181 @tab reply @code{OK}
9184 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9186 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
9191 @tab Reserved for future use
9195 @tab Reserved for future use
9199 @tab Reserved for future use
9203 @tab Reserved for future use
9205 @item read reg @strong{(reserved)}
9206 @tab @code{p}@var{n...}
9210 @tab return @var{r....}
9211 @tab The hex encoded value of the register in target byte order.
9214 @tab @code{P}@var{n...}@code{=}@var{r...}
9216 Write register @var{n...} with value @var{r...}, which contains two hex
9217 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
9219 @tab reply @code{OK}
9222 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9226 @tab @code{q}@var{query}
9228 Request info about @var{query}. In general @value{GDBN} queries
9229 have a leading upper case letter. Custom vendor queries should use a
9230 company prefix (in lower case) ex: @samp{qfsf.var}. @var{query} may
9231 optionally be followed by a @samp{,} or @samp{;} separated list. Stubs
9232 must ensure that they match the full @var{query} name.
9234 @tab reply @code{XX...}
9235 @tab Hex encoded data from query. The reply can not be empty.
9237 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9241 @tab Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
9244 @tab @code{Q}@var{var}@code{=}@var{val}
9246 Set value of @var{var} to @var{val}. See @samp{q} for a discussing of
9249 @item reset @strong{(deprecated)}
9252 Reset the entire system.
9254 @item remote restart
9255 @tab @code{R}@var{XX}
9257 Restart the remote server. @var{XX} while needed has no clear
9258 definition. FIXME: @emph{An example interaction explaining how this
9259 packet is used in extended-remote mode is needed}.
9262 @tab @code{s}@var{addr}
9264 @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted, resume at
9270 @item step with signal
9271 @tab @code{S}@var{sig}@code{;}@var{addr}
9273 Like @samp{C} but step not continue.
9279 @tab @code{t}@var{addr}@code{:}@var{PP}@code{,}@var{MM}
9281 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
9282 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4
9283 bytes. @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
9286 @tab @code{T}@var{XX}
9287 @tab Find out if the thread XX is alive.
9289 @tab reply @code{OK}
9290 @tab thread is still alive
9292 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9297 @tab Reserved for future use
9301 @tab Reserved for future use
9305 @tab Reserved for future use
9309 @tab Reserved for future use
9313 @tab Reserved for future use
9317 @tab Reserved for future use
9321 @tab Reserved for future use
9323 @item write mem (binary)
9324 @tab @code{X}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{length}@var{:}@var{XX...}
9326 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes, @var{XX...} is
9327 binary data. The characters @code{$}, @code{#}, and @code{0x7d} are
9328 escaped using @code{0x7d}.
9330 @tab reply @code{OK}
9333 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9338 @tab Reserved for future use
9342 @tab Reserved for future use
9344 @item remove break or watchpoint @strong{(draft)}
9345 @tab @code{z}@var{t}@code{,}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{length}
9349 @item insert break or watchpoint @strong{(draft)}
9350 @tab @code{Z}@var{t}@code{,}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{length}
9352 @var{t} is type: @samp{0} - software breakpoint, @samp{1} - hardware
9353 breakpoint, @samp{2} - write watchpoint, @samp{3} - read watchpoint,
9354 @samp{4} - access watchpoint; @var{addr} is address; @var{length} is in
9355 bytes. For a software breakpoint, @var{length} specifies the size of
9356 the instruction to be patched. For hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
9357 @var{length} specifies the memory region to be monitored. To avoid
9358 potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should be
9359 implemented in an idempotent way.
9361 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9364 @tab reply @code{OK}
9368 @tab If not supported.
9372 @tab Reserved for future use
9376 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s} and @samp{?} packets can
9377 receive any of the below as a reply. In the case of the @samp{C},
9378 @samp{c}, @samp{S} and @samp{s} packets, that reply is only returned
9379 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @samp{signal
9380 number} is poorly defined. In general one of the UNIX signal numbering
9381 conventions is used.
9383 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
9385 @item @code{S}@var{AA}
9386 @tab @var{AA} is the signal number
9388 @item @code{T}@var{AA}@var{n...}@code{:}@var{r...}@code{;}@var{n...}@code{:}@var{r...}@code{;}@var{n...}@code{:}@var{r...}@code{;}
9390 @var{AA} = two hex digit signal number; @var{n...} = register number
9391 (hex), @var{r...} = target byte ordered register contents, size defined
9392 by @code{REGISTER_RAW_SIZE}; @var{n...} = @samp{thread}, @var{r...} =
9393 thread process ID, this is a hex integer; @var{n...} = other string not
9394 starting with valid hex digit. @value{GDBN} should ignore this
9395 @var{n...}, @var{r...} pair and go on to the next. This way we can
9396 extend the protocol.
9398 @item @code{W}@var{AA}
9400 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
9401 applicable for certains sorts of targets.
9403 @item @code{X}@var{AA}
9405 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
9407 @item @code{N}@var{AA}@code{;}@var{t...}@code{;}@var{d...}@code{;}@var{b...} @strong{(obsolete)}
9409 @var{AA} = signal number; @var{t...} = address of symbol "_start";
9410 @var{d...} = base of data section; @var{b...} = base of bss section.
9411 @emph{Note: only used by Cisco Systems targets. The difference between
9412 this reply and the "qOffsets" query is that the 'N' packet may arrive
9413 spontaneously whereas the 'qOffsets' is a query initiated by the host
9416 @item @code{O}@var{XX...}
9418 @var{XX...} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data. This can happen at any time
9419 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
9424 The following set and query packets have already been defined.
9426 @multitable @columnfractions .2 .2 .6
9428 @item current thread
9429 @tab @code{q}@code{C}
9430 @tab Return the current thread id.
9432 @tab reply @code{QC}@var{pid}
9434 Where @var{pid} is a HEX encoded 16 bit process id.
9437 @tab Any other reply implies the old pid.
9439 @item all thread ids
9440 @tab @code{q}@code{fThreadInfo}
9442 @tab @code{q}@code{sThreadInfo}
9444 Obtain a list of active thread ids from the target (OS). Since there
9445 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
9446 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
9447 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
9448 be the @code{qf}@code{ThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
9449 sequence will be the @code{qs}@code{ThreadInfo} query.
9452 @tab NOTE: replaces the @code{qL} query (see below).
9454 @tab reply @code{m}@var{<id>}
9455 @tab A single thread id
9457 @tab reply @code{m}@var{<id>},@var{<id>...}
9458 @tab a comma-separated list of thread ids
9461 @tab (lower case 'el') denotes end of list.
9465 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one
9466 or more thread ids, in big-endian hex, separated by commas. GDB will
9467 respond to each reply with a request for more thread ids (using the
9468 @code{qs} form of the query), until the target responds with @code{l}
9469 (lower-case el, for @code{'last'}).
9471 @item extra thread info
9472 @tab @code{q}@code{ThreadExtraInfo}@code{,}@var{id}
9477 Where @var{<id>} is a thread-id in big-endian hex.
9478 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
9479 the target OS. This string may contain anything that the target OS
9480 thinks is interesting for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread.
9481 The string is displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @samp{info threads} display.
9482 Some examples of possible thread extra info strings are "Runnable", or
9485 @tab reply @var{XX...}
9487 Where @var{XX...} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, comprising the
9488 printable string containing the extra information about the thread's
9491 @item query @var{LIST} or @var{threadLIST} @strong{(deprecated)}
9492 @tab @code{q}@code{L}@var{startflag}@var{threadcount}@var{nextthread}
9497 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
9498 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
9499 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
9500 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
9501 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
9502 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
9505 @tab NOTE: this query is replaced by the @code{q}@code{fThreadInfo}
9508 @tab reply @code{q}@code{M}@var{count}@var{done}@var{argthread}@var{thread...}
9513 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
9514 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
9515 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
9516 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread...} is
9517 a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
9518 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
9520 @item compute CRC of memory block
9521 @tab @code{q}@code{CRC:}@var{addr}@code{,}@var{length}
9524 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9525 @tab An error (such as memory fault)
9527 @tab reply @code{C}@var{CRC32}
9528 @tab A 32 bit cyclic redundancy check of the specified memory region.
9530 @item query sect offs
9531 @tab @code{q}@code{Offsets}
9533 Get section offsets that the target used when re-locating the downloaded
9534 image. @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset is included in the
9535 response, @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data}
9536 offset to the @code{Bss} section.}
9538 @tab reply @code{Text=}@var{xxx}@code{;Data=}@var{yyy}@code{;Bss=}@var{zzz}
9540 @item thread info request
9541 @tab @code{q}@code{P}@var{mode}@var{threadid}
9546 Returns information on @var{threadid}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
9547 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{threadid} is a hex encoded 64 bit thread ID.
9551 See @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
9553 @item remote command
9554 @tab @code{q}@code{Rcmd,}@var{COMMAND}
9559 @var{COMMAND} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
9560 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output string.
9561 Before the final result packet, the target may also respond with a
9562 number of intermediate @code{O}@var{OUTPUT} console output
9563 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
9564 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
9566 @tab reply @code{OK}
9568 A command response with no output.
9570 @tab reply @var{OUTPUT}
9572 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
9574 @tab reply @code{E}@var{NN}
9576 Indicate a badly formed request.
9581 When @samp{q}@samp{Rcmd} is not recognized.
9585 The following @samp{g}/@samp{G} packets have previously been defined.
9586 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as sixty-four
9587 bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?) to fill the
9588 space allocated. Register bytes are transfered in target byte order.
9589 The two nibbles within a register byte are transfered most-significant -
9592 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
9596 All registers are transfered as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
9597 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
9598 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
9602 All registers are transfered as sixty-four bit quantities (including
9603 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
9608 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
9609 does not get any direct output:
9614 @emph{target restarts}
9617 -> @code{T001:1234123412341234}
9621 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
9629 -> @code{T001:1234123412341234}
9638 @subsubsection Using the @code{gdbserver} program
9641 @cindex remote connection without stubs
9642 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
9643 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
9644 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
9646 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
9647 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
9648 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
9649 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
9650 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
9651 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
9652 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
9653 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
9654 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
9655 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
9656 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
9657 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
9658 choice for debugging.
9660 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
9661 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
9665 @item On the target machine,
9666 you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug.
9667 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
9668 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
9669 system does all the symbol handling.
9671 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
9672 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The
9676 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
9679 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
9680 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
9681 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
9685 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
9688 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
9691 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
9694 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
9697 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
9698 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
9699 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
9700 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
9701 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
9702 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
9703 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
9704 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
9705 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
9706 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
9707 @code{target remote} command.
9709 @item On the @value{GDBN} host machine,
9710 you need an unstripped copy of your program, since @value{GDBN} needs
9711 symbols and debugging information. Start up @value{GDBN} as usual,
9712 using the name of the local copy of your program as the first argument.
9713 (You may also need the @w{@samp{--baud}} option if the serial line is
9714 running at anything other than 9600@dmn{bps}.) After that, use @code{target
9715 remote} to establish communications with @code{gdbserver}. Its argument
9716 is either a device name (usually a serial device, like
9717 @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a TCP port descriptor in the form
9718 @code{@var{host}:@var{PORT}}. For example:
9721 (@value{GDBP}) target remote /dev/ttyb
9725 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and
9728 (@value{GDBP}) target remote the-target:2345
9732 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host @w{@file{the-target}}.
9733 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
9734 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
9735 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
9736 @samp{Connection refused}.
9740 @subsubsection Using the @code{gdbserve.nlm} program
9742 @kindex gdbserve.nlm
9743 @code{gdbserve.nlm} is a control program for NetWare systems, which
9744 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
9745 @code{target remote}.
9747 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserve.nlm} communicate via a serial line,
9748 using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol.
9751 @item On the target machine,
9752 you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug.
9753 @code{gdbserve.nlm} does not need your program's symbol table, so you
9754 can strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the
9755 host system does all the symbol handling.
9757 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with
9758 @value{GDBN}; the name of your program; and the arguments for your
9759 program. The syntax is:
9762 load gdbserve [ BOARD=@var{board} ] [ PORT=@var{port} ]
9763 [ BAUD=@var{baud} ] @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
9766 @var{board} and @var{port} specify the serial line; @var{baud} specifies
9767 the baud rate used by the connection. @var{port} and @var{node} default
9768 to 0, @var{baud} defaults to 9600@dmn{bps}.
9770 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument @samp{foo.txt}and
9771 communicate with @value{GDBN} over serial port number 2 or board 1
9772 using a 19200@dmn{bps} connection:
9775 load gdbserve BOARD=1 PORT=2 BAUD=19200 emacs foo.txt
9778 @item On the @value{GDBN} host machine,
9779 you need an unstripped copy of your program, since @value{GDBN} needs
9780 symbols and debugging information. Start up @value{GDBN} as usual,
9781 using the name of the local copy of your program as the first argument.
9782 (You may also need the @w{@samp{--baud}} option if the serial line is
9783 running at anything other than 9600@dmn{bps}. After that, use @code{target
9784 remote} to establish communications with @code{gdbserve.nlm}. Its
9785 argument is a device name (usually a serial device, like
9786 @file{/dev/ttyb}). For example:
9789 (@value{GDBP}) target remote /dev/ttyb
9793 communications with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}.
9797 @section Kernel Object Display
9799 @cindex kernel object display
9800 @cindex kernel object
9803 Some targets support kernel object display. Using this facility,
9804 @value{GDBN} communicates specially with the underlying operating system
9805 and can display information about operating system-level objects such as
9806 mutexes and other synchronization objects. Exactly which objects can be
9807 displayed is determined on a per-OS basis.
9809 Use the @code{set os} command to set the operating system. This tells
9810 @value{GDBN} which kernel object display module to initialize:
9813 (@value{GDBP}) set os cisco
9816 If @code{set os} succeeds, @value{GDBN} will display some information
9817 about the operating system, and will create a new @code{info} command
9818 which can be used to query the target. The @code{info} command is named
9819 after the operating system:
9822 (@value{GDBP}) info cisco
9823 List of Cisco Kernel Objects
9825 any Any and all objects
9828 Further subcommands can be used to query about particular objects known
9831 There is currently no way to determine whether a given operating system
9832 is supported other than to try it.
9835 @node Configurations
9836 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
9838 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
9839 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
9840 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
9842 There are three major categories of configurations: native
9843 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
9844 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
9845 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
9846 are quite different from each other.
9851 * Embedded Processors::
9858 This section describes details specific to particular native
9863 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
9869 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9870 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9871 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9873 @node SVR4 Process Information
9874 @subsection SVR4 process information
9877 @cindex process image
9879 Many versions of SVR4 provide a facility called @samp{/proc} that can be
9880 used to examine the image of a running process using file-system
9881 subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with
9882 this facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report on
9883 several kinds of information about the process running your program.
9884 @code{info proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the
9885 @code{procfs} code. This includes OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, Irix,
9886 and Unixware, but not HP-UX or Linux, for example.
9891 Summarize available information about the process.
9893 @kindex info proc mappings
9894 @item info proc mappings
9895 Report on the address ranges accessible in the program, with information
9896 on whether your program may read, write, or execute each range.
9898 @kindex info proc times
9899 @item info proc times
9900 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
9903 @kindex info proc id
9905 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
9906 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
9908 @kindex info proc status
9909 @item info proc status
9910 General information on the state of the process. If the process is
9911 stopped, this report includes the reason for stopping, and any signal
9915 Show all the above information about the process.
9919 @section Embedded Operating Systems
9921 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
9922 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
9926 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
9929 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
9930 various real-time operating systems.
9933 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
9939 @kindex target vxworks
9940 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
9941 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
9942 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
9946 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
9947 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
9949 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
9950 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
9951 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
9952 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
9953 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
9954 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
9955 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
9958 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
9959 @kindex vxworks-timeout
9960 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
9961 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
9962 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
9963 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
9964 of a thin network line.
9967 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
9968 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
9972 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
9973 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
9974 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
9975 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
9976 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
9977 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
9978 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
9980 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
9982 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
9983 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
9984 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
9985 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
9987 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
9994 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
9995 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
9996 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
9999 @node VxWorks Connection
10000 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
10002 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
10003 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
10006 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
10010 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
10013 Attaching remote machine across net...
10018 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
10019 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
10020 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
10021 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your program's environment}); if it fails
10022 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
10025 prog.o: No such file or directory.
10028 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
10029 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
10032 @node VxWorks Download
10033 @subsubsection VxWorks download
10035 @cindex download to VxWorks
10036 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
10037 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
10038 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
10039 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
10040 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
10041 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
10042 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
10043 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
10044 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
10045 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
10046 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
10047 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
10048 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
10049 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
10050 program, type this on VxWorks:
10053 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
10057 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
10060 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
10061 (vxgdb) load prog.o
10064 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
10067 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
10070 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
10071 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
10072 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
10073 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
10074 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
10075 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
10078 @node VxWorks Attach
10079 @subsubsection Running tasks
10081 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
10082 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
10086 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
10090 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
10091 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
10092 the time of attachment.
10094 @node Embedded Processors
10095 @section Embedded Processors
10097 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
10101 * A29K Embedded:: AMD A29K Embedded
10103 * H8/300:: Hitachi H8/300
10104 * H8/500:: Hitachi H8/500
10105 * i960:: Intel i960
10106 * M32R/D:: Mitsubishi M32R/D
10107 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
10108 * M88K:: Motorola M88K
10109 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
10110 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
10113 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
10114 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
10115 * ST2000:: Tandem ST2000
10116 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
10119 @node A29K Embedded
10120 @subsection AMD A29K Embedded
10125 * Comms (EB29K):: Communications setup
10126 * gdb-EB29K:: EB29K cross-debugging
10127 * Remote Log:: Remote log
10132 @kindex target adapt
10133 @item target adapt @var{dev}
10134 Adapt monitor for A29K.
10136 @kindex target amd-eb
10137 @item target amd-eb @var{dev} @var{speed} @var{PROG}
10139 Remote PC-resident AMD EB29K board, attached over serial lines.
10140 @var{dev} is the serial device, as for @code{target remote};
10141 @var{speed} allows you to specify the linespeed; and @var{PROG} is the
10142 name of the program to be debugged, as it appears to DOS on the PC.
10143 @xref{A29K EB29K, ,EBMON protocol for AMD29K}.
10148 @subsubsection A29K UDI
10151 @cindex AMD29K via UDI
10153 @value{GDBN} supports AMD's UDI (``Universal Debugger Interface'')
10154 protocol for debugging the a29k processor family. To use this
10155 configuration with AMD targets running the MiniMON monitor, you need the
10156 program @code{MONTIP}, available from AMD at no charge. You can also
10157 use @value{GDBN} with the UDI-conformant a29k simulator program
10158 @code{ISSTIP}, also available from AMD.
10161 @item target udi @var{keyword}
10163 Select the UDI interface to a remote a29k board or simulator, where
10164 @var{keyword} is an entry in the AMD configuration file @file{udi_soc}.
10165 This file contains keyword entries which specify parameters used to
10166 connect to a29k targets. If the @file{udi_soc} file is not in your
10167 working directory, you must set the environment variable @samp{UDICONF}
10172 @subsubsection EBMON protocol for AMD29K
10174 @cindex EB29K board
10175 @cindex running 29K programs
10177 AMD distributes a 29K development board meant to fit in a PC, together
10178 with a DOS-hosted monitor program called @code{EBMON}. As a shorthand
10179 term, this development system is called the ``EB29K''. To use
10180 @value{GDBN} from a Unix system to run programs on the EB29K board, you
10181 must first connect a serial cable between the PC (which hosts the EB29K
10182 board) and a serial port on the Unix system. In the following, we
10183 assume you've hooked the cable between the PC's @file{COM1} port and
10184 @file{/dev/ttya} on the Unix system.
10186 @node Comms (EB29K)
10187 @subsubsection Communications setup
10189 The next step is to set up the PC's port, by doing something like this
10193 C:\> MODE com1:9600,n,8,1,none
10197 This example---run on an MS DOS 4.0 system---sets the PC port to 9600
10198 bps, no parity, eight data bits, one stop bit, and no ``retry'' action;
10199 you must match the communications parameters when establishing the Unix
10200 end of the connection as well.
10201 @c FIXME: Who knows what this "no retry action" crud from the DOS manual may
10202 @c mean? It's optional; leave it out? ---doc@cygnus.com, 25feb91
10204 @c It's optional, but it's unwise to omit it: who knows what is the
10205 @c default value set when the DOS machines boots? "No retry" means that
10206 @c the DOS serial device driver won't retry the operation if it fails;
10207 @c I understand that this is needed because the GDB serial protocol
10208 @c handles any errors and retransmissions itself. ---Eli Zaretskii, 3sep99
10210 To give control of the PC to the Unix side of the serial line, type
10211 the following at the DOS console:
10218 (Later, if you wish to return control to the DOS console, you can use
10219 the command @code{CTTY con}---but you must send it over the device that
10220 had control, in our example over the @file{COM1} serial line.)
10222 From the Unix host, use a communications program such as @code{tip} or
10223 @code{cu} to communicate with the PC; for example,
10226 cu -s 9600 -l /dev/ttya
10230 The @code{cu} options shown specify, respectively, the linespeed and the
10231 serial port to use. If you use @code{tip} instead, your command line
10232 may look something like the following:
10235 tip -9600 /dev/ttya
10239 Your system may require a different name where we show
10240 @file{/dev/ttya} as the argument to @code{tip}. The communications
10241 parameters, including which port to use, are associated with the
10242 @code{tip} argument in the ``remote'' descriptions file---normally the
10243 system table @file{/etc/remote}.
10244 @c FIXME: What if anything needs doing to match the "n,8,1,none" part of
10245 @c the DOS side's comms setup? cu can support -o (odd
10246 @c parity), -e (even parity)---apparently no settings for no parity or
10247 @c for character size. Taken from stty maybe...? John points out tip
10248 @c can set these as internal variables, eg ~s parity=none; man stty
10249 @c suggests that it *might* work to stty these options with stdin or
10250 @c stdout redirected... ---doc@cygnus.com, 25feb91
10252 @c There's nothing to be done for the "none" part of the DOS MODE
10253 @c command. The rest of the parameters should be matched by the
10254 @c baudrate, bits, and parity used by the Unix side. ---Eli Zaretskii, 3Sep99
10257 Using the @code{tip} or @code{cu} connection, change the DOS working
10258 directory to the directory containing a copy of your 29K program, then
10259 start the PC program @code{EBMON} (an EB29K control program supplied
10260 with your board by AMD). You should see an initial display from
10261 @code{EBMON} similar to the one that follows, ending with the
10262 @code{EBMON} prompt @samp{#}---
10267 G:\> CD \usr\joe\work29k
10269 G:\USR\JOE\WORK29K> EBMON
10270 Am29000 PC Coprocessor Board Monitor, version 3.0-18
10271 Copyright 1990 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
10272 Written by Gibbons and Associates, Inc.
10274 Enter '?' or 'H' for help
10276 PC Coprocessor Type = EB29K
10278 Memory Base = 0xd0000
10280 Data Memory Size = 2048KB
10281 Available I-RAM Range = 0x8000 to 0x1fffff
10282 Available D-RAM Range = 0x80002000 to 0x801fffff
10285 Register Stack Size = 0x800
10286 Memory Stack Size = 0x1800
10289 Am29027 Available = No
10290 Byte Write Available = Yes
10295 Then exit the @code{cu} or @code{tip} program (done in the example by
10296 typing @code{~.} at the @code{EBMON} prompt). @code{EBMON} keeps
10297 running, ready for @value{GDBN} to take over.
10299 For this example, we've assumed what is probably the most convenient
10300 way to make sure the same 29K program is on both the PC and the Unix
10301 system: a PC/NFS connection that establishes ``drive @file{G:}'' on the
10302 PC as a file system on the Unix host. If you do not have PC/NFS or
10303 something similar connecting the two systems, you must arrange some
10304 other way---perhaps floppy-disk transfer---of getting the 29K program
10305 from the Unix system to the PC; @value{GDBN} does @emph{not} download it over the
10309 @subsubsection EB29K cross-debugging
10311 Finally, @code{cd} to the directory containing an image of your 29K
10312 program on the Unix system, and start @value{GDBN}---specifying as argument the
10313 name of your 29K program:
10316 cd /usr/joe/work29k
10321 Now you can use the @code{target} command:
10324 target amd-eb /dev/ttya 9600 MYFOO
10325 @c FIXME: test above 'target amd-eb' as spelled, with caps! caps are meant to
10326 @c emphasize that this is the name as seen by DOS (since I think DOS is
10327 @c single-minded about case of letters). ---doc@cygnus.com, 25feb91
10331 In this example, we've assumed your program is in a file called
10332 @file{myfoo}. Note that the filename given as the last argument to
10333 @code{target amd-eb} should be the name of the program as it appears to DOS.
10334 In our example this is simply @code{MYFOO}, but in general it can include
10335 a DOS path, and depending on your transfer mechanism may not resemble
10336 the name on the Unix side.
10338 At this point, you can set any breakpoints you wish; when you are ready
10339 to see your program run on the 29K board, use the @value{GDBN} command
10342 To stop debugging the remote program, use the @value{GDBN} @code{detach}
10345 To return control of the PC to its console, use @code{tip} or @code{cu}
10346 once again, after your @value{GDBN} session has concluded, to attach to
10347 @code{EBMON}. You can then type the command @code{q} to shut down
10348 @code{EBMON}, returning control to the DOS command-line interpreter.
10349 Type @kbd{CTTY con} to return command input to the main DOS console,
10350 and type @kbd{~.} to leave @code{tip} or @code{cu}.
10353 @subsubsection Remote log
10354 @cindex @file{eb.log}, a log file for EB29K
10355 @cindex log file for EB29K
10357 The @code{target amd-eb} command creates a file @file{eb.log} in the
10358 current working directory, to help debug problems with the connection.
10359 @file{eb.log} records all the output from @code{EBMON}, including echoes
10360 of the commands sent to it. Running @samp{tail -f} on this file in
10361 another window often helps to understand trouble with @code{EBMON}, or
10362 unexpected events on the PC side of the connection.
10370 @item target rdi @var{dev}
10371 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
10372 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
10373 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
10376 @item target rdp @var{dev}
10382 @subsection Hitachi H8/300
10386 @kindex target hms@r{, with H8/300}
10387 @item target hms @var{dev}
10388 A Hitachi SH, H8/300, or H8/500 board, attached via serial line to your host.
10389 Use special commands @code{device} and @code{speed} to control the serial
10390 line and the communications speed used.
10392 @kindex target e7000@r{, with H8/300}
10393 @item target e7000 @var{dev}
10394 E7000 emulator for Hitachi H8 and SH.
10396 @kindex target sh3@r{, with H8/300}
10397 @kindex target sh3e@r{, with H8/300}
10398 @item target sh3 @var{dev}
10399 @itemx target sh3e @var{dev}
10400 Hitachi SH-3 and SH-3E target systems.
10404 @cindex download to H8/300 or H8/500
10405 @cindex H8/300 or H8/500 download
10406 @cindex download to Hitachi SH
10407 @cindex Hitachi SH download
10408 When you select remote debugging to a Hitachi SH, H8/300, or H8/500
10409 board, the @code{load} command downloads your program to the Hitachi
10410 board and also opens it as the current executable target for
10411 @value{GDBN} on your host (like the @code{file} command).
10413 @value{GDBN} needs to know these things to talk to your
10414 Hitachi SH, H8/300, or H8/500:
10418 that you want to use @samp{target hms}, the remote debugging interface
10419 for Hitachi microprocessors, or @samp{target e7000}, the in-circuit
10420 emulator for the Hitachi SH and the Hitachi 300H. (@samp{target hms} is
10421 the default when @value{GDBN} is configured specifically for the Hitachi SH,
10422 H8/300, or H8/500.)
10425 what serial device connects your host to your Hitachi board (the first
10426 serial device available on your host is the default).
10429 what speed to use over the serial device.
10433 * Hitachi Boards:: Connecting to Hitachi boards.
10434 * Hitachi ICE:: Using the E7000 In-Circuit Emulator.
10435 * Hitachi Special:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Hitachi micros.
10438 @node Hitachi Boards
10439 @subsubsection Connecting to Hitachi boards
10441 @c only for Unix hosts
10443 @cindex serial device, Hitachi micros
10444 Use the special @code{@value{GDBN}} command @samp{device @var{port}} if you
10445 need to explicitly set the serial device. The default @var{port} is the
10446 first available port on your host. This is only necessary on Unix
10447 hosts, where it is typically something like @file{/dev/ttya}.
10450 @cindex serial line speed, Hitachi micros
10451 @code{@value{GDBN}} has another special command to set the communications
10452 speed: @samp{speed @var{bps}}. This command also is only used from Unix
10453 hosts; on DOS hosts, set the line speed as usual from outside @value{GDBN} with
10454 the DOS @code{mode} command (for instance,
10455 @w{@kbd{mode com2:9600,n,8,1,p}} for a 9600@dmn{bps} connection).
10457 The @samp{device} and @samp{speed} commands are available only when you
10458 use a Unix host to debug your Hitachi microprocessor programs. If you
10460 @value{GDBN} depends on an auxiliary terminate-and-stay-resident program
10461 called @code{asynctsr} to communicate with the development board
10462 through a PC serial port. You must also use the DOS @code{mode} command
10463 to set up the serial port on the DOS side.
10465 The following sample session illustrates the steps needed to start a
10466 program under @value{GDBN} control on an H8/300. The example uses a
10467 sample H8/300 program called @file{t.x}. The procedure is the same for
10468 the Hitachi SH and the H8/500.
10470 First hook up your development board. In this example, we use a
10471 board attached to serial port @code{COM2}; if you use a different serial
10472 port, substitute its name in the argument of the @code{mode} command.
10473 When you call @code{asynctsr}, the auxiliary comms program used by the
10474 debugger, you give it just the numeric part of the serial port's name;
10475 for example, @samp{asyncstr 2} below runs @code{asyncstr} on
10479 C:\H8300\TEST> asynctsr 2
10480 C:\H8300\TEST> mode com2:9600,n,8,1,p
10482 Resident portion of MODE loaded
10484 COM2: 9600, n, 8, 1, p
10489 @emph{Warning:} We have noticed a bug in PC-NFS that conflicts with
10490 @code{asynctsr}. If you also run PC-NFS on your DOS host, you may need to
10491 disable it, or even boot without it, to use @code{asynctsr} to control
10492 your development board.
10495 @kindex target hms@r{, and serial protocol}
10496 Now that serial communications are set up, and the development board is
10497 connected, you can start up @value{GDBN}. Call @code{@value{GDBP}} with
10498 the name of your program as the argument. @code{@value{GDBN}} prompts
10499 you, as usual, with the prompt @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. Use two special
10500 commands to begin your debugging session: @samp{target hms} to specify
10501 cross-debugging to the Hitachi board, and the @code{load} command to
10502 download your program to the board. @code{load} displays the names of
10503 the program's sections, and a @samp{*} for each 2K of data downloaded.
10504 (If you want to refresh @value{GDBN} data on symbols or on the
10505 executable file without downloading, use the @value{GDBN} commands
10506 @code{file} or @code{symbol-file}. These commands, and @code{load}
10507 itself, are described in @ref{Files,,Commands to specify files}.)
10510 (eg-C:\H8300\TEST) @value{GDBP} t.x
10511 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
10512 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
10514 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
10516 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1992 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
10517 (@value{GDBP}) target hms
10518 Connected to remote H8/300 HMS system.
10519 (@value{GDBP}) load t.x
10520 .text : 0x8000 .. 0xabde ***********
10521 .data : 0xabde .. 0xad30 *
10522 .stack : 0xf000 .. 0xf014 *
10525 At this point, you're ready to run or debug your program. From here on,
10526 you can use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands. The @code{break} command
10527 sets breakpoints; the @code{run} command starts your program;
10528 @code{print} or @code{x} display data; the @code{continue} command
10529 resumes execution after stopping at a breakpoint. You can use the
10530 @code{help} command at any time to find out more about @value{GDBN} commands.
10532 Remember, however, that @emph{operating system} facilities aren't
10533 available on your development board; for example, if your program hangs,
10534 you can't send an interrupt---but you can press the @sc{reset} switch!
10536 Use the @sc{reset} button on the development board
10539 to interrupt your program (don't use @kbd{ctl-C} on the DOS host---it has
10540 no way to pass an interrupt signal to the development board); and
10543 to return to the @value{GDBN} command prompt after your program finishes
10544 normally. The communications protocol provides no other way for @value{GDBN}
10545 to detect program completion.
10548 In either case, @value{GDBN} sees the effect of a @sc{reset} on the
10549 development board as a ``normal exit'' of your program.
10552 @subsubsection Using the E7000 in-circuit emulator
10554 @kindex target e7000@r{, with Hitachi ICE}
10555 You can use the E7000 in-circuit emulator to develop code for either the
10556 Hitachi SH or the H8/300H. Use one of these forms of the @samp{target
10557 e7000} command to connect @value{GDBN} to your E7000:
10560 @item target e7000 @var{port} @var{speed}
10561 Use this form if your E7000 is connected to a serial port. The
10562 @var{port} argument identifies what serial port to use (for example,
10563 @samp{com2}). The third argument is the line speed in bits per second
10564 (for example, @samp{9600}).
10566 @item target e7000 @var{hostname}
10567 If your E7000 is installed as a host on a TCP/IP network, you can just
10568 specify its hostname; @value{GDBN} uses @code{telnet} to connect.
10571 @node Hitachi Special
10572 @subsubsection Special @value{GDBN} commands for Hitachi micros
10574 Some @value{GDBN} commands are available only for the H8/300:
10578 @kindex set machine
10579 @kindex show machine
10580 @item set machine h8300
10581 @itemx set machine h8300h
10582 Condition @value{GDBN} for one of the two variants of the H8/300
10583 architecture with @samp{set machine}. You can use @samp{show machine}
10584 to check which variant is currently in effect.
10593 @kindex set memory @var{mod}
10594 @cindex memory models, H8/500
10595 @item set memory @var{mod}
10597 Specify which H8/500 memory model (@var{mod}) you are using with
10598 @samp{set memory}; check which memory model is in effect with @samp{show
10599 memory}. The accepted values for @var{mod} are @code{small},
10600 @code{big}, @code{medium}, and @code{compact}.
10605 @subsection Intel i960
10609 @kindex target mon960
10610 @item target mon960 @var{dev}
10611 MON960 monitor for Intel i960.
10613 @kindex target nindy
10614 @item target nindy @var{devicename}
10615 An Intel 960 board controlled by a Nindy Monitor. @var{devicename} is
10616 the name of the serial device to use for the connection, e.g.
10623 @dfn{Nindy} is a ROM Monitor program for Intel 960 target systems. When
10624 @value{GDBN} is configured to control a remote Intel 960 using Nindy, you can
10625 tell @value{GDBN} how to connect to the 960 in several ways:
10629 Through command line options specifying serial port, version of the
10630 Nindy protocol, and communications speed;
10633 By responding to a prompt on startup;
10636 By using the @code{target} command at any point during your @value{GDBN}
10637 session. @xref{Target Commands, ,Commands for managing targets}.
10641 @cindex download to Nindy-960
10642 With the Nindy interface to an Intel 960 board, @code{load}
10643 downloads @var{filename} to the 960 as well as adding its symbols in
10647 * Nindy Startup:: Startup with Nindy
10648 * Nindy Options:: Options for Nindy
10649 * Nindy Reset:: Nindy reset command
10652 @node Nindy Startup
10653 @subsubsection Startup with Nindy
10655 If you simply start @code{@value{GDBP}} without using any command-line
10656 options, you are prompted for what serial port to use, @emph{before} you
10657 reach the ordinary @value{GDBN} prompt:
10660 Attach /dev/ttyNN -- specify NN, or "quit" to quit:
10664 Respond to the prompt with whatever suffix (after @samp{/dev/tty})
10665 identifies the serial port you want to use. You can, if you choose,
10666 simply start up with no Nindy connection by responding to the prompt
10667 with an empty line. If you do this and later wish to attach to Nindy,
10668 use @code{target} (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for managing targets}).
10670 @node Nindy Options
10671 @subsubsection Options for Nindy
10673 These are the startup options for beginning your @value{GDBN} session with a
10674 Nindy-960 board attached:
10677 @item -r @var{port}
10678 Specify the serial port name of a serial interface to be used to connect
10679 to the target system. This option is only available when @value{GDBN} is
10680 configured for the Intel 960 target architecture. You may specify
10681 @var{port} as any of: a full pathname (e.g. @samp{-r /dev/ttya}), a
10682 device name in @file{/dev} (e.g. @samp{-r ttya}), or simply the unique
10683 suffix for a specific @code{tty} (e.g. @samp{-r a}).
10686 (An uppercase letter ``O'', not a zero.) Specify that @value{GDBN} should use
10687 the ``old'' Nindy monitor protocol to connect to the target system.
10688 This option is only available when @value{GDBN} is configured for the Intel 960
10689 target architecture.
10692 @emph{Warning:} if you specify @samp{-O}, but are actually trying to
10693 connect to a target system that expects the newer protocol, the connection
10694 fails, appearing to be a speed mismatch. @value{GDBN} repeatedly
10695 attempts to reconnect at several different line speeds. You can abort
10696 this process with an interrupt.
10700 Specify that @value{GDBN} should first send a @code{BREAK} signal to the target
10701 system, in an attempt to reset it, before connecting to a Nindy target.
10704 @emph{Warning:} Many target systems do not have the hardware that this
10705 requires; it only works with a few boards.
10709 The standard @samp{-b} option controls the line speed used on the serial
10714 @subsubsection Nindy reset command
10719 For a Nindy target, this command sends a ``break'' to the remote target
10720 system; this is only useful if the target has been equipped with a
10721 circuit to perform a hard reset (or some other interesting action) when
10722 a break is detected.
10727 @subsection Mitsubishi M32R/D
10731 @kindex target m32r
10732 @item target m32r @var{dev}
10733 Mitsubishi M32R/D ROM monitor.
10740 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and
10741 target command for the following ROM monitors.
10745 @kindex target abug
10746 @item target abug @var{dev}
10747 ABug ROM monitor for M68K.
10749 @kindex target cpu32bug
10750 @item target cpu32bug @var{dev}
10751 CPU32BUG monitor, running on a CPU32 (M68K) board.
10753 @kindex target dbug
10754 @item target dbug @var{dev}
10755 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
10758 @item target est @var{dev}
10759 EST-300 ICE monitor, running on a CPU32 (M68K) board.
10761 @kindex target rom68k
10762 @item target rom68k @var{dev}
10763 ROM 68K monitor, running on an M68K IDP board.
10767 If @value{GDBN} is configured with @code{m68*-ericsson-*}, it will
10768 instead have only a single special target command:
10772 @kindex target es1800
10773 @item target es1800 @var{dev}
10774 ES-1800 emulator for M68K.
10782 @kindex target rombug
10783 @item target rombug @var{dev}
10784 ROMBUG ROM monitor for OS/9000.
10794 @item target bug @var{dev}
10795 BUG monitor, running on a MVME187 (m88k) board.
10799 @node MIPS Embedded
10800 @subsection MIPS Embedded
10802 @cindex MIPS boards
10803 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
10804 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
10805 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
10808 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
10811 @item target mips @var{port}
10812 @kindex target mips @var{port}
10813 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
10814 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
10815 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
10816 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
10817 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
10818 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
10820 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
10821 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
10825 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
10826 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
10827 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
10828 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
10832 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
10833 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
10834 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
10835 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
10836 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
10838 @item target pmon @var{port}
10839 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
10842 @item target ddb @var{port}
10843 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
10844 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
10846 @item target lsi @var{port}
10847 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
10848 LSI variant of PMON.
10850 @kindex target r3900
10851 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
10852 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
10854 @kindex target array
10855 @item target array @var{dev}
10856 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
10862 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
10865 @item set processor @var{args}
10866 @itemx show processor
10867 @kindex set processor @var{args}
10868 @kindex show processor
10869 Use the @code{set processor} command to set the type of MIPS
10870 processor when you want to access processor-type-specific registers.
10871 For example, @code{set processor @var{r3041}} tells @value{GDBN}
10872 to use the CPO registers appropriate for the 3041 chip.
10873 Use the @code{show processor} command to see what MIPS processor @value{GDBN}
10874 is using. Use the @code{info reg} command to see what registers
10875 @value{GDBN} is using.
10877 @item set mipsfpu double
10878 @itemx set mipsfpu single
10879 @itemx set mipsfpu none
10880 @itemx show mipsfpu
10881 @kindex set mipsfpu
10882 @kindex show mipsfpu
10883 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
10884 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
10885 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
10886 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
10887 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
10888 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
10889 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
10890 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
10891 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
10892 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
10893 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
10894 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
10895 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
10897 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
10898 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
10899 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
10901 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
10902 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
10904 @item set remotedebug @var{n}
10905 @itemx show remotedebug
10906 @kindex set remotedebug@r{, MIPS protocol}
10907 @kindex show remotedebug@r{, MIPS protocol}
10908 @cindex @code{remotedebug}, MIPS protocol
10909 @cindex MIPS @code{remotedebug} protocol
10910 @c FIXME! For this to be useful, you must know something about the MIPS
10911 @c FIXME...protocol. Where is it described?
10912 You can see some debugging information about communications with the board
10913 by setting the @code{remotedebug} variable. If you set it to @code{1} using
10914 @samp{set remotedebug 1}, every packet is displayed. If you set it
10915 to @code{2}, every character is displayed. You can check the current value
10916 at any time with the command @samp{show remotedebug}.
10918 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
10919 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
10920 @itemx show timeout
10921 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
10922 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
10923 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
10924 @kindex set timeout
10925 @kindex show timeout
10926 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
10927 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
10928 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
10929 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
10930 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
10931 waiting for an acknowledgement of a packet with the @code{set
10932 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
10933 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
10934 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
10935 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
10937 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
10938 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
10939 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
10940 to run before stopping.
10944 @subsection PowerPC
10948 @kindex target dink32
10949 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
10950 DINK32 ROM monitor.
10952 @kindex target ppcbug
10953 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
10954 @kindex target ppcbug1
10955 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
10956 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
10959 @item target sds @var{dev}
10960 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
10965 @subsection HP PA Embedded
10969 @kindex target op50n
10970 @item target op50n @var{dev}
10971 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
10973 @kindex target w89k
10974 @item target w89k @var{dev}
10975 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
10980 @subsection Hitachi SH
10984 @kindex target hms@r{, with Hitachi SH}
10985 @item target hms @var{dev}
10986 A Hitachi SH board attached via serial line to your host. Use special
10987 commands @code{device} and @code{speed} to control the serial line and
10988 the communications speed used.
10990 @kindex target e7000@r{, with Hitachi SH}
10991 @item target e7000 @var{dev}
10992 E7000 emulator for Hitachi SH.
10994 @kindex target sh3@r{, with SH}
10995 @kindex target sh3e@r{, with SH}
10996 @item target sh3 @var{dev}
10997 @item target sh3e @var{dev}
10998 Hitachi SH-3 and SH-3E target systems.
11003 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
11007 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
11008 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
11009 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
11010 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
11011 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
11014 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
11015 @kindex remotetimeout
11016 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
11017 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
11018 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
11021 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
11022 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
11023 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
11024 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
11025 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
11028 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
11031 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
11034 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
11037 @cindex running, on Sparclet
11039 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
11040 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
11041 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
11043 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
11050 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
11051 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
11052 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
11053 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
11056 @node Sparclet File
11057 @subsubsection Setting file to debug
11059 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
11062 (gdbslet) file prog
11066 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
11067 @value{GDBN} locates
11068 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
11070 If the file was compiled with debug information (option "-g"), source
11071 files will be searched as well.
11072 @value{GDBN} locates
11073 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
11074 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your program's environment}).
11076 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
11079 prog: No such file or directory.
11082 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
11083 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
11084 @code{target} command again.
11086 @node Sparclet Connection
11087 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
11089 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
11090 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
11093 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
11094 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
11095 main () at ../prog.c:3
11099 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
11105 @node Sparclet Download
11106 @subsubsection Sparclet download
11108 @cindex download to Sparclet
11109 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
11110 you can use the @value{GDBN}
11111 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
11112 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
11114 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
11115 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
11116 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
11117 of each of the file's sections.
11118 For instance, if the program
11119 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
11120 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
11123 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
11124 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
11127 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
11128 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
11129 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
11131 @node Sparclet Execution
11132 @subsubsection Running and debugging
11134 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
11135 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
11136 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
11137 manual for the list of commands.
11141 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
11143 Starting program: prog
11144 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
11145 3 char *symarg = 0;
11147 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
11152 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
11156 @kindex target sparclite
11157 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
11158 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
11159 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
11160 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
11166 @subsection Tandem ST2000
11168 @value{GDBN} may be used with a Tandem ST2000 phone switch, running Tandem's
11171 To connect your ST2000 to the host system, see the manufacturer's
11172 manual. Once the ST2000 is physically attached, you can run:
11175 target st2000 @var{dev} @var{speed}
11179 to establish it as your debugging environment. @var{dev} is normally
11180 the name of a serial device, such as @file{/dev/ttya}, connected to the
11181 ST2000 via a serial line. You can instead specify @var{dev} as a TCP
11182 connection (for example, to a serial line attached via a terminal
11183 concentrator) using the syntax @code{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
11185 The @code{load} and @code{attach} commands are @emph{not} defined for
11186 this target; you must load your program into the ST2000 as you normally
11187 would for standalone operation. @value{GDBN} reads debugging information
11188 (such as symbols) from a separate, debugging version of the program
11189 available on your host computer.
11190 @c FIXME!! This is terribly vague; what little content is here is
11191 @c basically hearsay.
11193 @cindex ST2000 auxiliary commands
11194 These auxiliary @value{GDBN} commands are available to help you with the ST2000
11198 @item st2000 @var{command}
11199 @kindex st2000 @var{cmd}
11200 @cindex STDBUG commands (ST2000)
11201 @cindex commands to STDBUG (ST2000)
11202 Send a @var{command} to the STDBUG monitor. See the manufacturer's
11203 manual for available commands.
11206 @cindex connect (to STDBUG)
11207 Connect the controlling terminal to the STDBUG command monitor. When
11208 you are done interacting with STDBUG, typing either of two character
11209 sequences gets you back to the @value{GDBN} command prompt:
11210 @kbd{@key{RET}~.} (Return, followed by tilde and period) or
11211 @kbd{@key{RET}~@key{C-d}} (Return, followed by tilde and control-D).
11215 @subsection Zilog Z8000
11218 @cindex simulator, Z8000
11219 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
11221 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
11224 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
11225 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
11226 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
11227 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
11230 @item target sim @var{args}
11232 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
11233 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
11234 options, specify them via @var{args}.
11238 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
11239 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
11240 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
11241 to run your program, and so on.
11243 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
11244 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
11245 additional items of information as specially named registers:
11250 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
11253 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
11256 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
11260 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
11261 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
11262 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
11263 simulated clock ticks.
11265 @node Architectures
11266 @section Architectures
11268 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
11269 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
11282 @kindex set rstack_high_address
11283 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
11284 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
11285 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
11286 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
11287 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
11288 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
11289 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
11290 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
11291 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
11292 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
11293 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
11296 @kindex show rstack_high_address
11297 @item show rstack_high_address
11298 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
11306 See the following section.
11311 @cindex stack on Alpha
11312 @cindex stack on MIPS
11313 @cindex Alpha stack
11315 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
11316 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
11317 find the beginning of a function.
11319 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
11320 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
11321 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
11322 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
11326 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
11327 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
11328 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
11329 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
11330 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
11331 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
11332 and therefore the longer it takes to run.
11334 @item show heuristic-fence-post
11335 Display the current limit.
11339 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
11340 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
11343 @node Controlling GDB
11344 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
11346 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
11347 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
11348 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}. Other settings are
11353 * Editing:: Command editing
11354 * History:: Command history
11355 * Screen Size:: Screen size
11356 * Numbers:: Numbers
11357 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
11358 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
11366 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
11367 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
11368 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
11369 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
11370 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
11371 which one you are talking to.
11373 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
11374 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
11375 or a prompt that does not.
11379 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
11380 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
11382 @kindex show prompt
11384 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
11388 @section Command editing
11390 @cindex command line editing
11392 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{readline} interface. This
11393 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
11394 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
11395 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
11396 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
11397 debugging sessions.
11399 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
11400 command @code{set}.
11403 @kindex set editing
11406 @itemx set editing on
11407 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
11409 @item set editing off
11410 Disable command line editing.
11412 @kindex show editing
11414 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
11418 @section Command history
11420 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
11421 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
11422 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
11426 @cindex history substitution
11427 @cindex history file
11428 @kindex set history filename
11429 @kindex GDBHISTFILE
11430 @item set history filename @var{fname}
11431 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
11432 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
11433 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
11434 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
11435 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
11436 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
11437 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
11440 @cindex history save
11441 @kindex set history save
11442 @item set history save
11443 @itemx set history save on
11444 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
11445 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
11447 @item set history save off
11448 Stop recording command history in a file.
11450 @cindex history size
11451 @kindex set history size
11452 @item set history size @var{size}
11453 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
11454 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
11455 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
11458 @cindex history expansion
11459 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
11460 @ifset have-readline-appendices
11461 @xref{Event Designators}.
11464 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
11465 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
11466 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
11467 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
11468 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
11469 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
11470 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
11472 The commands to control history expansion are:
11475 @kindex set history expansion
11476 @item set history expansion on
11477 @itemx set history expansion
11478 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
11480 @item set history expansion off
11481 Disable history expansion.
11483 The readline code comes with more complete documentation of
11484 editing and history expansion features. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs
11485 or @code{vi} may wish to read it.
11486 @ifset have-readline-appendices
11487 @xref{Command Line Editing}.
11491 @kindex show history
11493 @itemx show history filename
11494 @itemx show history save
11495 @itemx show history size
11496 @itemx show history expansion
11497 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
11498 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
11504 @item show commands
11505 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
11507 @item show commands @var{n}
11508 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
11510 @item show commands +
11511 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
11515 @section Screen size
11516 @cindex size of screen
11517 @cindex pauses in output
11519 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
11520 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
11521 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
11522 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
11523 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
11524 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
11525 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
11526 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
11528 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
11529 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
11530 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
11531 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
11532 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
11539 @kindex show height
11540 @item set height @var{lpp}
11542 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
11544 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
11545 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
11546 commands display the current settings.
11548 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
11549 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
11550 file or to an editor buffer.
11552 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
11553 from wrapping its output.
11558 @cindex number representation
11559 @cindex entering numbers
11561 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
11562 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
11563 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
11564 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that begin with none of these are, by
11565 default, entered in base 10; likewise, the default display for
11566 numbers---when no particular format is specified---is base 10. You can
11567 change the default base for both input and output with the @code{set
11571 @kindex set input-radix
11572 @item set input-radix @var{base}
11573 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
11574 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
11575 specified either unambiguously or using the current default radix; for
11585 sets the base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set radix 10}
11586 leaves the radix unchanged no matter what it was.
11588 @kindex set output-radix
11589 @item set output-radix @var{base}
11590 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
11591 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
11592 specified either unambiguously or using the current default radix.
11594 @kindex show input-radix
11595 @item show input-radix
11596 Display the current default base for numeric input.
11598 @kindex show output-radix
11599 @item show output-radix
11600 Display the current default base for numeric display.
11603 @node Messages/Warnings
11604 @section Optional warnings and messages
11606 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
11607 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
11608 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
11609 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
11611 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
11612 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
11613 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}.
11616 @kindex set verbose
11617 @item set verbose on
11618 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
11620 @item set verbose off
11621 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
11623 @kindex show verbose
11625 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
11628 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
11629 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
11630 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors reading
11635 @kindex set complaints
11636 @item set complaints @var{limit}
11637 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
11638 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
11639 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
11640 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
11642 @kindex show complaints
11643 @item show complaints
11644 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
11648 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
11649 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
11650 you try to run a program which is already running:
11654 The program being debugged has been started already.
11655 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
11658 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
11659 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
11663 @kindex set confirm
11665 @cindex confirmation
11666 @cindex stupid questions
11667 @item set confirm off
11668 Disables confirmation requests.
11670 @item set confirm on
11671 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
11673 @kindex show confirm
11675 Displays state of confirmation requests.
11679 @node Debugging Output
11680 @section Optional messages about internal happenings
11682 @kindex set debug arch
11683 @item set debug arch
11684 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
11685 @kindex show debug arch
11686 @item show debug arch
11687 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
11688 @kindex set debug event
11689 @item set debug event
11690 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
11692 @kindex show debug event
11693 @item show debug event
11694 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
11696 @kindex set debug expression
11697 @item set debug expression
11698 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} expression debugging info. The
11700 @kindex show debug expression
11701 @item show debug expression
11702 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} expression
11704 @kindex set debug overload
11705 @item set debug overload
11706 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C++ overload debugging
11707 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
11709 @kindex show debug overload
11710 @item show debug overload
11711 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C++ overload
11713 @kindex set debug remote
11714 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
11715 @cindex serial connections, debugging
11716 @item set debug remote
11717 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
11718 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
11719 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
11720 @kindex show debug remote
11721 @item show debug remote
11722 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
11723 @kindex set debug serial
11724 @item set debug serial
11725 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
11727 @kindex show debug serial
11728 @item show debug serial
11729 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
11731 @kindex set debug target
11732 @item set debug target
11733 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
11734 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
11736 @kindex show debug target
11737 @item show debug target
11738 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
11740 @kindex set debug varobj
11741 @item set debug varobj
11742 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
11743 info. The default is off.
11744 @kindex show debug varobj
11745 @item show debug varobj
11746 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
11751 @chapter Canned Sequences of Commands
11753 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
11754 command lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
11755 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
11759 * Define:: User-defined commands
11760 * Hooks:: User-defined command hooks
11761 * Command Files:: Command files
11762 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
11766 @section User-defined commands
11768 @cindex user-defined command
11769 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
11770 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
11771 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
11772 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
11773 via @var{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
11777 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
11781 To execute the command use:
11788 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
11789 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
11790 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
11796 @item define @var{commandname}
11797 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
11798 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
11800 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
11801 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
11802 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
11807 Takes a single argument, which is an expression to evaluate.
11808 It is followed by a series of commands that are executed
11809 only if the expression is true (nonzero).
11810 There can then optionally be a line @code{else}, followed
11811 by a series of commands that are only executed if the expression
11812 was false. The end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
11816 The syntax is similar to @code{if}: the command takes a single argument,
11817 which is an expression to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to
11818 execute, one per line, terminated by an @code{end}.
11819 The commands are executed repeatedly as long as the expression
11823 @item document @var{commandname}
11824 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
11825 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
11826 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
11827 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
11828 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
11829 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
11831 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
11832 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
11833 does not change the documentation.
11835 @kindex help user-defined
11836 @item help user-defined
11837 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
11842 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
11843 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
11844 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
11845 definitions for all user-defined commands.
11849 When user-defined commands are executed, the
11850 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
11851 stops execution of the user-defined command.
11853 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
11854 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
11855 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
11856 messages when used in a user-defined command.
11859 @section User-defined command hooks
11860 @cindex command hooks
11861 @cindex hooks, for commands
11862 @cindex hooks, pre-command
11866 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
11867 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
11868 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
11869 before that command.
11871 @cindex hooks, post-command
11874 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
11875 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
11876 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
11877 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
11878 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
11880 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
11881 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinte recursion.
11883 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
11884 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
11886 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
11887 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
11888 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
11889 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
11890 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
11892 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
11893 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
11898 handle SIGALRM nopass
11902 handle SIGALRM pass
11905 define hook-continue
11906 handle SIGLARM pass
11910 As a further example, to hook at the begining and end of the @code{echo}
11911 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
11919 define hookpost-echo
11923 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
11924 <<<---Hello World--->>>
11929 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
11930 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
11931 name, e.g. @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
11932 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
11934 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
11935 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
11936 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
11938 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
11939 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
11941 @node Command Files
11942 @section Command files
11944 @cindex command files
11945 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a file of lines that are @value{GDBN}
11946 commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may also be included.
11947 An empty line in a command file does nothing; it does not mean to repeat
11948 the last command, as it would from the terminal.
11951 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
11952 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
11953 When you start @value{GDBN}, it automatically executes commands from its
11954 @dfn{init files}. These are files named @file{.gdbinit} on Unix and
11955 @file{gdb.ini} on DOS/Windows. During startup, @value{GDBN} does the
11960 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
11961 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
11962 @code{HOME} environment variable.}.
11965 Processes command line options and operands.
11968 Reads the init file (if any) in the current working directory.
11971 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option.
11974 The init file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
11975 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
11976 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
11977 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing modes}).
11979 @cindex init file name
11980 On some configurations of @value{GDBN}, the init file is known by a
11981 different name (these are typically environments where a specialized
11982 form of @value{GDBN} may need to coexist with other forms, hence a
11983 different name for the specialized version's init file). These are the
11984 environments with special init file names:
11986 @cindex @file{.vxgdbinit}
11989 VxWorks (Wind River Systems real-time OS): @file{.vxgdbinit}
11991 @cindex @file{.os68gdbinit}
11993 OS68K (Enea Data Systems real-time OS): @file{.os68gdbinit}
11995 @cindex @file{.esgdbinit}
11997 ES-1800 (Ericsson Telecom AB M68000 emulator): @file{.esgdbinit}
12000 You can also request the execution of a command file with the
12001 @code{source} command:
12005 @item source @var{filename}
12006 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
12009 The lines in a command file are executed sequentially. They are not
12010 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates execution
12011 of the command file.
12013 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
12014 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
12015 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
12016 when called from command files.
12019 @section Commands for controlled output
12021 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
12022 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
12023 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
12024 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
12029 @item echo @var{text}
12030 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
12031 @c because it is not in ANSI.
12032 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
12033 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
12034 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
12035 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
12036 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
12037 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
12038 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
12039 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
12040 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
12042 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
12043 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
12046 echo This is some text\n\
12047 which is continued\n\
12048 onto several lines.\n
12051 produces the same output as
12054 echo This is some text\n
12055 echo which is continued\n
12056 echo onto several lines.\n
12060 @item output @var{expression}
12061 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
12062 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
12063 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
12066 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
12067 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
12068 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
12069 formats}, for more information.
12072 @item printf @var{string}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
12073 Print the values of the @var{expressions} under the control of
12074 @var{string}. The @var{expressions} are separated by commas and may be
12075 either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as specified by
12076 @var{string}, exactly as if your program were to execute the C
12078 @c FIXME: the above implies that at least all ANSI C formats are
12079 @c supported, but it isn't true: %E and %G don't work (or so it seems).
12080 @c Either this is a bug, or the manual should document what formats are
12084 printf (@var{string}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
12087 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
12090 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
12093 The only backslash-escape sequences that you can use in the format
12094 string are the simple ones that consist of backslash followed by a
12099 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
12102 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
12103 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
12104 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
12107 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
12108 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
12109 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
12110 created Emacs buffer.
12111 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
12113 Using @value{GDBN} under Emacs is just like using @value{GDBN} normally except for two
12118 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through the Emacs buffer.
12121 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
12122 and output done by the program you are debugging.
12124 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
12125 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
12128 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
12129 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
12130 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
12135 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
12138 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
12139 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
12140 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
12141 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
12144 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
12145 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
12148 @emph{Warning:} If the directory where your program resides is not your
12149 current directory, it can be easy to confuse Emacs about the location of
12150 the source files, in which case the auxiliary display buffer does not
12151 appear to show your source. @value{GDBN} can find programs by searching your
12152 environment's @code{PATH} variable, so the @value{GDBN} input and output
12153 session proceeds normally; but Emacs does not get enough information
12154 back from @value{GDBN} to locate the source files in this situation. To
12155 avoid this problem, either start @value{GDBN} mode from the directory where
12156 your program resides, or specify an absolute file name when prompted for the
12157 @kbd{M-x gdb} argument.
12159 A similar confusion can result if you use the @value{GDBN} @code{file} command to
12160 switch to debugging a program in some other location, from an existing
12161 @value{GDBN} buffer in Emacs.
12164 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If
12165 you need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you keep
12166 several configurations around, with different names) you can set the
12167 Emacs variable @code{gdb-command-name}; for example,
12170 (setq gdb-command-name "mygdb")
12174 (preceded by @kbd{M-:} or @kbd{ESC :}, or typed in the @code{*scratch*} buffer, or
12175 in your @file{.emacs} file) makes Emacs call the program named
12176 ``@code{mygdb}'' instead.
12178 In the @value{GDBN} I/O buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
12179 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
12183 Describe the features of Emacs' @value{GDBN} Mode.
12186 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
12187 update the display window to show the current file and location.
12190 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
12191 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
12192 to show the current file and location.
12195 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
12196 display window accordingly.
12198 @item M-x gdb-nexti
12199 Execute to next instruction, using the @value{GDBN} @code{nexti} command; update
12200 display window accordingly.
12203 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
12204 @code{finish} command.
12207 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
12210 @emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-p}.
12213 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
12214 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
12215 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
12217 @emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-u}.
12220 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
12221 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
12223 @emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-d}.
12226 Read the number where the cursor is positioned, and insert it at the end
12227 of the @value{GDBN} I/O buffer. For example, if you wish to disassemble code
12228 around an address that was displayed earlier, type @kbd{disassemble};
12229 then move the cursor to the address display, and pick up the
12230 argument for @code{disassemble} by typing @kbd{C-x &}.
12232 You can customize this further by defining elements of the list
12233 @code{gdb-print-command}; once it is defined, you can format or
12234 otherwise process numbers picked up by @kbd{C-x &} before they are
12235 inserted. A numeric argument to @kbd{C-x &} indicates that you
12236 wish special formatting, and also acts as an index to pick an element of the
12237 list. If the list element is a string, the number to be inserted is
12238 formatted using the Emacs function @code{format}; otherwise the number
12239 is passed as an argument to the corresponding list element.
12242 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x SPC} (@code{gdb-break})
12243 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
12245 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
12246 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
12247 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
12248 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
12251 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
12252 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
12253 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
12254 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
12255 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
12256 to correspond properly with the code.
12258 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
12259 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
12261 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
12265 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
12266 called the @code{epoch}
12267 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
12268 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
12269 each value is printed in its own window.
12272 @include annotate.texi
12273 @include gdbmi.texinfo
12276 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
12277 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
12278 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
12280 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
12282 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
12283 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
12284 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
12285 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
12287 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
12288 information that enables us to fix the bug.
12291 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
12292 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
12296 @section Have you found a bug?
12297 @cindex bug criteria
12299 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
12302 @cindex fatal signal
12303 @cindex debugger crash
12304 @cindex crash of debugger
12306 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
12307 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
12309 @cindex error on valid input
12311 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
12312 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
12313 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
12315 @cindex invalid input
12317 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
12318 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
12319 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
12320 for traditional practice''.
12323 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
12324 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
12327 @node Bug Reporting
12328 @section How to report bugs
12329 @cindex bug reports
12330 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
12332 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
12333 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
12334 contact that organization first.
12336 You can find contact information for many support companies and
12337 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
12339 @c should add a web page ref...
12341 In any event, we also recommend that you send bug reports for
12342 @value{GDBN} to this addresses:
12348 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
12349 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
12350 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
12353 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
12354 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
12355 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
12356 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
12357 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
12358 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
12359 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
12360 bug reports to the mailing list.
12362 As a last resort, send bug reports on paper to:
12365 @sc{gnu} Debugger Bugs
12366 Free Software Foundation Inc.
12367 59 Temple Place - Suite 330
12368 Boston, MA 02111-1307
12372 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
12373 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
12374 fact or leave it out, state it!
12376 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
12377 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
12378 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
12379 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
12380 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
12381 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
12382 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
12383 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
12384 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
12386 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
12387 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
12388 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
12391 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
12392 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
12393 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
12396 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
12400 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
12401 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
12404 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
12405 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
12408 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
12412 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.
12413 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
12416 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
12417 debugging---e.g. ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
12418 C Compiler''. For GCC, you can say @code{gcc --version} to get this
12419 information; for other compilers, see the documentation for those
12423 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
12424 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
12425 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
12426 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
12428 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
12429 and then we might not encounter the bug.
12432 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
12436 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
12437 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
12439 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
12440 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
12441 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
12442 a chance to make a mistake.
12444 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
12445 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
12446 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
12447 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
12448 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
12449 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
12450 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
12451 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
12454 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
12455 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
12456 it by context, not by line number.
12458 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
12459 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
12463 Here are some things that are not necessary:
12467 A description of the envelope of the bug.
12469 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
12470 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
12471 changes will not affect it.
12473 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
12474 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
12475 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
12476 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
12478 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
12479 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
12480 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
12481 less time, and so on.
12483 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
12484 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
12487 A patch for the bug.
12489 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
12490 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
12491 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
12492 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
12494 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
12495 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
12496 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
12497 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
12499 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
12500 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
12501 help us to understand.
12504 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
12506 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
12507 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
12510 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
12511 @c and consists of the two following files:
12513 @c inc-hist.texinfo
12514 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
12515 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
12516 @include rluser.texinfo
12517 @include inc-hist.texinfo
12520 @node Formatting Documentation
12521 @appendix Formatting Documentation
12523 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
12524 @cindex reference card
12525 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
12526 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
12527 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
12528 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
12529 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
12530 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
12532 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
12533 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
12539 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
12540 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
12541 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
12542 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
12543 your @sc{dvi} output program.
12545 @cindex documentation
12547 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
12548 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
12549 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
12550 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
12551 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
12552 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
12554 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
12555 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
12556 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
12557 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
12558 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
12559 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
12560 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
12561 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
12563 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
12564 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
12567 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
12568 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
12569 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
12576 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
12577 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
12578 Texinfo definitions file.
12580 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
12581 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
12582 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
12583 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
12584 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
12585 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
12586 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
12588 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
12589 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
12590 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
12591 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
12592 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
12595 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
12596 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the the @file{gdb}
12597 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
12598 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
12604 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
12606 @node Installing GDB
12607 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
12608 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
12609 @cindex installation
12611 @value{GDBN} comes with a @code{configure} script that automates the process
12612 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
12613 build the @code{gdb} program.
12615 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
12616 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
12617 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
12618 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
12621 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
12622 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
12623 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
12625 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
12626 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
12629 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
12630 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
12632 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
12633 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
12635 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
12636 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
12638 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
12639 @sc{gnu} include files
12641 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
12642 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
12644 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
12645 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
12647 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
12648 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
12650 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
12651 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
12653 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
12654 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
12657 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @code{configure}
12658 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
12659 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
12661 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
12662 if you are not already in it; then run @code{configure}. Pass the
12663 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
12669 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
12670 ./configure @var{host}
12675 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
12676 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
12677 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @code{configure} tries to guess the
12678 correct value by examining your system.)
12680 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
12681 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
12682 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
12683 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
12686 @code{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
12687 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
12688 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
12691 sh configure @var{host}
12694 If you run @code{configure} from a directory that contains source
12695 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
12696 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN}, @code{configure}
12697 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
12698 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
12700 You can run the @code{configure} script from any of the
12701 subordinate directories in the @value{GDBN} distribution if you only want to
12702 configure that subdirectory, but be sure to specify a path to it.
12704 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, type the following to configure only
12705 the @code{bfd} subdirectory:
12709 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
12710 ../configure @var{host}
12714 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
12715 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
12716 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
12717 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
12718 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
12721 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
12722 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
12723 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
12726 @node Separate Objdir
12727 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
12729 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
12730 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
12731 host and target. @code{configure} is designed to make this easy by
12732 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
12733 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
12734 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
12735 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
12736 program specified there.
12738 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @code{configure}
12739 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
12740 (You also need to specify a path to find @code{configure}
12741 itself from your working directory. If the path to @code{configure}
12742 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
12743 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
12745 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
12746 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
12750 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
12753 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
12758 When @code{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
12759 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
12760 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
12761 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
12762 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
12763 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
12765 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
12766 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
12767 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
12768 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
12769 You specify a cross-debugging target by
12770 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @code{configure}.
12772 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
12773 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
12774 called @code{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
12776 The @code{Makefile} that @code{configure} generates in each source
12777 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
12778 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
12779 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
12780 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
12782 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
12783 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
12784 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
12788 @section Specifying names for hosts and targets
12790 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @code{configure}
12791 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
12792 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
12793 of information in the following pattern:
12796 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
12799 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
12800 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
12801 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
12803 The @code{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
12804 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
12805 aliases. @code{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
12806 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
12807 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
12808 abbreviations---for example:
12811 % sh config.sub i386-linux
12813 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
12814 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
12815 % sh config.sub hp9k700
12817 % sh config.sub sun4
12818 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
12819 % sh config.sub sun3
12820 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
12821 % sh config.sub i986v
12822 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
12826 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
12827 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
12829 @node Configure Options
12830 @section @code{configure} options
12832 Here is a summary of the @code{configure} options and arguments that
12833 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @code{configure} also has
12834 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
12835 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @code{configure}.
12838 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
12839 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
12840 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
12841 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
12842 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
12843 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
12848 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
12849 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
12854 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @code{configure}.
12856 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
12857 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
12860 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
12861 Configure the source to install programs under directory
12864 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
12866 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
12867 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
12868 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
12869 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
12870 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
12871 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
12872 directories. @code{configure} writes configuration specific files in
12873 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
12874 directory @var{dirname}. @code{configure} creates directories under
12875 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
12878 @item --norecursion
12879 Configure only the directory level where @code{configure} is executed; do not
12880 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
12882 @item --target=@var{target}
12883 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
12884 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
12885 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
12887 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
12889 @item @var{host} @dots{}
12890 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
12892 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
12895 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
12896 needed for special purposes only.
12904 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
12906 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
12907 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
12908 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
12909 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
12910 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
12911 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
12912 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
12913 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
12914 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
12916 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
12919 @c TeX can handle the contents at the start but makeinfo 3.12 can not